If you've already searched "visa for Australia" and landed on results talking about ETA or eVisitor "free in 5 minutes," there's an important thing to know before going further: that doesn't apply to almost anyone from South America. Brazilians and most Latin Americans need a different visa — a paid one, with a more formal application — to enter Australia as a tourist.
This guide explains which visa is yours, how much it costs, how long you can stay, and how to apply without falling for a third-party website charging an extra fee for a service that's free to do yourself.
Why ETA and eVisitor don't apply to you
There are two fast, cheap electronic visas — and both are restricted to a specific group of passports:
- eVisitor (subclass 651) — free, only for passport holders from European Union countries and a few others (the UK, for example).
- ETA (subclass 601) — low fee (around AUD 20), only for passport holders from a restricted group of countries, such as the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.
No South American country is on those lists. If your passport is Brazilian, or from any other South American country, these two visas simply don't show up as an option for you — it's not a website error, that's just how it is. The correct path is a different one.
Don't just take our word for it — check yourself The official, up-to-date list of eligible passports for each is right on the Home Affairs website: ETA page (subclass 601) and eVisitor page (subclass 651). Look for the "who can apply" or "eligible passports" section on each — no South American country appears on either. We can't quote the exact text here because the Home Affairs website blocks automated copying, but the link takes you straight to the primary source.
Some websites charge a "processing fee" to fill out ETA/eVisitor on your behalf. If your passport isn't eligible for either, those sites will sell you something that doesn't exist for you — be wary of any service that promises ETA/eVisitor for a Brazilian or other South American passport.
The right visa: Visitor visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream
The visa that applies to you is the Visitor visa, subclass 600, Tourist stream. Unlike ETA/eVisitor, it's open to any nationality — the trade-off is a more thorough application process and a higher fee.
| eVisitor (651) | ETA (601) | Visitor visa Tourist (600) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | EU passport and a few others | US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, among others | Any nationality, including Brazil and other South American countries |
| Cost | Free | Low fee | Higher fee (reference value below) |
| Process | Automatic, a few minutes | Fast, online | More thorough application, with documentation |
| Typical stay | Up to 3 months per entry | Up to 3 months per entry | Usually up to 3 months, can reach 12 in specific cases |
How long you can stay
The period granted varies case by case, but the most common reference is up to 3 months per entry. Longer stays — up to 12 months — can be granted in specific situations (for example, to visit family for an extended period), but that's not the standard for someone traveling just for leisure. The visa can allow multiple entries within its validity period, depending on what's granted in your case.
Where to apply
There are two variants of the subclass 600 Tourist stream, depending on where you are at the time of application:
- Outside Australia — the normal path for someone planning the trip from scratch, still in their home country.
- Inside Australia — only if you're already in the country on another valid visa (for example, wanting to extend your stay after entering on a different visa type).
For the vast majority of Latin American travelers planning their first trip, it's the outside Australia application that applies.
How much it costs
The subclass 600 has an application fee (it's not free like eVisitor). The reference fee for an application made outside Australia is AUD 200 (adjusted up from AUD 190 on April 1, 2026) — but this figure changes periodically, usually once per fiscal year.
Don't trust a fee amount pulled from a blog or agency — the pricing table changes and the only reliable place is the official "Current visa pricing" page from Home Affairs (link in the sources section below). Confirm the exact amount before paying anything.
Processing time also varies quite a bit — from a few weeks to longer, depending on application volume and how complete your documentation is. Home Affairs' own recommendation is to apply well ahead of your travel date, not at the last minute.
Documents you'll need
Travel insurance isn't a mandatory document for most subclass 600 applicants, but it's strongly recommended — Australia doesn't have a reciprocal health agreement with most South American countries, and private medical care there is expensive. Worth considering before you fly.
How to apply, in practice
The application is done online, through ImmiAccount — the official Home Affairs portal. You create a free account, fill out the form, attach scanned documents and pay the fee within the system itself. There's no need for an intermediary in this process — any agency charging a high amount "to guarantee approval" is selling convenience, not special access.
Common mistakes
Confusing ETA/eVisitor with the visa you actually need. This is the most frequent mistake — a lot of people search "Australia visa" and the first result is about ETA, without realizing it doesn't apply to their passport.
Applying at the last minute. Since processing time varies, leaving the application for a few days before departure is risky — the ideal is to start the process well in advance.
Weak financial documentation. A bank statement with a low balance or inconsistent activity is a common reason for a request for additional information, which delays the process.
Paying for a third-party service unnecessarily. The official form is done on your own, no migration agent needed — the extra money usually doesn't buy anything beyond filling out a form you can fill out yourself.
Comments
Have something to add or a question? Leave a comment below — your experience can help other immigrants in Australia.
Comments are public. You can delete yours from the same browser and device you used to post.
Loading comments…