What is ETA Australia?
Australia ETA is one type of online visas that the Australian Government introduced in 2018. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authority was aimed at facilitating the entire procedure of getting a visa for short-term purposes such as tourism, business or transit.
There are 8 countries that may apply for ETA using the application. Additionally, all EU citizens are eligible for an eVisitor visa, which serves the same purposes as ETA and is issued on the same terms.
Both electronic visa types are digitally linked to the traveler’s passport once approved and has a 12-month validity. The holder of Australian eVisa can travel to Australia numerous times and stay there for up to 3 months during each visit.
Australia eVisa application consists of a few stimple steps that can be completed entirely online. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes and can be made using any electronic device connected to the Internet.
ETA Australia requirements
Whether you are a national of 8 countries eligible for ETA, or a national of one of the European country eligible for the eVisitor visa, you will need to meet the same basic requirements, including:
- a valid passport with at least 6-month validity (from the planned date of your arrival in Australia)
Please note that the approved Australian electronic visa is directly linked with the applicant’s passport. Its expiration of any change of the passport data automatically makes your visa invalid.
ETA Australia application form
Prepare your valid passport and sit back in your chair. Go to the online application and follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the online form: provide all the required details, including your passport data and correct email address..
- Double-check the form: after entering all the necessary information, carefully go through it to make sure your form is free of errors..
- Pay the fee: use one of the available methods of online payment to cover the processing fee of 49 Euro. .
- Refresh your email address: after making the online payment, go to your email inbox to check for the confirmation message.
Note: By providing the correct details in the application form, you will avoid the need to upload the copy of your passport.
Usually, the processing time takes up to a few days, but most applicants get their Australia eVisa approved even on the same day as they submit their application. Please, however, bear in mind that the real waiting time is at the total discretion of the Australian Immigation Service.
ETA Australia validity
Both ETA and eVisitor visa are issued as a multiple-entry permits remaining valid for 12 months (1 year). Their validity period starts on the day of issue.
A holder of the Australian electronic visa may enter the country as many times as they wish within the 12-month validity period. Moreover, every single stay can last up to 90 days (3 months).
Important: A traveler who wishes to return to Australia is required to leave the country for at least 3 days and only after this period they are permitted to enter Australia and stay there for another 3 months (as long as their visas are still valid).
List of eligible countries
Countries eligible for an online application for eVisitor visa include:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City (Holy See)
ETA-eligible countries include:
- United States
- Canada
- Brunei
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
Important: Citizens of all the above 8 ETA-eligible countries may apply for ETA only using the Australian ETA app.
Transit Information
Having a valid Australian online permit is mandatory even if one only plans to transit through Australia on their way to another destination. This requirement applies to all transit passengers regardless of the time of their transit stop.
Remember to apply for your eVisa a few days before the planning transit to receive the permit delivered on time!
FAQ
When will I receive my ETA to Australia?
Your ETA will be delivered to your email address as soon as the Australian authorities approves it. It may take up from several hours to a few days. Make sure to submit an error-free application form to enjoy immediate approval.
Do I need to print an ETA Australia?
No. An Australian ETA is digitally matched to your passport. Upon entering Australia, the border officials may verify your passport and based on it, they will also check whether you have a valid visa. You can carry a physical copy of your visa as a backup copy though.
What if my ETA Australia is not approved?
Should your ETA cannot be approved, probably there are some mistakes or incorrect information in your submitted application form. Don’t hesitate to contact our support team immediately to discuss your issue. Our consultants will try to make necessary corrections so that you could receive your eVisa on time.
How long can I stay in Australia with an ETA?
Both Australian ETA and eVisitor visa stay effective for one year from the date of issue and enable its holder to enter Australia numerous times, while staying up to 3 months each time. Every next entry, however, must be preceded by at least 3 days spent outside Australia.
What is the validity of ETA Australia?
ETA Australia as well as eVisitor Visa remain valid for 365 days (1 year) from the date they are approved. What is essential, a traveler must know that any change in the passport data or passport expiration automatically make the Australian visa invalid.
Do children need an ETA to Australia?
Yes. The Australian visa requirements apply to all travelers entering Australia irrespective of their age. The application should be submitted by their legal guardians or parents.
What must I have to apply for an ETA Australia?
To apply for an online visa for Australia, one simply needs to hold a passport that will not expire for at least 6 months from the planned entry to the country. Moreover, every applicant must possess an electronic device connected to the Internet, active email address as well as a valid means of online payment.
What is the processing time for an Australian ETA?
The real processing time is determined by the final decision of the Australian Immigation Service granting your visa. It may take up to a few days. Nevertheless, most often, our applicants can enjoy their visas approved even within several hours. Don’t forget to refresh your email inbox and check for your visa!