Australia issues two types of visa to the French: the eVisitor and the ETA - Electronic Travel Authority. What's the difference? Which one should you apply for?
ETA - Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
L'ETA or Electronic Travel Authority is the most widely-issued visa in Australia. But only nationals of eight countries (Asia, USA, Canada) can apply for it online on the Australian Government website. If you don't have one, you'll need to use the services of a travel agency or specialist retailer.
ETA is not free because the online application assistance service is compulsory and costs AUD 20.
ETA is of no interest to the French.
eVisitor (subclass 651)
Visit eVisitor is reserved for almost all of geographic Europe, and can be compared to the New Zealand NZeTA or the USA ESTA.
French citizens can apply for eVisitor online at the official website in English only. A misunderstanding or typing error may block the order. Pay close attention, or get help if you're not fluent in English.
An eVisitor is required for each family member, including children. The eVisitor is free. Its scope of application is the same as ETA.
What ETA and eVisitor have in common
The electronic visa you receive is linked to your passport number. It is a temporary visa valid for 12 months. If your passport expires earlier, the duration of your visa will be reduced accordingly.
It is multiple entries and authorizes several stays of up to 3 months every time.
It allows you to travel as a tourist, cruise operator (if your cruise docks in Australia, you need a visa), student (for up to 3 months), business traveler (no right to sell directly). There is no extension to this visa. If you wish to extend your stay, you will have to pay the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
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