eVisitor vs ETA vs Subclass 600: Which Australia Visa from Dubai?
Which Australia visa should I apply for from Dubai?
It depends on your passport: EU/UK nationals use the free eVisitor (651); US, Canadian, Japanese, and South Korean nationals use the ETA (AUD 20, near-instant); Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, UAE (Emirati), and most other nationalities use the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa (AUD 190, 20–40 business days, full documents required). Your UAE residency does not affect which option you qualify for.
Key Takeaway
- It depends on your passport: EU/UK nationals use the free eVisitor (651); US, Canadian, Japanese, and South Korean natio...
- eVisitor (EU/UK): Free, 72 hrs
- ETA (US/Canada/JP): AUD 20, instant
- Subclass 600 (most): AUD 190, 4–8 weeks
- Eligibility basis: Passport only
Australia's visitor visa system is one of the more nuanced among popular travel destinations — there is not a single tourist visa for everyone. Depending on your passport nationality, you will either apply for the eVisitor (Subclass 651), the Electronic Travel Authority or ETA (Subclass 601), or the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).
The differences between these three options are significant: cost ranges from free to AUD 190, processing time ranges from minutes to 40+ business days, and the required documents range from just a passport to a comprehensive file including bank statements, employment letters, and health examinations.
This guide cuts through the confusion by comparing all three options side by side, identifying exactly which one applies to your nationality, and explaining what the application process looks like for each.
The Three Australia Visitor Visas: Overview
Australia maintains three distinct visitor authorisation pathways, each designed for different groups of travellers. All three allow short-term tourism and business visits, but they differ substantially in eligibility, cost, processing speed, and documentary requirements.
Australia Visitor Visa Types: Full Comparison
| Feature | eVisitor (651) | ETA (601) | Subclass 600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa subclass number | 651 | 601 | 600 |
| Who it is for | EU, UK, and select European passport holders | USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and others | All other nationalities — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, UAE, etc. |
| Application fee | Free | AUD 20 (~AED 48) | AUD 190 (~AED 460) |
| Processing time | 24–72 hours | Instant to 24 hours | 20–40 business days (no health exam); 40–60 days (with health exam) |
| Documents required | Passport details only | Passport details only | Full document set: bank statements, employment letter, itinerary, etc. |
| Health exam required | Rarely | Rarely | Commonly required for Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi nationals |
| Maximum stay per entry | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months (tourist stream) |
| Visa validity | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months (or up to 3 years in some cases) |
| Multiple entries | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application method | Online (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) | Online or via Qantas app | ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| Refundable if refused | N/A (free) | No | No |
| GTE assessment | Minimal | Minimal | Full Genuine Temporary Entrant assessment |
Visa subclass number
- eVisitor (651)
- 651
- ETA (601)
- 601
- Subclass 600
- 600
Who it is for
- eVisitor (651)
- EU, UK, and select European passport holders
- ETA (601)
- USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and others
- Subclass 600
- All other nationalities — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, UAE, etc.
Application fee
- eVisitor (651)
- Free
- ETA (601)
- AUD 20 (~AED 48)
- Subclass 600
- AUD 190 (~AED 460)
Processing time
- eVisitor (651)
- 24–72 hours
- ETA (601)
- Instant to 24 hours
- Subclass 600
- 20–40 business days (no health exam); 40–60 days (with health exam)
Documents required
- eVisitor (651)
- Passport details only
- ETA (601)
- Passport details only
- Subclass 600
- Full document set: bank statements, employment letter, itinerary, etc.
Health exam required
- eVisitor (651)
- Rarely
- ETA (601)
- Rarely
- Subclass 600
- Commonly required for Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi nationals
Maximum stay per entry
- eVisitor (651)
- 3 months
- ETA (601)
- 3 months
- Subclass 600
- 3 months (tourist stream)
Visa validity
- eVisitor (651)
- Up to 12 months
- ETA (601)
- Up to 12 months
- Subclass 600
- Up to 12 months (or up to 3 years in some cases)
Multiple entries
- eVisitor (651)
- Yes
- ETA (601)
- Yes
- Subclass 600
- Yes
Application method
- eVisitor (651)
- Online (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
- ETA (601)
- Online or via Qantas app
- Subclass 600
- ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
Refundable if refused
- eVisitor (651)
- N/A (free)
- ETA (601)
- No
- Subclass 600
- No
GTE assessment
- eVisitor (651)
- Minimal
- ETA (601)
- Minimal
- Subclass 600
- Full Genuine Temporary Entrant assessment
Eligibility for eVisitor and ETA is determined solely by passport nationality. UAE residency status does not confer eligibility for either programme.
eVisitor (Subclass 651): The Free Option for European Passport Holders
The eVisitor is Australia's free, fully online visitor authorisation for nationals of the European Union, United Kingdom, and a small number of other European countries. If your passport is from one of the eligible countries, the eVisitor is by far the simplest and cheapest way to visit Australia from Dubai.
eVisitor (651) Eligible Nationalities
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| European Union | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden |
| Other European | United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City |
| Other regions | None — the eVisitor is exclusively for European nationals |
European Union
- Eligible Countries
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Other European
- Eligible Countries
- United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
Other regions
- Eligible Countries
- None — the eVisitor is exclusively for European nationals
Dual nationals: if you hold one of the above passports in addition to another nationality, you can use the eVisitor as long as you travel on the eligible passport.
