You no longer need to mail a visa application to an embassy and wait weeks for it to arrive. Many countries are now offering speedy, efficient, and low-cost electronic visas (or e-Visas). In Australia, the e-Visa is known as the Electronic Travel Authority, or ETA.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ETA and how to get one for your trip Down Under.
The Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) is a digital visa issued to travelers by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. or through the Australian Government’s official ETA app.
Travelers from more than 30 different countries, including US passport holders, are eligible for the ETA.
Even though applying for an Australia ETA is fast and easy, we’ll make it even more so by taking care of the online form for you. Here’s all the information you’ll need to provide Entriva for your Australia e-Visa:
After submitting your e-Visa Australia application, you can track its progress in your Personal Travel Dashboard.
Here is a list of the required documents you’ll need to apply for an ETA:
To get an Australia visa, you also need to meet the government’s health and character requirements. The character requirement is mostly a “good faith” detail that asks that anyone applying for an Australian visa be of good character and an upstanding citizen. If you have criminal convictions, you may not be eligible for a visa.
The health requirement asks that visitors meet certain health standards in order to enter the country. If you’re visiting from a country with infectious diseases or current outbreaks, you may need to undergo a health examination in order to get an ETA.
The ETA is valid for 12 months (one year). During that time, you can enter Australia as many times as you want. For each visit, you can stay up to 90 days (three months).
The ETA is free of charge. Some applicants may need to pay a AU$20 service fee.
Booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just US$50.
Find all the answers to your questions about the ETA here.
Yes, you do need a valid visa to enter Australia. With the exception of New Zealand citizens, all foreign visitors seeking to enter Australia must have a valid Australian visa. The ETA is the fastest and easiest choice for a temporary visitor visa.
You can use the ETA for multiple types of travel.
Tourism: Sightsee, do tourist activities, visit friends and family, or go on a cruise.
Business: Make business or employment inquiries, negotiate or enter into contracts, conduct activities on official government visits, or attend conferences. The ETA is not a work visa and you cannot earn money in Australia while on an ETA.
No. If the main reason of your travel is to study, then you would need to apply for a student visa instead.
Most applicants will receive a decision about their ETA application instantly. A decision may be delayed if you filled out the form with incorrect information or more information is required.
No, the ETA cannot be extended. If you want to stay in Australia longer, you’ll need to apply for a new visa, like the Subclass 600 tourist stream Visitor Visa.
Since there can be delays in processing, you should apply for your Australian ETA at least four weeks in advance.
Didn’t find the answer to your question here? Reach out to us directly—we’re happy to help.
Not sure the ETA is the right fit for your travel needs? The e-Visa isn’t the only visa option for Australia-bound travelers. There are other visa types available, including Tourist Visas and Business Visas. We can help with those too.
Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an Australia visa. Start your visa application process.
For more information on other aspects of travel to Australia, such as travel restrictions, local laws, and banking, money, and currency , visit our Australia content hub.
