Jazmin Li
The Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is a mandatory document for non-Australian citizens to enter the country for tourism or business purposes. It is valid for one year and allows multiple entries, with each stay lasting up to three months. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport and can be obtained through the Australian ETA app or from any online travel agent. While it is recommended to obtain the ETA prior to arriving at the airport, some sources suggest that it may be possible to get an ETA at the airport with the help of a Department of Immigration official. However, it is important to note that arriving without the required ETA may result in being denied entry, and the traveller will be responsible for any financial losses incurred.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is an ETA? | An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically stored authority equivalent to a visa, which is linked to a passport number. |
| Who can apply for an ETA? | Individuals with specified passports are eligible to apply for an ETA. Individuals who hold a non-citizen passport, certificate of identity, or other travel documents cannot apply for an ETA. |
| How to apply for an ETA? | Travellers can apply for an ETA through the Australian ETA app if they meet all ETA eligibility requirements. |
| ETA fee | The application or government fee is $20. |
| ETA validity | The ETA allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business visitor activity. The ETA allows eligible non-citizens to travel as many times as desired, for up to one year (or the life of the passport, whichever is shorter), and stay up to three months for each visit. |
| ETA processing time | It takes approximately 10 minutes to apply for the visa online. About 90% of applications are approved automatically. Processing times can be extended due to changes in application volumes, seasonal peaks, complex cases, and incomplete applications. |
| Other requirements | Applicants must have a passport that will be valid for three months after their visa expires. |
| ETA at the airport | It is not possible to obtain an ETA at the airport. Only the Australian Department of Immigration can issue them. |
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What You'll Learn
The ETA application process
Check Your Eligibility:
Before starting the application process, confirm that you are eligible for an ETA. The ETA is available to passport holders from specific countries, including Brunei, Canada, the United States, and several European nations. Additionally, ensure that your passport will be valid for at least three months after your planned visa expiry date.
Gather Required Documents:
The ETA application requires supporting documents, including Form 1554: ETA Request for Further Processing, a copy of your passport biodata page, and other relevant supporting documents. If you have any criminal convictions or health concerns, you may need to obtain police checks and other character documents and apply for a Visitor Visa instead of an ETA.
Download the Australian ETA App:
The Australian ETA App is the official channel for lodging your ETA application. You can download this app on Apple or Android devices. Each applicant must apply individually using the app.
Complete the Application Form:
Using the Australian ETA app, carefully fill out the ETA application form. Provide as much information as possible and ensure that all details are correct. Incomplete or incorrect information may delay or result in the refusal of your application. If you are travelling as a group or family, use the Group ID function in the ETA application form.
Attach Supporting Documents:
After completing the online form, attach the required supporting documents, including Form 1554 and your passport biodata page. Log in or create your ImmiAccount to submit these documents. Ensure that you provide sufficient evidence of your intention to visit Australia temporarily.
Wait for Notification:
After submitting your application, wait for a notification regarding your ETA. This notification may arrive via email within 12 hours of applying. Check your inbox, including junk or spam folders, regularly. If you are requested to provide additional information, follow the directions in the notification promptly.
Check Your Visa Status:
You can check the status of your application by logging into your ImmiAccount or using the "Check an ETA" function in the Australian ETA app. Once your ETA application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation. Keep in mind that processing times may vary, and about 90% of applications are approved automatically.
It is important to note that the ETA is designed for short-term tourism or business visitor activities. It does not permit work in Australia or repeated extended stays. Additionally, finalise your travel arrangements only after receiving your visa grant. The department will not be liable for any financial losses due to delayed or unsuccessful visa applications.
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ETA eligibility
To be eligible for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to Australia, you must meet the following requirements:
Firstly, you must hold a passport from an ETA-eligible country or region. Eligible countries include Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and many European countries.
Secondly, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your ETA expires. An ETA is valid for one year after it is issued, and visitors can enter Australia multiple times during this period, staying for up to 90 days per entry. Therefore, your passport should be valid for at least 15 months from your planned date of entry into Australia.
Thirdly, you must not have any criminal convictions. If you have a criminal record, you should obtain police checks and other relevant character documents and apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead of an ETA.
Additionally, you must meet the health requirements. If you have any health concerns, you may need to apply for a Visitor visa instead of an ETA.
It is important to note that an ETA is only for tourism or business visitor activities. ETA holders cannot work or take on paid employment in Australia.
To apply for an ETA, you can use the official Australian ETA app or apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website. The app is available for download on Apple and Android devices. The application process typically takes about 10 minutes, and the ETA fee is $20. It is recommended to apply at least four weeks before your intended travel date.
