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ETA means Electronic Travel Authority and it is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia. This might be for you if you want to travel to Australia for holidays, recreation, tourism or informal study. Usually, you do not need to go to an Embassy or Consulate to submit an application and you will not receive a stamp or label in your passport as the ETA replaces these. You will be given a confirmation for your records though. The information in the ETA is accessible by airlines, travel agents and Australian border agencies.
Three types of ETA:
- ETA (Visitor) – it allows for up to three months stay on each visit within a 12-month period from date of grant;
- ETA (Business Entrant – Short Validity) – designed for business people who want to visit Australia for short-term business purposes including attending educational or business related meetings, seminars, conventions, conferences and informal studies or training.
- ETA (Business Entrant – Long Validity) – this is for people who want to travel to Australia for long-term business purposes.
A few facts to remember about ETA Visitor
- Your ETA is linked to the passport number you used in your application so you must use the same passport to travel to Australia.
- A separate ETA is required for each member of your family travelling with you.
- ETA(s) cannot be extended. You have to apply for a different type of visa if you intend to extend your stay.
- There is no visa application charge but you have to pay a service charge of $20.
- ETAs are valid for 12 months from date of grant and you can stay for up to three months on each visit within the validity of the visa.
Who can apply for an ETA
You are eligible to apply for an ETA if you are outside Australia and hold a citizen passport of an ETA eligible country. There are two ways to apply for an ETA:
- You can apply through a travel agent, airline, specialist service provider or an Australian visa office outside Australia;
- You can apply online.
Eligible passports from these countries can apply for an ETA through a travel agent, airline, specialist service provider or an Australian visa office outside Australia:
| Andorra Austria Belgium Brunei Canada Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong (SAR)* Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Liechtenstein Luxembourg |
Malaysia Malta Monaco The Netherlands Norway Portugal Republic of San Marino Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan** United Kingdom – British Citizen United Kingdom – British National (Overseas) United States of America Vatican City |
* A Hong Kong Document of Identity (HKDI) cannot be used to apply for an ETA. Residents of Hong Kong require a citizen passport to apply for this visa.
** Holders of Taiwan passports can only be processed for an ETA if residing and applying in Taiwan. Applications can be lodged with an approved ETA Travel Agent in Taiwan or Australian Visa Services office in Taipei.
Eligible passports from these countries can apply for an ETA online:
Brunei
Canada
Hong Kong (SAR)
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
United States of America
What are the ETA (Visitor) conditions
After you apply for your ETA (Visitor), you have to comply with your ETA conditions while in Australia. Since your intention is to only visit Australia, you must not work. If you breach the conditions of your ETA, it will be cancelled and you may have to leave Australia. The following are the ETA (Visitor) conditions which you have to comply with (Check your individual conditions as the list below is for general reference only):
- You must not work whilst in Australia. Limited volunteer work may be acceptable.
- You must not engage in any studies or training for more than three months.
- If you are at least 11 years of age and you intend to study in a class-room environment for a period greater than four weeks, you may be required to pass a chest x-ray examination before commencing your studies.
- You must be free from tuberculosis at the time of travel to, and entry into, Australia.
- You must not have any criminal convictions, for which the sentence or sentences (whether served or not) are for a total period of 12 months duration or more, at the time of travel to, and entry into, Australia.
How do you Apply for an ETA (Visitor)
If you plan to visit Australia using an ETA, you have to apply at least two weeks before your proposed date of travel. You have to check the website of the Australian Embassy in the country where you intend to lodge your application because they may request additional local requirements from you. As previously discussed, you may apply for an ETA (Visitor) online, through a travel agent, airline or specialist service provider or at an Australian visa office near you.
If your ETA is granted, you will be given a confirmation for your records. If it is not approved, you will be advised to go to an Australian Embassy to discuss your visa options for your travel to Australia.
