What is the difference between an Australia Transit Visa and an eTA?

The major difference between an Australia Transit Visa and an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is the purpose. While an Australia Transit visa is used for transiting Australia to the destination country, an eTA is for travelers visiting Australia for short vacations or business trips. Australia Transit Visa does not allow the holder to leave the airport transit zone in case of a layover, but an eTA can be used for layovers exceeding 72 hours and for exploring the country during the stay.
 

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Australia Transit Visa vs. eTA

The table below highlights the major difference between an Australia Transit Visa and an eTA:

Factors	Australia Transit Visa (Subclass 771)	Electronic Travel Authorisation (Subclass 601)
Purpose	To transit Australia during flight or cruise layovers	To visit Australia for a short duration and can also be used for a layover
Eligibility	Nationals from countries requiring a visa for Australia	Specific nationalities
Activities Permitted	Can enter an Australian airport and stay there for 7 hours to board a connecting flight	Can travel to Australia for a limited time
Maximum stay duration	72 hours	Up to 3 months
Extendibility	No	No

 

Can Indians apply for an Australia Transit Visa or an eTA?

Indians can only apply for an Australia Transit visa and not an eTA. As an Indian citizen, if you plan to visit and explore Australia, you must apply for an Australia Visit Visa (Subclass 600). The application process for the same is listed in the steps below:
 

Step 1: Choose the type of visa suitable for your purpose

Step 2: Arrange all the necessary documents

Step 3: Fill out the details in the application form

Step 4: Complete the fee payment

Step 5: Wait for a decision to be made

Step 6: Fly to Australia upon approval
 

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