- Application is entirely online — no embassy visit, no VFS appointment, no biometrics required.
- The form takes 10–15 minutes to complete and requires only your passport details, UAE contact information, and basic travel information.
- Most applications are decided within 24 hours, but the stated processing time is 72 hours.
- The eVisitor is valid for 12 months from the date of grant, allowing multiple entries of up to 3 months each.
- Only activities permitted under the eVisitor: tourism, recreation, visiting family, short-term study (up to 3 months), and business visitor activities. Working in Australia is not permitted.
ETA (Subclass 601): Near-Instant Approval for Select Nationalities
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is Australia's near-instant visitor authorisation for nationals of a specific group of countries outside Europe. It costs a small service fee (AUD 20) and is typically approved within minutes through an automated assessment system.
ETA (601) Eligible Nationalities
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| United States | One of the largest ETA applicant groups globally |
| Canada | ETA available — can also apply via Qantas app |
| Japan | ETA available |
| South Korea | ETA available |
| Singapore | ETA available |
| Malaysia | ETA available |
| Brunei | ETA available |
| Hong Kong (SAR) | ETA available with HK passport |
United States
- Notes
- One of the largest ETA applicant groups globally
Canada
- Notes
- ETA available — can also apply via Qantas app
Japan
- Notes
- ETA available
South Korea
- Notes
- ETA available
Singapore
- Notes
- ETA available
Malaysia
- Notes
- ETA available
Brunei
- Notes
- ETA available
Hong Kong (SAR)
- Notes
- ETA available with HK passport
A full list of ETA-eligible countries is available on the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website. The ETA is only for tourist and business visitor purposes.
The ETA can be applied for through the Australian Government's online portal or through the official Australia ETA app (available on iOS and Android, supported by Qantas). The AUD 20 service charge is paid at the time of application.
Like the eVisitor, the ETA allows stays of up to 3 months per entry, is valid for 12 months, and permits multiple entries. Working in Australia is not permitted on an ETA.
Subclass 600: The Standard Path for Most Dubai Residents
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is the pathway for nationals who are not eligible for the eVisitor or ETA. This includes the majority of Dubai's expatriate population — Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Egyptians, Bangladeshis, and UAE (Emirati) nationals.
The Subclass 600 involves a full assessment by an immigration officer, which means it takes longer, requires more documentation, and includes a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) evaluation. However, it is a straightforward process when well-prepared.
Subclass 600 Streams: Which One to Apply For
| Stream | Who Should Apply | Key Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Stream | Individuals travelling independently for tourism, recreation, or business visitor purposes | Passport, bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, travel history |
| Sponsored Family Stream | Visiting an Australian citizen or permanent resident relative who sponsors your visit | Same as Tourist Stream + Australian sponsor's citizenship/PR proof and their financial support letter |
| Approved Destination Status (ADS) | Approved Chinese tour groups (not applicable for most UAE residents) | Specific to Chinese nationals travelling in approved groups |
Tourist Stream
- Who Should Apply
- Individuals travelling independently for tourism, recreation, or business visitor purposes
- Key Documents
- Passport, bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, travel history
Sponsored Family Stream
- Who Should Apply
- Visiting an Australian citizen or permanent resident relative who sponsors your visit
- Key Documents
- Same as Tourist Stream + Australian sponsor's citizenship/PR proof and their financial support letter
Approved Destination Status (ADS)
- Who Should Apply
- Approved Chinese tour groups (not applicable for most UAE residents)
- Key Documents
- Specific to Chinese nationals travelling in approved groups
Most Dubai residents apply for the Tourist Stream. The Sponsored Family Stream is specifically for those whose travel is primarily driven by visiting an Australian citizen or PR holder who will provide financial support.
Subclass 600 Key Points for Dubai Residents
- Applied through ImmiAccount — no embassy visit, no VFS appointment required
- Full document set required: passport, UAE residency proof, bank statements, employment letter, itinerary
- Health examination commonly required for Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi nationals
- Processing: 20–40 business days (standard); 40–60 days (with health exam)
- GTE assessment — the officer assesses your genuine intention to return to UAE after your visit
Which Australia Visa Do You Need? Nationality Decision Table
Use the table below to find which Australia visitor visa applies to your passport nationality if you are residing in Dubai.
