Did you know the Australian government has the same travel authorization system as the United States of America? While the US government offers an ESTA, Australia provides ETA to foreign nationals.
Australia offers both traditional visas and electronic travel authority (ETA) to foreign nationals. Continue reading to learn all about Australian ETA and its processing fee!
Australia ETA - an overview
Let's start with a little introduction: what is actually an ETA?
An ETA is an e-visa designed to make the visa application process simple and convenient. This means you can apply for an ETA from the comfort of your home. No need to visit the Australian embassy or consulate office. No need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview with a consulate officer.
An Australian ETA holders enjoys all the rights of a traditional tourist or business visitor visa holder.
Validity period
An Australian ETA is valid for multiple entries within a 1-year period. It allows a holder to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days. This electronic travel authority can be used for both tourism and business purposes.
Tourists can use an ETA to visit Australia to:
Meet with friends and family members
Spend vacations
Explore the country
Alternatively, a business visitor can use an ETA to enter Australia to:
Meet with business associates
Attend business meetings and conferences
Enroll in a training program
Required documents
As an ETA is an online travel document, you need only a handful of documents to fulfill Australia visa requirements. Three of the most basic things that you need to apply for an ETA include:
Valid passport - you'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity as well as 2 blank pages.
E-mail address - an email address is required to receive an ETA visa. Your email address will be electronically linked to your passport. So, make sure to use an active and valid email address.
Means of payment - applicants are required to pay the embassy fee as well as the ETA processing fee. As this entire process is online, you'll need online payment methods, such as a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
You might need some additional supporting documents depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, such as:
Passport-type photograph
Bank statement
Business invitation letter
Business support letter
Travel itinerary
So, make sure to visit VisaHQ to find out all the visa requirements prior to applying for an Australia ETA! You might have to fulfill some character and health requirements to get your electronic travel authority as well!
Australia ETA cost
The cost of an Australian ETA depends upon your country and service provider. The estimated cost of an Australian ETA visa is $150-$300. This includes both the embassy fee as well as a visa service fee. VisaHQ offers the most reasonable pricing when it comes to Australian ETA!
How to apply for an Australian ETA visa?
Unlike a traditional visa, applying for an Australian ETA is both inexpensive and convenient. No need to visit the Australian embassy. No need to follow complicated steps. You don't even have to schedule a visa interview to apply for an ETA. The best thing about an Australia e-visa is that applicants can apply for it from the comfort of their homes!
The Australian ministry of home affairs allows foreign nationals to apply for an electronic travel authority online. To do so, you can partner up with VisaHQ and follow the following simple steps:
Fill out the ETA application form - First of all, you'll need to fill out an online application form by providing personal details, passport details, contact details, as well as travel plans.
Pay the ETA application fee - next, pay the ETA application fee. As this entire process is online, you'll obviously need online means of payment, such as a credit or debit card.
Submit your application - lastly, submit your visa application form with supporting documents.
Afterward, the Australian embassy will process your application and provide an ETA by email!
Keep in mind that an ETA does not guarantee your entry to the country. The final decision will be made by the immigration department of home affairs! So, make sure to fulfill all the entry requirements before traveling to Australia. It's recommended to get a covid-19 vaccination certificate beforehand to avoid self-isolation.
Processing time
Just like the ETA processing fee, the processing time for an Australian electronic travel authority depends on your nationality as well!
While some applicants can get their ETA within 5-7 business days, others might want to wait for up to 30 business days. Moreover, if there are errors or mistakes in your application, your ETA will more likely be delayed. Therefore, it's recommended to apply for an ETA at least 2-3 weeks prior to the intended departure date!