The short answer
Choose the visa that fits the official rules and your actual circumstances. ETA 601 and Visitor 600 are both visitor-visa pathways, but they do not have identical eligibility, application processes, or streams.
This comparison is for Malaysian travellers. It does not replace the official ETA 601 page or the official Visitor 600 page.
Compare the official starting points
| Question | ETA 601 | Visitor 600 tourist stream outside Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Who can start here? | A holder of a passport on Home Affairs' ETA eligible-passport list. Malaysia is on that list. | A visitor whose planned tourism, cruise, or family/friends visit fits the tourist stream. |
| Where must the applicant be? | Follow the current official ETA process. | Outside Australia when applying and when the Department decides the application. |
| What does Home Affairs assess? | ETA eligibility and the current official requirements. | Whether the person is a genuine visitor and has enough money to support the stay and leave Australia. |
| How should price and timing be checked? | Use the current official tools and process. | Use the official pricing estimator and processing-time guide; neither is a promise for an individual result. |
Do not use a false shortcut
"ETA is always easy" and "600 is always safer" are not official rules. A visa is not more suitable merely because it appears faster, cheaper, or allows a longer application form.
For example, Home Affairs says that someone with a criminal conviction in any country should apply for Visitor 600 and provide evidence about the conviction. A person who cannot use the Australian ETA app, or is ineligible for ETA, can apply online for another visa that suits their needs through ImmiAccount.
A practical decision process
- Check whether your passport is eligible for ETA 601 on the official page.
- Confirm the real purpose of your visit and whether you meet the official visitor requirements.
- If you are considering Visitor 600, read the exact stream that applies to where you are and why you are travelling.
- Check fees and processing times using official tools on the date you intend to apply.
- If granted, read the grant notice and use VEVO to verify current conditions.
Related guides
Official sources
- Department of Home Affairs: ETA 601
- Department of Home Affairs: Visitor 600
- Department of Home Affairs: Visa Pricing Estimator
- Department of Home Affairs: processing-time guide
