What Is the Difference Between Visitor Visa 600 and Visa 601?

Visitor Visa 600 and Visa 601 both let you visit Australia, but they work in very different ways. Subclass 600 is a full visa that people from any country can apply for. Subclass 601 is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is only for passport holders from selected countries. This guide explains the differences in plain English, so you can pick the right option the first time.

What Is the Main Difference Between Visitor Visa 600 and Visa 601?

Quick answer: The biggest difference is who can apply. Subclass 600 is open to any nationality, but it needs a full application with supporting evidence. Subclass 601 is quick, app-based and low cost, but only eligible passport holders can use it.

What Is Subclass 600 and Who Should Apply?

Quick answer: Subclass 600 is Australia’s standard visitor visa. You need it if your passport isn’t ETA-eligible, or if you want a longer stay, or if you have a criminal conviction in any country.

Many travellers start with a Visitor visa 600 because it suits holidays, cruises and family visits. It also covers longer trips than the ETA allows.

Which Streams Does Visitor Visa 600 Include?

Quick answer: The visa has several streams, each built for a different purpose.

• Tourist stream: Holidays, sightseeing and visiting friends or family.
• Business Visitor stream: Short business activities, such as meetings or conferences.
• Sponsored Family stream: For visitors sponsored by an eligible Australian relative.
• Frequent Traveller stream: For eligible people who travel often.

What Is Subclass 601 (ETA) and Who Can Get It?

Quick answer: The ETA is an electronic travel authority linked to your passport. It lets eligible passport holders visit for tourism or business visitor activities, with stays of up to three months each visit.

Many people search for an eta for australia visa because it is fast and simple. The ETA is valid for 12 months, and you can enter as many times as you like during that period. Eligible passports include those from countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. The official list can change, so always check it on Home Affairs before you apply.

An eta australia application is lodged through the official Australian ETA app, which is now the only channel for applying. If you hold a non-citizen passport or travel document, you can’t get an ETA.

Who Is Eligible for Each Visa?

Quick answer: For the ETA, your passport must be on the eligible list. For subclass 600, you must show that you are a genuine visitor who can support yourself and will leave on time.

Subclass 600 eligibility:

• You intend to visit temporarily and follow the visa conditions.
• You have enough funds for your trip.
• You meet health and character requirements.
• You are outside Australia when applying (for the offshore tourist stream).

Subclass 601 eligibility:

• You hold an eligible passport.
• You are outside Australia when you apply and when the ETA is decided.
• You have no criminal convictions. If you do, apply for subclass 600 instead.

Indian passport holders can’t apply for the ETA, and eVisitor (subclass 651) isn’t open to them either. Indian travellers need subclass 600.

What Documents Do You Need for Each Visa?

Quick answer: Subclass 600 needs a stronger document set. The ETA only needs your passport details, a photo and a payment method.

For Subclass 600:

1. Valid passport
2. Bank statements or other proof of funds
3. Travel itinerary and accommodation details
4. Evidence of ties to home, such as employment or family
5. Invitation letter, if visiting family or friends
6. Police certificates or a medical exam, only if requested

For Subclass 601:

1. Valid, eligible passport
2. Passport and face scan through the app
3. Credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay for the service fee

How Much Do They Cost and How Long Do They Take?

Quick answer: The ETA is cheaper and faster. Subclass 600 costs more and takes longer because a case officer assesses your evidence.

The tourist visa subclass 600 costs AUD 250 when you apply from outside Australia and AUD 630 from inside Australia. The ETA has no visa application charge, only an AUD 20 service fee. Fees are indexed each 1 July, and they are not refunded if your application is refused.

For timing, the Home Affairs processing tool showed about 18 days for 50% and 38 days for 90% of Tourist stream applications as at 1 September 2026. ETA decisions are usually much quicker. Apply well before you book non-refundable travel.

What Is the Latest Policy Update?

Quick answer: From 1 July 2026, the subclass 600 application charge increased.

• 1 July 2026: The Tourist stream charge for applications made outside Australia rose from AUD 200 to AUD 250. The onshore charge rose from AUD 500 to AUD 630.
• ETA service fee: Still AUD 20, paid through the Australian ETA app.

Always confirm the current charge on the official Home Affairs pricing page before you lodge.

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Quick answer: Check your passport first, then your travel purpose and length of stay.

1. Check your passport. If it isn’t on the ETA list, you need subclass 600.
2. Check your stay length. Over three months per visit? Choose subclass 600.
3. Check your history. Any criminal conviction means subclass 600.
4. Check your purpose. A short holiday or business trip suits the ETA.
5. Check your timeline. The ETA is faster, but only if you qualify.

An ETA is an easy fit for a short holiday, so an eta australia tourist visa search often ends with the ETA for eligible travellers. Remember that an eta travel visa australia can’t be extended onshore. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for another visa, such as a visitor visa subclass 600.

Conclusion

The ETA suits eligible passport holders on a short trip, while subclass 600 suits everyone else and longer stays. Choosing the wrong one can lead to delays or a refusal. Talk to an immigration Agent Adelaide today, and we’ll check your eligibility and lodge a complete, stress-free application.

FAQs

1. Is Visa 600 better than Visa 601?

Neither is better for everyone. The ETA is faster if you qualify, while subclass 600 suits people who need a longer stay or aren’t eligible for an ETA.

2. How long can I stay on an ETA?

You can stay up to three months per visit. The ETA itself is valid for 12 months.

3. How long can I stay on subclass 600?

The tourist stream is often granted for 3, 6 or 12 months. The exact period depends on your circumstances.

4. Can I work on either visa?

No. Neither visa allows work in Australia.

5. Can I extend my ETA?

No. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for another visa, such as subclass 600.