The Australian Electronic Travel Authority ETA program was launched by the Government of Australia in 2008. The main purpose of the electronic visa was to encourage more international travelers to visit the country due to the easy online application process.
As for now, there are two very similar types of Australian visas available online. Depending on your nationality, you will be eligible to apply either for the standard ETA Australia (Subclass 601 Visa) or the eVisitor Australia (subclass 651 Visa). However, the only differences between the two visas are the official names and the lists of eligible nationalities.
Once you have the approved Australian ETA on hand, you may enter Australia for purposes including tourism, leisure, and business. The online visa for Australia allows you to enjoy meeting your relatives abroad and taking part in sightseeing guided tours. However, you may also attend professional training or negotiate contracts with international partners.
The validity period of the authorized Australian ETA is 12 months. It is a multiple-entry visa, so as long as it remains effective, you can organize numerous trips to the country. However, you must remember that a single visit cannot last longer than 90 days (3 months).
You should keep in mind that the Australian visa (the rule applies both to ETA and eVisitor) cannot be treated as a work permit. If you wish to take up paid employment abroad, it is essential to apply in person for a suitable Work Visa.
Below, you will find detailed lists of all the foreign nationals who may obtain an Australian visa online. If they would like to visit the country short-term, there is no need to schedule any appointments at the embassy - they may apply for ETA Australia directly from home.
Nationalities eligible for Australia ETA Visa:
Brunei
Canada
Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea
Malaysia
Taiwan
United States
SingaporeNationalities eligible for Australia eVisitor Visa:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Switzerland
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Germany
Denmark
Estonia
Spain
Finland
France
United Kingdom
Greece
Croatia
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Latvia
Monaco
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
San Marino
Portugal
Sweden
Slovakia
Slovenia
RomaniaBefore proceeding with the Australia ETA application, prepare a device with a stable internet connection. You will also need a working e-mail address. The entire procedure is effortless and uncomplicated, allowing you to complete the registration from home within 15 minutes.
Follow this short step-by-step guide in order to apply for ETA Australia:
Fill in the online application form with information essential for successful visa processing, such as personal data and passport details.
Upload the documents required for processing to the visa application form in a suitable digital format, such as PDF, JPG, or PNG.
Cover the mandatory fee for visa processing using your credit card or one of the available payment services, such as Klarna or PayPal.
You will receive a payment confirmation to your e-mail address immediately after completing the Australian visa application form. The approved Australian visa online will also be delivered to your inbox. However, there is no need to print out your Australia ETA before travel as it will be electronically linked to your passport number.
NOTE!: Before submitting the filled-out form for processing, make sure the questionnaire is free of any spelling mistakes. Similar discrepancies may result in visa delay or denial.
In order to apply for ETA Australia online, you only need one document - it is essential you have a valid passport that will remain in force for at least 6 months from the planned travel.
Keep in mind that the Australian visa online will be valid only if your passport remains effective. When the document expires, it will render your electronic visa invalid as well.
The standard validity period of the ETA Australia (and the Australian eVisitor Visa) is 12 months. During this time, you may enjoy numerous visits to the country as long as they are organized for purposes including tourism or business.
However, you must remember that a single trip to Australia cannot exceed 90 days (3 months). If you fail to obey the visa policy of the country, you may be required to cover a pricey fine or, in extreme cases, face deportation.