🇰🇷South Korea

🇦🇺AustraliaKR-AU

South Korea to Australia visa requirements

Q: Do Korean citizens need a visa for Australia?

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

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

No. The free eVisitor is reserved for European passport holders. Korean 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, Korean citizens aged 18-30 can apply for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) under the Korea-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 charge). 3-month stays, 12-month validity. Working Holiday 417 available. South Korean ordinary passport holders need an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601) to visit Australia. Korea is on the ETA 601 eligible passport list, so Korean citizens apply through the official Australian ETA mobile app for an AUD 20 service charge. 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. Korea is also eligible for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) for ages 18-30.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-20

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 →South Korea (PR)Living in South Korea as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-20

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 app service charge

consular fee only

Processing time

Usually immediate

standard track

Validity

12 months or until passport expiry, whichever is shorter

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check passport validity

Use a valid South Korean passport. The ETA is digitally linked to that passport and cannot be transferred to a new passport.

· valid passport

/02

Install the Australian ETA app

Download the official Australian ETA app on iOS or Android. For Korean citizens, the Australian Embassy in Korea says this is the only method of applying for an ETA.

· mobile app only

/03

Apply for ETA (Subclass 601)

Submit passport, identity, and travel details in the app and pay the AUD 20 app service charge by card.

· AUD 20

/04

Receive ETA approval

Home Affairs says most ETA applicants are notified immediately. Applications can take longer if information is incomplete, needs verification, or further information is required.

· usually immediate

/05

Travel to Australia

Carry the passport used for the ETA. The visa is electronically attached to that passport, and travellers complete an Incoming Passenger Card on arrival.

· e-visa· IPC

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

South Korea -> Australia · ETA required (Subclass 601)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredSouth Korean passport

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

Valid passport from an ETA-eligible country; ETA is linked to this passport

RequiredAustralian ETA app

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

Only method for Korean ETA applications

RequiredAustralian ETA approval

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

Electronic, linked to passport

ConditionalReturn or onward plans

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

Carry if requested as genuine visitor evidence

RequiredAccommodation address

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Hotel booking or host's address

ConditionalFunds evidence

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

Evidence you can support the visit and leave Australia if asked

RequiredIncoming Passenger Card

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

Completed for arrival border clearance

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 Korean 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), last updated 12 Aug 2025 Australian Embassy in Korea — Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)Australian Department of Home Affairs — eVisitor (Subclass 651), last updated 17 Nov 2025

Application link included: Australian Department of Home Affairs — ETA (Subclass 601), last updated 12 Aug 2025

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

ETA Subclass 601AUD 20Australian ETA app service fee; no separate Visa Application Charge

Working Holiday (Subclass 417)AUD 670First 417 base charge; Korea is eligible for ages 18-30 and stays up to 12 months

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)AUD 200+Alternative for longer stays or specific visit types; outside-Australia tourist/business streams start at AUD 200

Overstay penaltiesRemoval + 3-year banStrict enforcement

Total estimateAUD 20 — AUD 20incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

ETA Subclass 601

Usually immediate

Apply via the Australian ETA app; Home Affairs says most applicants are notified immediately.

Working Holiday 417

50% <1 day; 90% 65 days

Home Affairs processing guide for subclass 417 as checked on 2026-06-20; apply before turning 31.

Visitor Visa 600

Guide varies

For stays beyond ETA limits or if ETA is unsuitable; subclass 600 processing can vary from the combined visitor median.

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

Korea is not on the eVisitor eligible passport list. Korean citizens should use the Subclass 601 ETA via the Australian ETA app instead.

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 visitor evidence

Vague plans, weak funds evidence, or unclear visitor intent 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

2026-06-20

Reviewed by Claude Code

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

2026-06-20

Codex checked Australia ETA facts

Rechecked official Home Affairs and Australian Embassy in Korea sources; confirmed ETA 601 via app, updated Visitor 600 fee to AUD 200+, refreshed 417 processing guide, and removed unsupported ETA 12-24h wording.

2026-05-27

Korea to Australia route verified

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

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Korean citizens need a visa for Australia?—

Yes — Korean ordinary passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601) before visiting Australia. The app 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?+

/11 — Passport tools