Australia Visa for Canada Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Australia as a Canadian citizen? Good news: you can get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in minutes through the official app. The ETA costs AUD 20 as a service fee and allows multiple visits of up to 3 months each over 12 months. With near-instant approval for most Canadians, Australia is one of the easiest destinations to visit.

Visa Application process

The Australian ETA application is entirely digital and can be completed in minutes through the official Australian ETA app.1 No embassy visit or paper forms required.

Download the Official App

Get the Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.2 This is the only official method for Canadian citizens to obtain an ETA.

Scan Your Passport

Use your phone’s camera to scan the data page of your Canadian passport.1 The app reads the chip in your passport to verify your identity.

Take a Selfie

The app uses facial recognition to match your face to your passport photo.1 Remove glasses and hats, and ensure good lighting.

Pay the Service Fee

Pay the AUD 20 service charge using a credit or debit card within the app.1

Receive Your ETA

Most applications are approved within minutes.1 The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. There is no physical visa or stamp. Simply travel with the same passport you used to apply.

Visa Application Steps

1. Download the Official App
2. Scan Your Passport
3. Take a Selfie
4. Pay the Service Fee
5. Receive Your ETA

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	ETA Service Charge: AUD $20	Visitor Visa (subclass 600): AUD $195	The ETA has no government visa fee, only the AUD 20 service charge.1 This is one of the lowest visa costs for visiting Australia.

What you need to prove

The ETA system automatically assesses your eligibility based on your passport details and declarations.1 You must confirm:

Genuine visitor intent: You plan to visit for tourism, business visits, or to see family and friends 1
Character requirements: No substantial criminal record or immigration violations 1
Health requirements: You are in good health for travel 1
Temporary stay: You will leave Australia before your authorized stay ends 1

Required documents

Valid Canadian Passport
Australian ETA App
Character Requirements

Valid Canadian Passport

Your Canadian passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Australia • Must be a valid Canadian passport; • Passport must not be damaged or altered; • ETA is electronically linked to your passport number] (Tip: If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying as the ETA is linked to that passportYou cannot transfer an ETA to a new passport)

Australian ETA App

Download and use the official Australian ETA app to apply • Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store; • Scan your passport using your phone's camera; • Take a selfie photo for identity verification; • Pay the AUD 20 service charge in the app] (Tip: Ensure good lighting when scanning your passportThe app uses facial recognition, so remove glasses and hats for your selfieHave a stable internet connection during the application)

Character Requirements

You must meet Australian character requirements • No substantial criminal record; • Not associated with any person or group involved in criminal conduct; • No previous visa cancellations or immigration violations] (Tip: Previous minor offences may not disqualify you, but must be declaredIf you have concerns about character requirements, apply through the full visa process instead)

Optional documents

Health Requirements | Return or Onward Travel

Health Requirements

You must be in good health and may need to meet certain health requirements • No health examinations required for standard tourist visits; • Must not have a condition requiring healthcare that would be a burden on Australian services] (Tip: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for medical coverageAustralia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with Canada for emergency care)

Return or Onward Travel

Evidence you will leave Australia at the end of your stay • Not required at application stage; • May be requested at the border; • Should have proof of return flight or onward travel plans] (Tip: Book refundable flights until your ETA is confirmedHave accommodation bookings available to show at the border if asked)

Comparison

Service	Cost	Notes
ETA Service Charge	AUD $20	Mandatory fee for app processing
Visitor Visa (subclass 600)	AUD $195	Alternative if ETA not approved

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Character Concerns
30%	Previous Immigration Issues
20%	Technical Issues
10%	Incomplete Information

40% - Character Concerns

How to avoid: Be completely honest about any criminal history. Minor offences may not disqualify you. If you have concerns, apply for a standard Visitor visa instead where you can explain circumstances.

30% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: If you have previous immigration issues, apply through the standard visa process and include a letter explaining the circumstances and how things have changed.

20% - Technical Issues

How to avoid: Ensure good lighting and a stable internet connection. If the app fails repeatedly, try again later or use a different device.

10% - Incomplete Information

How to avoid: Double-check that all details exactly match your passport. The system cross-references data automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes, but Canadians qualify for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is a quick digital visa obtained through a mobile app. It is not visa-free entry, but the process takes only minutes.

How long can I stay in Australia on an ETA?

The ETA allows stays of up to 3 months (90 days) per visit. You can make multiple visits within the 12-month validity period, but you cannot live in Australia through successive visits.

How long does the Australian ETA take to process?

Most ETA applications are approved within minutes. In rare cases where additional checks are needed, it may take up to 12 hours or longer. The app will notify you when approved.

Can I work in Australia on an ETA?

No, the ETA does not permit work. However, you can engage in business visitor activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. For work, you need a different visa.

What if my ETA application is not approved instantly?

If your application requires additional processing, the system will notify you. You may be asked to provide more information or apply through the standard visa process instead of the app.

Can I extend my stay beyond 3 months?

You cannot extend an ETA while in Australia. If you want to stay longer, you may need to apply for a different visa type, such as the Visitor visa (subclass 600), before your ETA expires.

Is the Australian ETA free?

The ETA itself has no government visa fee, but there is a mandatory AUD 20 service charge when applying through the official app. This covers the processing costs.

What happens if my ETA is refused?

If refused, you will be notified with the reasons. You can then apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) through the standard application process, which allows you to provide more supporting documentation.

Apply for Australia tourist visa online

Sources

Australian Department of Home Affairs - ETA

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601

Australian High Commission Ottawa - ETA Referrals

https://canada.embassy.gov.au/otwa/etareferral.html

Government of Canada - Travel Advice for Australia

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/australia

At a glance