1. Overview of the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
The Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), subclass 601, is a visa designed specifically for short-term travelers. It is suitable for those planning to visit Australia for tourism, to see family and friends, or for certain business activities. Applicants can use the ETA for multiple entries into Australia, with each stay lasting up to three months, and the visa is valid for 12 months.
The main purpose of the ETA is to provide a simplified entry authorization. With an ETA, you can visit family or friends, enjoy a holiday in Australia, or engage in limited business activities, all without needing to go through the complex process of a traditional visa application. This allows for easier access to Australia.
Travelers holding passports from Hong Kong and Taiwan can apply for an ETA directly. Additionally, passport holders from certain nationalities, including most European countries, are eligible to apply for an eVisitor visa. Below is a list of countries whose passport holders can apply for an Australian ETA:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong (SAR of China)
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Monaco
Norway
Portugal
Republic of San Marino
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports)
The Netherlands
United Kingdom—British Citizen
United Kingdom—British National (Overseas)
United States of America
Vatican City
However, passport holders from certain countries may not be eligible to apply for an ETA. If you hold multiple passports, you must declare this in your ETA application.*
*For more details, please visit the official website:https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#Eligibility
Fees: A service fee of AUD 20 is required for the Australian ETA application through the official app, with no additional charges beyond this fee.
2. Eligibility and Preparation Before Applying for an ETA
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be a citizen of certain eligible countries. Please refer to the first part of the article for the specific list.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Australia.
You must only intend to stay in Australia temporarily and comply with any visa conditions or stay limits.
You must meet Australia's health requirements, which include not having any diseases that pose a public health risk.
You must meet the character requirements, with no significant criminal records or immigration violations.
If you or any of your family members (including those not applying for a visa with you) owe money to the Australian government, you or they must have repaid or made arrangements to repay it.
Required Documents:
A valid passport (make sure it meets the validity requirement).
A credit card (to pay the application fee).
A valid email address (to receive visa approval notifications and for further communication).
Download the AustralianETA App on your phone: Download the AustralianETA app from the iOS or Android app store.
3. Complete Steps to Apply for an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Step 1: Download the AustralianETA App
Go to the App Store or Google Play, search for and download the AustralianETA application.
Step 2: Select Eligible Passport Nationality
Only passport holders from eligible countries can apply. After confirming, click “Next.”
Step 3: Understand the Purpose of the ETA
The ETA is only for short-term tourism or business travel and cannot be used for work. Click “Next” to continue.
Step 4: Review and Agree to the Application Fee
Read the detailed fees and terms of the ETA application. After reviewing, click “Agree.”
Step 5: Set a Password and Device Binding
Create a password to bind your personal device and ensure the security of the application process.
Step 6: Indicate Whether You Are a Travel Agent
The system will ask if you are applying through a travel agent. If applying independently, select "NO."
Step 7: Add Applicant Information
Click “+ New ETA” to add your personal application details.
Step 8: Agree to the ETA Terms
Read and agree to the terms of the ETA application, then click “Agree.”
Step 9: Provide Passport and Email Information
Enter your passport number and email address to prepare for the submission of information.
Step 10: Scan Passport Information Page
Click "Scan passport" and use your phone’s camera to scan the personal information page of your passport.
Step 11: Read the Passport Chip
Place the passport cover under your phone’s camera to scan the chip embedded in the passport.
Step 12: Confirm Automatically Inputted Information
Verify that the automatically retrieved information from the passport is correct, then click "Confirm."
Step 13: Take a Personal Photo
Take a selfie with your phone, ensuring the photo is clear and meets the requirements.
Step 14: Add Another Passport (if applicable)
If you hold another passport, click “Add another passport” to add the details. If not, click “Next.”
Step 15: Check for Existing Australian Visa
The system will ask if you hold any other valid Australian visa. Answer according to your actual situation.
Step 16: Fill in Personal Information
Complete all personal details for the applicant, including name, date of birth, etc.
Step 17: Provide and Verify Email Address
Enter a valid email address, then click "Verify Email" to send a verification email.
