Planning a trip to Australia as an Irish citizen can feel like a minefield of visa jargon, but for short stays you don’t need a traditional visa at all—just an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) that costs a modest AUD $20. This guide lays out every option, from the ETA to the Working Holiday visa, with the latest fees, processing times, and a few practical travel tips so you can pick the right path without surprises.
ETA processing time: Usually instant, but allow up to 24 hours ·
ETA fee for Irish passport holders: AUD $20 service charge ·
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) fee: AUD $510 ·
Tourist visa (subclass 600) fee: AUD $190
Quick snapshot
- Irish citizens can apply for an ETA online via the Australian ETA app (Australian Embassy in the U.S.)
- ETA costs AUD $20 service fee (Australian ETA app – Google Play)
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) costs AUD $510 and is open to Irish citizens aged 18–35 (Citizens Information)
- Western Australia is the fastest growing state in the country (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
- Exact cost of a tourist visa (subclass 600) may vary by application method and location
- The “friendliest town” in Australia is subjective and not officially ranked
- What “silent killer” refers to in Australia—could be heat-related illness or heart disease
- ETA is valid for 1 year from grant and allows multiple entries up to 3 months each (Tourism Australia)
- ETA approval is usually instant; allow up to 24 hours (Department of Home Affairs)
- Visa pricing page last updated 2026-07-04 (Department of Home Affairs)
- Apply for an ETA through the Australian ETA app or via ImmiAccount for other visas (Department of Home Affairs)
- Use the pricing estimator to calculate exact costs (Current visa pricing)
- Check for any surcharges when paying by credit card or PayPal (Department of Home Affairs)
Here are the essential facts at a glance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa type for short visits | ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) |
| ETA validity | 1 year from grant |
| Maximum stay per visit on ETA | 3 months |
| Working Holiday age limit | 18 to 35 years (Irish citizens) |
| Tourist visa processing time | 1 to 4 weeks typically |
| Australian visa application portal | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
Do I need a visa for Australia from Ireland?
If you hold an Irish passport and plan to stay for less than three months, the short answer is yes—but it’s a simple electronic waiver, not a full visa. Irish citizens are eligible for the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), which is processed entirely online. The ETA is valid for one year and allows multiple entries, each up to three months (Tourism Australia).
Is Australia visa free for Europeans?
No, Australia is not visa-free for any nationality, but many European passport holders—including Irish citizens—can use the ETA or the eVisitor visa. The eVisitor is a free alternative for certain European countries and allows stays up to three months per visit within a 12-month period (Tourism Australia).
Do I need a visa for a 3 week holiday to Australia?
Yes, you need either an ETA or a tourist visa. For a three-week holiday, the ETA is the most convenient option. It costs AUD $20 and is usually approved within minutes (Australian ETA app – Google Play).
Can I get into Australia without an ETA?
No. Even if you are an Irish citizen, you must hold a valid ETA or another visa before boarding a flight to Australia. Airlines will check your travel authority. The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that ETA-eligible passport holders must apply using the Australian ETA app (Australian Embassy in the U.S.).
For most Irish holidaymakers, the ETA is the cheapest and fastest option. The trade-off: if you plan to stay longer than three months, work, or study, you will need a different visa.
The pattern: For short trips, the ETA is the most practical option; for longer stays, other visas are necessary.
How do I get a visa for Australia?
All Australian visa applications—whether for an ETA, tourist visa, or working holiday—are submitted through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. The process differs by visa subclass, but the core steps are similar.
How to apply for an Australian visa online
- Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (federal immigration authority)
- Select the appropriate visa subclass and complete the application form
- Upload required documents (passport, financial evidence, etc.)
- Pay the visa application charge (VAC) online
- Submit and wait for a decision
For the ETA, the process is simpler: download the Australian ETA app from Google Play or the App Store, enter your passport details, pay the AUD $20 fee, and receive a decision almost instantly (Australian ETA app – Google Play).
What is the Australian visa application process?
The Department of Home Affairs provides a pricing estimator on its current visa pricing page to work out the exact cost based on your subclass and circumstances (Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing). Note that visa costs can change depending on when the application is received.
Where to submit an Australian visa application?
All applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount. There is no need to visit an embassy or visa application centre for most visas. The Embassy of Ireland in Australia notes that some visa applicants are exempt from paying visa fees, including family members of Irish citizens (spouse, widow/widower, or child under 18) with proper documentation (Embassy of Ireland in Australia).
The Australian Government warns that some third-party websites charge extra fees for ETA applications. Always use the official Australian ETA app or the ImmiAccount portal to avoid unnecessary costs.
The catch: Using the official app saves you from extra fees.
How much is an Australian visa for Irish citizens?
Costs vary significantly by visa type. Here is a direct comparison of the three most common options for Irish citizens.
Four visa types, one pattern: the ETA is the cheapest upfront, but if you need to work or stay longer, the Working Holiday visa offers better value per day.
| Visa type | Cost (AUD) | Validity | Max stay per visit | Processing time | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETA (subclass 601) | $20 service fee | 1 year | 3 months | Instant – 24 hours | Irish passport holders |
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | Free | 1 year | 3 months | 1–2 days | Irish passport holders |
| Tourist visa (subclass 600) | $190 | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 1–4 weeks | All nationalities |
| Working Holiday (subclass 417) | $510 | Up to 12 months | 12 months | 2–4 weeks | Irish citizens aged 18–35 |
Is the ETA for Australia free?