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ETA validity
The validity of an ETA for Australia varies depending on the type of visa. An ETA is valid for one year from the date of issue. This allows visitors to enter Australia multiple times, but each stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days. The ETA is only valid for tourism or business purposes, and visitors are not permitted to work or study long-term in Australia during this period.
To apply for an ETA, individuals must hold a passport from an ETA-eligible country or region. The list of approved countries includes Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and more. The ETA is an electronically stored authority linked to the passport number, and it serves as a mandatory document for approved entry into the country for non-Australian citizens.
It is important to note that the ETA is not designed for extended stays or work purposes in Australia. Those seeking to work or study long-term in Australia will need to apply for a regular visa instead. Additionally, individuals with criminal convictions or health concerns may need to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead of an ETA and undergo character assessments.
The application process for an ETA involves submitting an online form and providing relevant documents, including a passport biodata page and supporting paperwork. Applicants should ensure they provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays or refusals. The Australian ETA app is the official channel for lodging ETA applications, and it is recommended to apply at least four weeks in advance of the intended travel date.
Once approved, the ETA is electronically attached to the passport, and individuals can enter Australia multiple times within the validity period, staying for up to 3 months during each visit. It is important to note that the ETA validity is linked to the passport, so a new ETA application is required if the passport changes.
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ETA alternatives
An Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is a mandatory document for approved entry into the country for non-Australian citizens. It is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for one year after it is issued. It is appropriate for tourism or business visitor activities only and does not permit work in Australia.
The ETA is available through the Australian ETA app for eligible jurisdictions. Each applicant must apply using the app. The ETA costs $20 and permits multiple entries to Australia for stays of up to three months at a time over one year or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is shorter.
If you are unable to obtain an ETA, there are alternative options available. Firstly, if you are a passport holder from an eligible country, you may be able to apply for an eVisitor visa. The eVisitor visa is similar to the ETA and is auto-processed in the same way. However, it is submitted directly to the Australian government, so there is no equivalent fee.
Another alternative is to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600). This option is suitable if you have had criminal convictions or do not meet the health requirements for an ETA. The Visitor visa allows for short-stay business purposes as well as short non-business travel.
It is important to note that you should not book flights or make travel commitments until you have obtained a visa to travel to Australia. The department will not be liable for any financial loss incurred due to delays or unsuccessful visa applications.
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Australian airport rules
Obtaining an ETA
An Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa is a mandatory document for approved entry into the country for non-Australian citizens. It is appropriate for tourism or business visitor activities only and is not a work visa. It is valid for one year after it is issued, and visitors can enter the country for a maximum of 90 days per entry but are granted multiple entries. It takes approximately 10 minutes to apply for the visa online, and it costs $20. ETAs are only available through the Australian ETA app for eligible jurisdictions. Each applicant must apply using the app.
What to do if your ETA application is unsuccessful
If you are unsuccessful in obtaining an ETA online, you should contact the Global Service Centre at +61 2 6196 0196 to progress your application. You will need to provide your ETA reference number and passport details.
Airport security screening
All travellers, including children, must pass through the security screening point. Body scanners are the primary method of security screening in Australia, and by 1 January 2026, they will be mandatory for all travellers entering sterile areas of terminals (international and domestic). Laptops, tablets, and aerosols can remain in carry-on baggage. All other personal items, such as wallets, purses, keys, coins, electronic devices, and handkerchiefs, must be placed in a tray to be screened. Bulky outerwear clothing, such as coats and jackets, hats, and jewellery, must also be placed in the tray to be screened. If you have any medical devices, aids, or implants, you must inform the security team before being screened.
Rules on liquids, powders, aerosols, and gels
There are limits on how much powder, liquids, aerosols, and gels you can carry onto an airplane. For international flights, only 100mls of liquid are allowed through security. However, there are no quantity restrictions for organic powders such as powdered baby formula. You can carry onboard a reasonable quantity of powder, liquid, aerosol, or gel items for a baby or infant for international flights. Pack only what you need for the duration of the flight and any delays that may occur.
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Frequently asked questions
An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authority, is an electronically stored authority that is equivalent to a visa and is linked to a passport number. It is a mandatory document for non-Australian citizens to enter the country for tourism or business purposes.
You can apply for an ETA through the Australian ETA app, which is available on Apple or Android. It is recommended to apply at least four weeks in advance and not to finalise travel arrangements before receiving your ETA.
It is not possible to obtain an ETA at the airport. You must apply for an ETA in advance through the Australian ETA app. However, if you are unable to check in online, you can check in at the airport counter.
To apply for an ETA, you will need a passport from an ETA-eligible country that will be valid for at least three months after your visa expires. You will also need to provide your passport details and any other supporting documents.
An ETA for Australia is typically valid for one year after it is issued. Visitors can enter the country multiple times during this period, with each stay lasting up to 90 days.