Step 18: Enter the Verification Code
Enter the 6-digit verification code received in the email to complete the email verification.
Step 19: Email Verification Successful
After successful email verification, a checkmark will appear.
Step 20: Confirm Personal Information
Verify all the applicant’s personal details once more. If correct, click "Confirm and save profile."
Step 21: Choose ETA Category
Select the type of ETA visa you are applying for, such as tourist or business.
Step 22: ETA Application Declaration
Read and agree to the ETA application declaration, then click “Next” to continue.
Step 23: Criminal Record Declaration
Honestly declare if you have any criminal record. Answer truthfully based on your situation.
Step 24: Violence Record Declaration
Honestly declare if you have any history of violence. Answer truthfully based on your situation.
Step 25: Provide Australian Contact Address
Enter the contact address for your stay in Australia, such as a hotel or a friend's address.
Step 26: Confirm All Personal Information
Review all information one final time. If everything is correct, click “Next.”
Step 27: Select Payment Payer
Choose the payer for the application fee and click to continue.
Step 28: Select Payment Method
Select your payment method, such as mobile payment or credit card, and complete the payment.
Step 29: Submit the Application
After verifying all details, click "Submit" to complete your application.
Step 30: Notification of Application Results
Upon successful application, you will receive a visa approval notice within approximately 12 hours.
*source from：https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/supporting/files/australian-eta-app-industry-guidance.pdf
4. Waiting for Visa Results
The Australian Department of Home Affairs will inform applicants of their visa results in writing. If your visa is approved, the department will notify you of your visa approval number, the visa's activation date, and any conditions attached to the visa.
5. Important Visa Considerations
1.The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can only be used for visiting family and friends, tourism, or business visits. You can use the ETA to study or train for up to 3 months, but if your primary reason for going to Australia is to study, you should apply for a student visa. ETA holders are not allowed to work in Australia. If you work or intend to work in Australia, your ETA may be canceled, and you may face deportation or denial of entry into Australia.
2.The ETA allows multiple entries. During the validity period, the holder can leave and re-enter Australia multiple times, with each entry allowing a stay of up to 3 months. If you stay in Australia for a long time or visit frequently, the Department of Home Affairs may question the purpose of your travel during your next entry. If it is found that you are not a genuine visitor, your ETA may be canceled.
3. If you and your family members need to apply for an ETA, each family member must submit an individual application. Family members cannot be included in your application. You may also allow friends or family to assist you in applying via the app, but you must be physically present during the application. Authorized travel agents and industry representatives can also use the app to apply for an ETA on your behalf.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to receive the visa after applying for an ETA?
Generally, visas are issued within 12 hours, but it may take longer in some cases.
Q2: What should I do if my application is rejected?
If an error occurs or the application is rejected, it is recommended to double-check the information provided and try again, or explore other visa options in Australia.
Q3: Can I extend the duration of my stay with an ETA?
The ETA cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, it is recommended to apply for another type of visa.
Q4: What is considered a business visitor?
As a business visitor, ETA holders may:
Engage in general business or employment consultations
Investigate, negotiate, sign, or review business contracts
Conduct activities as part of an official government visit
Attend conferences, trade fairs, or seminars
However, business visitors cannot provide services to businesses or organisations based in Australia or directly sell goods or services to the public. Violators may have their ETA cancelled
7. Conclusion: Easily Complete Your ETA Application and Start Your Australian Journey
In summary, applying for Australia's ETA visa is a very convenient process. You can complete the application online in just a few minutes and quickly receive your entry permit. Before your trip, it is recommended to double-check your visa status and related travel documents to ensure all information is accurate, avoiding any unnecessary problems upon entry. This will ensure a smooth and worry-free journey, allowing you to fully enjoy your Australian travel experience.
Alison’s Story
Born in Hong Kong an moved to Australia, I have been associated with real estate all my life. As the plane slowly landed on the runway of Melbourne Airport, my life and career also changed to another runway. I changed from a Hong Kong real estate agent to an Australian real estate agent, and successfully obtained the Australian lawyer qualification.
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