Is eVisa to Australia Free? Here’s What You Really Need to Know in 2025

As a member of Australian Immigration Services, we constantly get a flow of queries that are posed by the international visitors, most of whom are eager to travel in Australia as tourist, business or family visitors. Among the most frequent questions which we are asked are:

“Is eVisa to Australia free?”

This can be treacherously deceptive at first listen, as this is a yes-or-no question. However, your eligibility for an eVisa depends on your nationality and travel purpose. Some travelers may not qualify for the eVisitor or ETA and will need to apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which includes a government fee.

In this post, we will give details on what will be free, what won t and what you can expect to see in 2025 when applying of an Australian eVisa.

Understanding the Australian eVisa System

While often referred to informally as ‘eVisa,’ the official categories are the Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) and the **eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651).

1. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) – Available to citizens of the EU and select other countries
2. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601) – Available to citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Singapore, and a few others

Both visas are applied for online and allow stays of up to three months per visit for tourism or business purposes.

So, Is the eVisa to Australia Free?

1. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

• Government Fee: Free
  The eVisitor visa remains free of government charges in 2025 when applied directly through the official Australian government website. However, third-party services may add their own processing or support fees.

But while there’s no government fee, travelers must still ensure their application is complete and correct—something many find trickier than expected. A poorly prepared application can result in delays or outright refusals, which often require reapplying or seeking help afterward.

2. ETA (Subclass 601)

• Government Fee: There is a service charge of AUD $20 when you apply through the official ETA mobile app. This is not a visa fee but a processing charge for using the app. Third-party platforms may charge additional service fees.

If you're not eligible for the eVisitor visa, you may qualify for the ETA, depending on your nationality. Some travelers, however, must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which carries a separate government fee.

Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of

Even for the free eVisitor visa, there can be additional costs depending on how you apply:

• Service fees if you use a third-party provider or support platform
• Credit card or transaction fees during submission (for ETA)
• Extra costs due to errors in your first application or submitting incomplete documents
• Express or priority support if you're on a tight travel schedule

That’s why many travelers prefer applying through a trusted service like Australian Immigration Services. We provide a streamlined application experience, document checks, and personalized guidance to reduce the risk of delay or denial.

You can Apply for an Australia eVisa online directly on our secure platform, where everything is clearly explained and professionally supported.

Real-World Experiences: Why “Free” Isn’t Always So Simple

We've worked with hundreds of travelers who started the application process thinking it would be fast and free—only to hit frustrating setbacks. Here are a few common examples:

• A traveler uploaded the wrong passport file type and didn't realize until three weeks later when their trip was already approaching.
• Another didn’t know that they needed to list all travel history for the past year—leading to a visa rejection and the need to reapply.
• Some applicants experienced longer processing times due to missing or unclear information, which can leave applications pending until further checks are completed.

In each of these cases, our team helped resolve the issue, but these problems could have been avoided altogether with the right support at the start.

Key Tips for a Smooth eVisa Application

To help you avoid common mistakes, here’s our best advice for 2025:

• Double-check your eligibility before selecting a visa type
• Start early, especially during peak travel seasons when application volumes rise
• Upload documents clearly and in the correct format
• If in doubt, use a guided platform like ours to submit your application properly
• For a smooth experience, consider using Apply for a Australia eVisa online

Final Answer: Is the eVisa to Australia Free?

Yes—but only in specific cases.
If you’re eligible for the eVisitor visa (Subclass 651), there is no government fee. However, If you’re applying for the ETA (Subclass 601), a service charge of AUD $20 applies when using the official ETA app in 2025.

In both cases, additional costs may arise if you choose professional assistance, need help correcting errors, or want faster turnaround.

At Australian Immigration Services, a private visa consultancy, we help ensure that your application is complete and correctly submitted. Avoid unnecessary stress and delays—Apply for an Australia eVisa online with our experienced team and travel with peace of mind.

We’re here to support your Australian journey—from first click to arrival.

—
Australian Immigration Services Blog Team
Your trusted partner in visa support and travel planning.

Related Articles

View more