No. The ETA itself has no visa application charge, but there is a mandatory service fee of AUD $20 to use the Australian ETA app (Australian Embassy in the U.S.). The eVisitor is the only free option for Irish citizens.
What are the fees for a Working Holiday visa?
The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) costs AUD $510 as of 2026, according to the Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing. Additionally, the Embassy of Ireland in Australia lists a Working Holiday Authorisation fee of AUD $95, with an expedited service (5 working days) costing AUD $195 (Embassy of Ireland in Australia).
What is the cost of a tourist visa?
The Tourist visa (subclass 600) costs AUD $190 for the standard application. Processing times are typically 1 to 4 weeks. Note that credit card or PayPal payments may incur a surcharge (Department of Home Affairs).
The eVisitor is free, but it takes longer to process than the ETA and is not available for all purposes. For most Irish travellers, the AUD $20 ETA is the pragmatic choice—unless you’re planning a longer stay, in which case the tourist visa’s higher fee buys you far more flexibility.
Is the ETA for Australia free?
Already covered above, but let’s clarify the hidden charges.
What is the ETA processing fee?
The only fee is the AUD $20 service charge collected by the app provider. There is no visa application charge from the government (Australian Embassy in the U.S.).
Are there any hidden charges?
Yes, if you use a third-party website. The Australian Government recommends using the official Australian ETA app to avoid extra fees. Also, when paying visa application charges by credit card or PayPal, a surcharge may apply (Department of Home Affairs).
Which state is booming in Australia?
If you’re planning to move or travel widely, knowing where the action is can help. Western Australia is the fastest growing state, driven by mining and resources. Queensland and Victoria also see strong growth, while the friendliest town is a matter of debate—no official ranking exists.
What’s the friendliest town in Australia?
Subjective as it is, towns like Port Fairy (Victoria) and Kangaroo Valley (NSW) often top traveller polls. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not rank friendliness, so take this with a pinch of salt.
What economic factors drive population growth?
Mining, technology, and services are the key sectors. Western Australia’s economy is heavily resource-based, while Victoria and Queensland benefit from diversified industries and internal migration.
The bottom line: Knowing which states are growing can help plan your travels, but don’t overlook smaller towns.
How to apply for an Australian ETA – step by step
Applying for an ETA is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Download the Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and select “Apply for a new ETA”.
- Enter your passport details (Irish passport required).
- Answer a few questions about your health and character.
- Pay the AUD $20 service fee using a credit card.
- Submit and wait for an instant decision—or up to 24 hours.
If approved, your ETA is linked electronically to your passport. No paper visa needed.
Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Irish citizens can apply for an ETA online
- ETA costs AUD $20 service fee
- Working Holiday visa costs AUD $510
- Western Australia is the fastest growing state
What’s unclear
- Exact tourist visa cost may vary by application method
- Friendliest town is subjective and not officially ranked
- Silent killer definition may refer to heart disease or heat
What authorities say about travelling to Australia
“ETA-eligible passport holders must apply using the Australian ETA app.”
— Australian Embassy in the U.S. (official visa guidance)
“The eVisitor is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period.”
— Tourism Australia (official travel FAQs)
“Irish citizens can apply for Australian working holiday arrangements if they are aged 18-35.”
— Citizens Information (Irish government service)
Summing it up
For an Irish passport holder, the path into Australia is simple and affordable. The ETA gives you a year of access for the price of a round of drinks. But if you’re planning to work, study, or stay longer, the Working Holiday visa or tourist visa are worth the extra cost. The trade-off is clear: short-term convenience vs. long-term flexibility. For the growing number of Irish travellers heading Down Under, knowing which visa fits your trip is the difference between a smooth arrival and a stressful delay.
facebook.com, brighttax.com, tripadvisor.ca, irishimmigration.ie, visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions
What is an ETA and who can apply for it?
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is a visa waiver for short stays. It is available to passport holders of eligible countries, including Ireland. You apply via the Australian ETA app.
Can I extend my tourist visa while in Australia?
Generally, tourist visas cannot be extended. You must apply for a new visa before your current one expires, or leave the country and reapply.
Do children need a separate visa when travelling with parents?
Yes, every traveller, including infants, needs their own ETA or visa. Children must have their own passport and application.
What health insurance is required for an Australian visa?
Health insurance is not mandatory for an ETA or tourist visa, but it is strongly recommended. Working Holiday visa holders may be required to show proof of health cover.
What is the eVisitor visa and how does it differ from ETA?
The eVisitor (subclass 651) is free and allows stays up to three months per visit within 12 months. It is available to certain European passport holders, including Irish citizens. The ETA costs AUD $20 but is processed faster.
Can I study short courses on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can study up to 3 months on a tourist visa or ETA. Longer courses require a student visa.
How do I prove I have enough funds for an Australian visa?
You may need to provide bank statements, pay slips, or a letter of sponsorship. The Department of Home Affairs does not specify a fixed amount, but you should show you can cover your stay.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Current, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.