Australia ETA: Frequently asked questions

Planning an Aussie adventure? An Australia ETA might be right for you.

If you're considering a brief visit to Australia, whether for tourism or business, obtaining an Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) could be what you need. Familiarizing yourself with the ETA details can make a seemingly complicated process easier to understand.

We're here to help by answering some of the frequently asked questions about the ETA. Let’s get started.

Frequently asked questions about the Australia ETA

1. What is an Australia ETA?

The Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is a digital authorization required for short-term visitors to Australia. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport and simplifies the entry process by eliminating the need for paper-based applications.

2. Who needs an Australia ETA?

Travelers from certain countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, need an ETA to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. The ETA is available to citizens from these eligible countries who plan to stay for short periods. For the most up-to-date list of eligible countries, please visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

3. What are the conditions of an Australia ETA?

The conditions include:

• You cannot work or engage in any paid activities on an ETA.

• Studying or training for more than three months is not allowed.

• You must meet the character requirements and not have any criminal convictions that resulted in a combined sentence of 12 months or more (regardless of whether the sentence was served).

• You should be free from tuberculosis and not pose a threat to public health​.

4. How long is an Australia ETA valid?

An ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple entries into Australia, each lasting up to three months​​.

5. Can I extend an Australia ETA?

No, you cannot extend an Australia ETA once it's granted. If you wish to stay longer in Australia beyond the permitted three months under an ETA, you must apply for a different type of visa that suits your extended stay needs before your current ETA expires.

6. How much is an Australia ETA?

The cost of an Australia ETA is generally around $20 AUD, which is approximately USD$14. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved.

7. How do I apply for an Australia ETA?

• Through iVisa: Visit our website or download the [iVisa app] for a simplified application process with better chances of approval.

• Through the official government app: Download the Australian ETA app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

8. What are the requirements for applying for an Australia ETA?

• A passport which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into Australia.

• A national ID.

• A payment method for the service fee.

• A valid email address to receive notifications about your ETA application.

If you’re requested to provide more information, you’ll need to provide additional documents to support your application, like recent bank statements or evidence that you have reasons to return to your home country.

9. How long does it take to process an Australia ETA?

The standard processing time for an Australia ETA can take 1 to 3 business days. When you use our service, you can choose from three processing timeframes:

• Standard Processing takes about 2 days.

• Rush Processing delivers the ETA within 12 hours.

• Super Rush Processing ensures you get your ETA in as little as 6 hours.

10. Can my Australia ETA application be denied?

Yes, an ETA application can be denied. Common reasons include having criminal convictions, providing incorrect information, or failing to meet health requirements. If your application is denied, we advise looking into other visa options that may be more suitable for your situation.

11. What should I do if my ETA application is delayed?

If we encounter delays, we’ll email you as soon as possible. In rare instances, delays can occur due to government processes or workload. We recommend applying for your visa as early as possible to avoid issues.

Get support for your Australia ETA application

If you've got more questions about applying for an Australia ETA, you can get in touch with our customer support team. Contact them any time via WhatsApp or through the iVisa chat.