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If you're planning a trip to Australia, you'll need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) in advance. The ETA is an electronically stored authority equivalent to a visa, linked to your passport number, and it allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. It's important to plan ahead, as some applicants may be asked to provide additional information, which can delay the process. So, how soon should you apply for an ETA for Australia?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application channel | Australian ETA app |
| Application cost | AUD 40 |
| Passport validity | ETA is valid for the shorter of 1 year or the life of the passport |
| Maximum stay | 3 months |
| Maximum number of visits | Multiple |
| Time taken for approval | Instantaneous to a few minutes |
| Documents required | Passport, credit or debit card, email address |
| Additional documents | Form 1554: ETA request for further processing |
| Other requirements | Applicant must be outside of Australia |
| Application time | Apply at least 4 weeks in advance |
| Official sources | Department of Home Affairs |
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What You'll Learn
The ETA application process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before starting your application, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for an ETA. The ETA is available for eligible passport holders who wish to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. It is important to note that the ETA is not designed for those seeking extended stays or work opportunities in Australia.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Several documents are necessary for your ETA application. These include a valid passport, Form 1554: ETA request for further processing, and other supporting documents. Ensure that your passport has not changed since you will need to apply for a new ETA if it has. Gather all the required documents before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Download the Australian ETA App
The Australian ETA App is the official channel for submitting your ETA application. The app is available for download on Apple or Android devices. Each applicant must use the app to lodge their application.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Open the Australian ETA App and carefully fill out the application form. Provide as much information as possible and ensure that all details are correct and accurate. Incomplete or incorrect information may delay or result in the refusal of your application. Attach the required documents, including Form 1554 and your passport biodata page.
Step 5: Submit the Application and Wait for Notification
After completing the application form and attaching all necessary documents, submit your ETA application through the app. You will then need to wait for a notification regarding the status of your application. This notification may arrive within up to 12 hours after applying and will be sent to your email, so be sure to check your inbox, including your junk or spam folders.
Step 6: Provide Additional Information if Requested
In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide further information or documentation. If you receive a request for additional details, follow the directions provided and submit the required information as soon as possible. Do not delay in responding to such requests.
Step 7: Check Your Application Status
You can check the status of your ETA application by logging into your ImmiAccount or using the "Check an ETA" function in the Australian ETA App. This will allow you to see if your application has been approved, refused, or if further action is needed.
It is recommended to apply for your ETA at least four weeks in advance of your intended travel date to Australia. Additionally, avoid finalizing any travel arrangements or commitments until you have received confirmation of your ETA approval.
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How long does it take to get an ETA?
The time it takes to get an ETA for Australia depends on several factors, including the completeness of your application, your nationality, and whether you are asked to provide additional information. Here is a detailed overview:
Application Completeness
It is crucial to ensure that your ETA application is complete and accurate. Submitting an incomplete or incorrect application may result in delays or even refusal. Therefore, it is advisable to provide as much information as possible and follow the directions carefully when filling out the online form.
Processing Time
The processing time for an ETA application can vary. In some cases, individuals have reported receiving instantaneous approval. Others have mentioned that it took around 4-5 minutes for their application to be approved. However, it is recommended to apply early and at least four weeks in advance of your intended travel date. This buffer allows for any unexpected issues and ensures that you receive your ETA before finalising your travel arrangements.
Additional Information Requests
In certain cases, applicants may be asked to provide further information or documentation. This additional step can impact the overall processing time. It is important to respond to such requests as soon as possible and follow the provided instructions carefully.
Nationality
The processing time may also depend on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Japan, are eligible to apply for an ETA for short visits to Australia. However, the specific requirements and processing times may vary based on your country of origin.
Passport Validity
To obtain an ETA, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended entry date into Australia. Additionally, the ETA will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your passport meets the validity requirements before applying for an ETA.
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What are the requirements?
To apply for an ETA for Australia, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a passport holder from an eligible country.
- You must be visiting Australia for tourism or business purposes.
- Your intended stay in Australia must not exceed three months per visit.
- Your total stay in Australia must not exceed 12 months.
- You must not work in Australia during your stay.
- You must have a valid passport.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Australia.
- You must provide a copy of your passport biodata page.
- You must complete Form 1554: ETA request for further processing.
- You must provide all other supporting documents as requested.
- You must apply at least four weeks in advance of your intended travel date.
- You must have a valid credit card to pay the service fee.
- You must have a device that can download and access the Australian ETA app.
- You must have access to the internet to complete the application and receive notifications.
- You must be in good health and may be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on your visa type, length of stay, and intended activities in Australia.
- If you have a criminal record, you may need to provide additional information or apply for a different type of visa.
- You must have valid health insurance that provides coverage in Australia.
- If you are travelling with prescription medication, you must ensure that it is legal in Australia and carry it in its original packaging with your doctor's prescription.
- You must be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.
- You must be aware of Australia's natural disaster risks, dangerous fauna, and other safety considerations.
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How much does it cost?
The cost of an Australian ETA depends on your nationality, country of residence, and the type of ETA you are applying for.
If you are a British citizen, you can obtain an eVisitor visa or an ETA. There is no visa application charge for the eVisitor visa, but there may be a service fee. For the ETA, there is no visa application charge, but there may be a service fee if you apply through a third-party service. The Australian government website does not charge any fees for eVisitor visa applications, but you will also not benefit from the additional services offered by third-party service providers, such as checking and validating your file before it is transferred.
The ETA costs an average of €60 to €80, including processing fees, while the average cost of a standard tourist visa is AUD 190 (€120).
If you are applying for a work visa, the price varies according to the type of work and the length of stay in Australia. For example, the Skilled Work Visa price varies according to the qualification of the worker and the occupation, while the Temporary Work Visa price depends on the length of stay and the occupation. The Skilled Independent Visa costs AUD 4,000 (€2,400), and the Skilled Regional Visa costs AUD 3,600 (€2,160). The Seasonal Worker Visa costs AUD 2,000 (€1,200).
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Where to apply
To apply for an ETA to Australia, you must use the Australian ETA app. This is the only available method to apply for an ETA. The app is available on Apple or Android.
If you are applying from the US, you can also refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department's requirements. The Digital Assistant on the website can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry.
If you are unable to find the information you need, you can telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm your local time. If you are calling from outside Australia, your call may be subject to international call charges. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid these charges. When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage an interpreter in your language.
Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs on behalf of travellers. However, be aware that some websites and agents are not official Department-approved platforms for making an ETA application. To protect yourself from visa scams, you should only deal with reputable travel agents or official Australian Government channels.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you apply for an ETA at least 4 weeks in advance. Some applicants may be asked to provide further information, so it is best to apply early and well before your intended date of travel.
The processing time for an ETA for Australia varies. Some people have reported instantaneous approval, while others have had to wait longer. It is important to note that you should not book flights or make travel commitments until you have a valid ETA or visa to travel to Australia.
You can apply for an ETA for Australia through the Australian ETA app or through official Australian Government channels via the Department of Home Affairs website.
