Going to Australia from Singapore? Here’s what you need to know
Travelling to Australia from Singapore? Here are the requirements of when entering Australia from Singapore, including the current status of VTL flights.
Do Singaporeans Need a Visa for Australia? ETA Rules, Costs and Options
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Australia is a top destination for Singaporeans looking for a vibrant city buzz, beautiful beaches and unique outdoor experiences. If you’ve got a trip planned, you need to know the rules for an Australia tourist visa from Singapore to make sure your visit goes smoothly.
So, do Singaporeans need a visa to Australia? This depends on your trip type. At the very least, you need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in advance of travel - and some longer or work visits need a formal visa. This guide covers how to apply for a visa to Australia from Singapore, including common visa types.
We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.
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Do Singaporeans need a visa for Australia?
Singapore passport holders can visit Australia for tourism or business on trips of under 90 days with an ETA - Electronic Travel Authority (visa subclass 601). This involves a simple online application and is valid for one year on issue.
If you’re going for longer, or if you intend to work in Australia, you need a different visa to cover your trip¹.
We’ll look at the Australia ETA application from Singapore in detail next, and also take a look at common visa options and the Australia visa prices for longer stays.
What is the Australia ETA for Singaporeans?
The Australian ETA² for Singaporeans is an electronic travel authority which gives you the right to visit Australia multiple times over the course of the ETA validity - usually one year. The ETA is arranged through an app, with a simple application process and a low fee of 20 AUD.
You can use your ETA for visits for tourism or certain business activities. You can not work in Australia with this visa.
How long can Singaporeans stay in Australia?
With an ETA, you can stay in Australia for up to 90 days at a time, for multiple visits over the validity period of your ETA.
How to apply for an Australia ETA from Singapore
You can only apply for an ETA from outside of Australia, and you must have a valid passport. The process is entirely managed through the Australia ETA app, which you can get on Apple and Android phones.
Step-by-step ETA application process
Here’s how to make an Australia ETA application from Singapore³:
- Download the Australian ETA app on your phone.
- Scan your passport to pre-fill your personal details into the application.
- Use your phone’s camera to take a photo of yourself.
- Answer questions when prompted about previous criminal convictions and whether you’ve had any prior names.
- Enter your contact details for when you’re in Australia
- Use your card to pay the service fee of 20 AUD following the prompts.
What are the requirements to apply?
To apply, you must have a valid passport and a means of payment for your ETA, such as a debit card. Your phone must have location services turned on and NFC enabled. You’ll also need an active email address.
Processing time
If you submit all your information correctly, your ETA can be processed immediately. If there’s missing information or your application is incorrectly completed, the process will take longer.
Australia visa price for Singaporeans
Applying for an ETA costs 20 AUD, which you pay directly on the Australian ETA app.
The Australian authorities state that travel agents can help you with your application, but as they need to take a live photo of you, you’ll need to be physically present with them to arrange this. Getting agent support isn’t necessary, and can mean you pay extra fees. At worst, if the agent is not legit, you can find that your visa is not valid.
Visa options for Singapore travellers to Australia
Getting an ETA isn’t right for every Singaporean heading off to Australia. If you want to stay longer than 90 days at a time, or if you plan to work in Australia to fund your travelling, you might prefer a different visa, such as an Australia visitor visa or an Australia Work and Holiday Visa. Here’s a quick summary of the options - with more on each later.
| Visa type | Application fee | Validity | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA | 20 AUD | 1 year, multiple visits of up to 90 days | Tourism and limited business activities |
| Australia visitor visa⁴ | From 200 AUD | Standard visas for 3, 6, or 12 months Frequent visit option may be for up to 10 years | Tourism, cruises and visiting family or friends Specific business visas also available |
| Australia Work and Holiday Visa⁵ | From 670 AUD | 12 months | Work and tourism |
*Details correct at time of writing - 26th March 2026
Other visa types are also available for different traveler needs. Check the Australian immigration authorities' website for guidance if these options aren't right for you.
Australia visitor visa (subclass 600)
The Australia visitor visa (subclass 600) offers several different application streams depending on your needs. If you’re coming to Australia as a tourist, you can apply from outside of Australia, or on arrival if your situation changes and you want to switch visas. It’s more expensive to apply from Australia.
You can also apply for a specific business visitor visa, which lets you stay for up to 3 months - this does not cover working, but can allow you to complete business meetings, attend conferences and so on.
Finally, there’s also a frequent traveller option available for Singapore passport holders, which can allow you to enter Australia for up to 3 months at a time, with up to 10 years' validity on issue.
Australia Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
Young people who want to go to Australia and work to fund their travel may like the Australia Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 30 years old (inclusive), and you can’t be accompanied by any dependent children when you travel.
Your first working holiday visa can be issued for 12 months, and there are then opportunities to extend this, or apply again for a total of three work and holiday visas per person. Other eligibility rules also apply if you want to apply a second or third time for this visa - you just have to complete several months of appropriate work during your first visa period, for example.
Pay for shopping, food and more in Australia with the Wise card
The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.
Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD each month, before low fees start.
While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.
Plus, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your SGD and other currencies, meaning your travel money could be growing right up until you spend it.
*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Singaporeans need a visa or ETA for Australia?
Singaporeans need an ETA for Australia for tourist and business visits of up to 90 days. Longer stays and work require you to get a formal visa.
How much is the Australia ETA for Singaporeans?
The Australia ETA for Singaporeans has an application fee of 20 AUD.
How long does ETA approval take?
ETA approval is usually instant if you submit everything correctly. In some cases, additional documents are needed, which may mean processing takes longer.
Can I extend my stay in Australia with an ETA?
No. ETAs allow you to stay in Australia for 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply in good time for a different visa class.
What if my ETA is denied?
If your ETA is denied, you’ll be informed why and whether you have a right of appeal. You can then decide if you need to apply for a different visa or appeal the initial decision.
Can I work in Australia with an ETA?
No, you can not work in Australia with an ETA. ETAs cover tourist and limited business visits only.
Sources:
- Singapore MFA - Australia
- Australia ETA
- ETA Step by step
- Australia visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Australia Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
