Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Australian ETA
General Information
Learn the basics about Australian ETA
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically stored authority that allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. It is electronically linked to your passport and allows multiple entries to Australia for stays of up to 3 months at a time within a 12-month period from the date the ETA is granted.
Who can apply for an ETA?
Passport holders from 34 eligible countries can apply for an ETA. These include countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and most European nations. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when your ETA is granted. Your passport must be valid for the entire period of your intended stay in Australia.
How long does it take to get an ETA?
Most ETA applications are processed instantly or within a few hours. However, some applications may take longer if additional checks are required. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your planned departure to allow sufficient processing time. In rare cases where additional documentation or assessment is needed, processing can take several days.
How long is an ETA valid?
An ETA is valid for 12 months from the date it is granted or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Within the validity period, you can visit Australia multiple times, with each stay lasting up to 3 months. If your passport expires before the 12-month period ends, your ETA will expire with your passport, and you will need to apply for a new ETA with your new passport.
Application Process
Understanding how to apply
What information do I need to provide?
You will need your valid passport, personal details including full name and date of birth, contact information such as email address and phone number, and travel details including your intended dates of travel. You must also declare any criminal convictions, including those that did not result in imprisonment, and any tuberculosis diagnosis in the past 5 years.
Can I include my family in one application?
No, each traveler must have their own ETA, including children and infants. Even if children are included in a parent's passport, they still require an individual ETA application. Each person traveling to Australia needs their own separate application with their own passport details.
What if I have a criminal conviction?
You must declare any criminal convictions when applying for an ETA. This includes convictions that did not result in imprisonment. Depending on the nature and severity of the conviction, your application may be refused. Serious criminal convictions may make you ineligible for an ETA, and you may need to apply for a different type of visa instead.
Do I need to provide supporting documents?
In most cases, you do not need to provide supporting documents when applying for an ETA. The application process is primarily based on the information you provide in the application form. However, if you have declared certain health conditions or criminal convictions, additional documentation may be requested during the assessment process.
Travel and Entry
What you can do with your ETA
What can I do with an ETA?
With an ETA, you can visit Australia for tourism, visiting family and friends, or for business visitor purposes such as attending conferences or meetings. You can also undertake short-term study for up to 3 months. However, you cannot work in Australia or sell goods or services with an ETA.
How long can I stay in Australia?
Each visit to Australia can be for up to 3 months. Within the 12-month validity period of your ETA, you can make multiple trips to Australia, but each individual stay must not exceed 3 months. If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
Do I need to print my ETA?
No, you do not need to print your ETA. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport in the Australian immigration system. Airlines and immigration officials can verify your ETA electronically using your passport information. However, it is recommended to keep a record of your ETA grant number for your own reference.
What if I get a new passport?
If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA. ETAs are electronically linked to the passport number you used when you applied. If your passport changes, your old ETA will no longer be valid, and you must submit a new application with your new passport details before traveling to Australia.
Payment Information
Understanding fees and refunds
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Payments are processed securely through our encrypted payment system. All fees are charged in your local currency at the current exchange rate.
Is my payment secure?
Yes, all payments are processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways that comply with international security standards. We do not store your credit card information on our servers. Your financial information is protected using industry-standard SSL encryption technology.
Can I get a refund if my ETA is refused?
Refunds are subject to our refund policy. Service fees are generally non-refundable as they cover the processing and handling of your application. However, in certain circumstances, partial refunds may be available. Please review our detailed refund policy for specific conditions and eligibility criteria.
Still Have Questions?
Ready to start your Australian adventure? Apply for your ETA now or learn more about the process.