Australia ETA Requirements and Application Information
The ETA is electronically linked to your passport and is designed for eligible travelers visiting Australia for tourism, family visits, cruises, or permitted business visitor activities.
You must apply through the Australian Government’s Australian ETA app. Visit the official Department of Home Affairs website for eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Disclaimer: VisaSyst does not offer Australia ETA application or processing services. VisaSyst is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with the Australian Government.
Apply for an Australia eVisitor with VisaSyst
Although we don’t offer the ETA, we do offer application assistance for the Australia eVisitor visa (Subclass 651). This visa is available to eligible European passport holders.
Check our Australia eVisitor page to see whether you qualify and learn how to apply.
What Is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia?
The Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) is an Australian visa that is granted electronically and linked to the passport used in the application. It allows eligible travelers to visit Australia multiple times during its validity period, with stays of up to 3 months per entry.
You can use an Australia ETA to:
- Visit family or friends
- Visit for a holiday or cruise
- Review a business contract
- Make general business enquiries
- Participate in an official government visit
- Attend a conference, trade fair, or seminar
- Study or undertake training for up to 3 months
Important: You cannot work for or provide services to an Australian business or organization, and you cannot sell goods or services directly to the public. If you intend to work in Australia, you need a visa that specifically allows employment.
How long is the Australia ETA valid for?
An Australia ETA is valid for travel for 12 months from the date it’s granted or until your passport expires, whichever happens first.
During the validity period, you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as needed. Each individual visit can last up to 3 months.
Eligible Countries for the Australia ETA (Subclass 601)
To qualify for an Australia ETA, you must hold a valid passport from an ETA-eligible country:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Norway
- Portugal
- Republic of San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Vatican City
*United Kingdom — British Citizen *United Kingdom— British National (Overseas)
If you have more than one passport, you must declare your other passports in the ETA application. You must travel to Australia using the same passport to which your ETA is electronically linked.
Requirements and Documents to Apply for the Australia ETA
You must have the following ready:
- Eligible passport
- Mobile device with a camera and near-field communication (NFC)
- Location services enabled on your device
- Email address
- Valid payment method
The Australian ETA app uses your device to scan your passport and take a live photo of yourself. Once you have everything ready, you can start your application through the app.
Health and character requirements
You must meet Australia's health and character requirements. The Department of Home Affairs specifically advises that if you have a criminal conviction in any country, you should apply for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) instead and provide information about the conviction.
Always answer health, identity, passport, and character questions truthfully. Incorrect information can cause delays or lead to an ETA being cancelled.
How to Apply for the Australia ETA
1. Apply through the Austrslian ETA appDownload the Australian ETA app using the links on the official government website. Scan your passport, take a live photo, and complete the required personal, contact, and eligibility details.
2. Make your paymentPay the Australian ETA app’s service charge securely online using an accepted payment method.
3. Receive your ETA confirmationOnce your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive confirmation by email. Your ETA will be electronically linked to your passport.
FAQs About the Australia ETA
How long does it take to process an ETA for Australia?
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In most cases, the Australian Government provides a decision immediately after you submit your application through the Australian ETA app.
Processing may take longer if further information is required or your application is incomplete.
Can I work in Australia with an ETA?
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No. The Australia ETA is intended for tourism, family visits, and certain unpaid business visitor activities such as meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations.
You cannot use an ETA to work for an Australian business or provide paid services in Australia. If you plan to work, you’ll need a visa that permits employment.
What happens if I renew my passport after obtaining an ETA?
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Your Australia ETA is electronically linked to the passport used in your application. If that passport expires, is lost, or is replaced, the ETA linked to it is no longer valid for the new passport.
You’ll need to apply for a new ETA using your new passport before traveling to Australia.
Can I apply for an Australia ETA while already in Australia?
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No. You must be outside Australia when you apply for the ETA.
You must also be outside Australia when the ETA is granted. If you’re already in Australia, you may need to check whether another visa option is available for your situation.
Do children need their own Australia ETA?
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Yes. Each ETA-eligible passport holder needs their own travel authorization, including children.
Each application is linked to that traveler’s passport.
What if I have a criminal conviction?
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If you have a criminal conviction in any country, the Department of Home Affairs advises applying for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) instead of an ETA and providing information about your conviction.
You must answer all character questions truthfully. Australian authorities may request additional documents, such as police certificates, when assessing whether you meet the character requirements.
Can I use an Australia ETA for a cruise?
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Yes. An ETA can be used to travel to Australia for a holiday or cruise, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and comply with the conditions of the visa.
Make sure your ETA has been granted before traveling. Having submitted an application does not by itself give you permission to enter Australia.