🇯🇵Japan

🇦🇺AustraliaJP-AU

Japan to Australia visa requirements

Q: Can I use the free eVisitor (Subclass 651)?

No. The free eVisitor is reserved for European passport holders. Japanese citizens must apply for the ETA (Subclass 601) for AUD 20 via the Australian ETA app.

Q: How long can I stay in Australia with an ETA?

Up to 3 months per visit. The ETA is valid for 12 months or until your passport expires, allowing multiple entries.

Q: Can I work in Australia with an ETA?

No. The ETA permits tourism, business meetings, and visiting family — not paid work. For work and travel, Japanese citizens aged 18-30 can apply for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) under the Japan-Australia bilateral arrangement.

Q: Do I need to declare food and souvenirs?

Yes. Australia has very strict biosecurity laws. All food, seeds, wooden items, and animal products must be declared on the Incoming Passenger Card. Penalties for non-declaration are severe.

ETA Subclass 601 required (AUD 20 app service fee). 3-month stays, 12-month validity. Not eligible for free eVisitor. Japanese ordinary passport holders need an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601) to visit Australia. Japan is not on the eVisitor (Subclass 651) eligible list, so Japanese citizens apply for the ETA via the official Australian ETA app and pay the AUD 20 app service fee. The ETA allows multiple entries with up to 3 months stay per visit, is valid for 12 months or until passport expiry, and covers tourism, business visitor activities, and visiting family or friends. In most cases the result is provided immediately. The Maritime Crew Visa and Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) are separate routes for specific purposes.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Japan (PR)Living in Japan as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19

Visa type

ETA required (Subclass 601)

Maximum stay

Up to 3 months per visit

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

AUD 20 service charge

consular fee only

Processing time

Usually immediate

standard track

Validity

12 months or until passport expiry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check passport validity

Must be valid for the duration of stay. The Australian ETA is linked electronically to your passport.

· valid for stay

/02

Install the Australian ETA app

Download the official Australian ETA app on iOS or Android. The web portal is not available for Japanese citizens — only the app.

· mobile app only

/03

Apply for ETA (Subclass 601)

Submit passport scan, biometric photo, basic travel info, and pay the AUD 20 service charge by card.

· AUD 20

/04

Receive ETA approval

In most cases, Home Affairs notifies you of the result immediately. Some applications take longer if more information or verification is needed.

· usually immediate

/05

Travel to Australia

ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no need to print. Use SmartGates at major airports with biometric passport.

· SmartGates

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

Japan -> Australia · ETA required (Subclass 601)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredJapanese biometric passport

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Valid for duration of stay; chip required

RequiredAustralian ETA app

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Mobile only — Japan citizens cannot use web portal

RequiredAustralian ETA approval

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Electronic — linked to passport

RequiredReturn or onward ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

May be requested to show temporary visitor intent

RequiredAccommodation address

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Hotel booking or host's address

RequiredFunds evidence

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Enough money for the stay; amount depends on itinerary

RequiredIncoming Passenger Card

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Filled out on arrival flight

RequiredNo fresh food or seeds

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Strict biosecurity — declare or discard

RequiredInternational Driving Permit

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Required to drive in Australia

RecommendedTravel insurance

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Recommended; Medicare not available for Japanese visitors

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesAustralian Department of Home Affairs — ETA (Subclass 601)Australian Department of Home Affairs — eVisitor (Subclass 651)Australian Department of Home Affairs — Visa fees and charges

Application link included: Australian Department of Home Affairs — ETA (Subclass 601)

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

ETA Subclass 601AUD 20Service charge; ETA itself is free, the fee covers the app processing

Maritime Crew VisaFreeFor seafarers only

Working Holiday (Subclass 417)AUD 670Japan-Australia bilateral; up to 1 year work + travel

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)AUD 200+Alternative for longer stays or specific visit types

Overstay penaltiesRemoval + 3-year banStrict enforcement

Total estimateAUD 20 — AUD 20incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

ETA Subclass 601

Usually immediate

Apply via Australian ETA app; in most cases Home Affairs notifies you of the result immediately.

Working Holiday 417

Varies

Japan-Australia working holiday route; Japanese applicants must be 18-30 at the time of application.

Visitor Visa 600

Weeks

For stays beyond 3 months or family/medical visits.

SmartGate entry

Minutes

Biometric passport holders 16+ can use SmartGates at major airports.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Confusion with eVisitor 651

Japan is not on the eVisitor eligible list. Applying for the free eVisitor will result in refusal — you must apply for the Subclass 601 ETA (AUD 20).

Medium

/02

ETA refused

Past Australian refusals, criminal convictions, or character issues can lead to refusal.

Low

/03

Suspected work intent

Pre-arranged paid work requires a work visa even with an ETA.

Low

/04

Biosecurity declaration failures

Failure to declare food, plants, or animal products carries fines and ETA cancellation.

Medium

/05

Insufficient travel evidence

No return ticket or vague itinerary can prompt questioning at the border.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-06-19

Reviewed by Claude Code

Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.

2026-06-19

Japan to Australia route re-verified

Confirmed ETA Subclass 601 remains required for Japanese ordinary passport holders; eVisitor 651 is not available to Japan, ETA app service fee is AUD 20, and Visitor 600 base fee is AUD 200.

2026-05-27

Japan to Australia route verified

Confirmed ETA Subclass 601 required (AUD 20), eVisitor 651 not available, mobile app required.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Australia?—

Yes — Japanese ordinary passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601) before visiting Australia. The service fee is AUD 20.

Can I use the free eVisitor (Subclass 651)?+

How long can I stay in Australia with an ETA?+

How long does the Australian ETA take?+

Can I work in Australia with an ETA?+

Do I need to declare food and souvenirs?+