Travelling to Australia as a couple: the ETA, the app and what to check

Planning a first trip to Australia as a couple starts with the paperwork. Most visitors need permission to travel before boarding, and for many nationalities that permission is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), applied for through an app. This guide explains what secondary sources report about the ETA, what we could not confirm on the official Home Affairs site and how to check the essentials yourself, plus a few practical points on beach safety and sun that every first-time visitor should know. It is general information, not immigration advice.

Quick summary

• The ETA (subclass 601) is an electronic permission for short visits, applied for through the official AustralianETA app, according to the sources consulted.
• Secondary sources report an AUD 20 app service fee and no separate visa application charge, and decisions within a day for most applicants; confirm both on the Home Affairs site.
• Eligibility depends on your passport. Check the official list before you buy flights.
• On the beach, swim between the red and yellow flags and watch for rips.

What the ETA is

The ETA is an electronic travel authorisation linked to your passport. Instead of a paper form or a stamp, the approval is recorded electronically. Consultancy and travel sites describe it as quick to obtain and say it is requested through the AustralianETA mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play. Because several private sites sell "assisted" applications at higher prices, the safest path is to download the app from the official Australian Government listing and ignore sites that charge extra to submit the same form.

Fee and processing times: what we found

The sources we read agree on an AUD 20 service charge for the app and no separate visa application charge, and one migration consultancy reported decisions in under one day at the 90th percentile in an October 2026 check, in line with figures it attributed to Home Affairs. Those are secondary reports. We could not open the official Home Affairs page during our research, so treat fee and timing as indicative and confirm both before you apply. Some applications are referred for more information, which can add delay; one consultant recommends applying two to four weeks before travelling.

Who can apply

Eligibility depends on the country of your passport, and the official list changes. If your passport is not on it, another visa type is required. Do not rely on a travel forum or a friend's experience: check the Home Affairs eligibility information for your nationality. Apply with the passport you will actually travel on, and use exactly the name and number printed in it.

Checklist before applying

• Passport valid for the whole trip, with the name written exactly as it appears in the document.
• A payment card for the app service fee.
• Your travel dates and accommodation details at hand.
• Honest answers to the health and character questions; incorrect answers can cause problems at the border.
• A screenshot or printout of the approval, kept with your booking confirmations.

Beach safety for first-timers

Australia's beaches are beautiful and can be dangerous for visitors who are not used to the surf. Surf Life Saving Australia's guidance is simple: always swim between the red and yellow flags, choose patrolled beaches, look out for rips, which often look like calmer water between breaking waves, and listen to the advice of surf lifesavers. If you are caught in a rip, do not panic or swim against it; signal for help and follow the lifesavers' instructions. The Australian summer sun is strong: use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, reapply often and avoid the middle of the day.

National parks and closures

Not every beautiful spot is open all the time. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service says Sydney Harbour National Park is open from sunrise to sunset and may close because of bad weather or fire danger. Check the park's page on the day you go, carry water and wear sturdy shoes for coastal tracks.

Travel insurance and health

Take out travel insurance with medical cover before you leave and keep your policy number with you. Check that your policy covers the activities you plan, such as swimming at the beach, hiking or water sports.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ETA a visa? It is an electronic travel authorisation (subclass 601) that is requested online through an app.

How long does it take? Secondary sources report decisions within a day for most applicants; apply well ahead anyway.

Where do I apply? Through the official AustralianETA app, not through third-party sites that charge extra.

What if I am not eligible? You will need another visa type; check the Home Affairs website.

Sources

• Visa Traveler, Australia ETA: https://www.visatraveler.com/visa/australia/eta/ (consulted 10 November 2026)
• Widen, processing times for subclass 601: https://www.widen.com.au/processing-times/601/ (consulted 10 November 2026)
• Australian High Commission, ETA information: https://malaysia.embassy.gov.au/klpr/ETA.html (consulted 10 November 2026)
• Surf Life Saving Australia, beach safety: https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/ (consulted 10 November 2026)
• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Cobblers Beach: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/swimming-spots/cobblers-beach (consulted 10 November 2026)

Rules, fees and eligibility change: confirm everything on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.