Which Australia Visa to Apply For: Dubai Resident Guide
| Passport Nationality | Correct Visa Type | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–60 days (health exam likely) |
| Pakistani | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–60 days (health exam likely) |
| Filipino | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–40 days |
| Egyptian | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–40 days |
| Bangladeshi | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–60 days (health exam likely) |
| UAE (Emirati) | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–40 days |
| British | eVisitor (651) | Free | 24–72 hours |
| German | eVisitor (651) | Free | 24–72 hours |
| French | eVisitor (651) | Free | 24–72 hours |
| American | ETA (601) | AUD 20 | Instant to 24 hours |
| Canadian | ETA (601) | AUD 20 | Instant to 24 hours |
| Japanese | ETA (601) | AUD 20 | Instant to 24 hours |
| South Korean | ETA (601) | AUD 20 | Instant to 24 hours |
| Jordanian | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–40 days |
| Lebanese | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | AUD 190 | 20–40 days |
Indian
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–60 days (health exam likely)
Pakistani
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–60 days (health exam likely)
Filipino
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–40 days
Egyptian
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–40 days
Bangladeshi
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–60 days (health exam likely)
UAE (Emirati)
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–40 days
British
- Correct Visa Type
- eVisitor (651)
- Fee
- Free
- Processing
- 24–72 hours
German
- Correct Visa Type
- eVisitor (651)
- Fee
- Free
- Processing
- 24–72 hours
French
- Correct Visa Type
- eVisitor (651)
- Fee
- Free
- Processing
- 24–72 hours
American
- Correct Visa Type
- ETA (601)
- Fee
- AUD 20
- Processing
- Instant to 24 hours
Canadian
- Correct Visa Type
- ETA (601)
- Fee
- AUD 20
- Processing
- Instant to 24 hours
Japanese
- Correct Visa Type
- ETA (601)
- Fee
- AUD 20
- Processing
- Instant to 24 hours
South Korean
- Correct Visa Type
- ETA (601)
- Fee
- AUD 20
- Processing
- Instant to 24 hours
Jordanian
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–40 days
Lebanese
- Correct Visa Type
- Subclass 600 Tourist Stream
- Fee
- AUD 190
- Processing
- 20–40 days
Processing times are indicative. Health exam requirements, document completeness, and application volume all affect the actual timeframe.
Can eVisitor or ETA Holders Convert to a Subclass 600 Inside Australia?
Visitors who entered Australia on an eVisitor or ETA can apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa from within Australia if they need to stay longer than 3 months. This is known as applying for a "further visitor visa" onshore. The full Subclass 600 fee and document requirements apply, and there is no guarantee of approval.
Similarly, if you are a Subclass 600 holder who needs to extend your stay, you can apply for a further Subclass 600 from within Australia before your current visa expires. This must be done before the expiry date — there is no grace period.
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Get Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an Australia eVisitor and ETA?
Both are electronic visitor authorisations that allow short stays of up to 3 months in Australia, but they differ in eligibility. The eVisitor (651) is for EU, UK, and select European nationals — it is free. The ETA (601) is for US, Canadian, Japanese, South Korean, and certain other nationalities — it costs AUD 20. Neither is available to Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, or most other nationalities commonly found in Dubai, who must apply for the Subclass 600 instead.
Can Indian nationals in Dubai apply for an Australia eVisa or ETA?
No. Indian passport holders are not eligible for either the eVisitor (651) or the ETA (601). Indian nationals in Dubai must apply for the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) through ImmiAccount. The fee is AUD 190 (~AED 460), processing takes 20–60 business days, and a health examination is usually required.
Does UAE residency make me eligible for Australia eVisitor or ETA?
No. Australia's eVisitor and ETA eligibility is based exclusively on passport nationality. Having UAE residency — whether a residence visa, Emirates ID, or long-term UAE presence — does not make you eligible for the eVisitor or ETA. Your eligibility is determined solely by which country issued your passport.
Can I apply for an Australia ETA while in Dubai?
If your passport is from an ETA-eligible country (USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, etc.), you can apply for the ETA from anywhere in the world, including while living in Dubai. The application is completed online at the immi.homeaffairs.gov.au portal or through the Australia ETA app. Your UAE address is used as your current mailing address.
What is the cheapest Australia visa from Dubai?
For EU and UK passport holders, the eVisitor (651) is free. For eligible nationalities (USA, Canada, Japan, etc.), the ETA costs only AUD 20 (~AED 48). For most Dubai residents — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, UAE nationals — the cheapest available option is the Subclass 600 at AUD 190 (~AED 460), which is the only pathway available.
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Written by
Priya Sharma
Senior Visa Consultant — Asia & Americas
Senior Visa Consultant specializing in Asian & American destinations. 8 years of experience with a proven track record in complex multi-country applications.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
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