If you are planning to visit Australia, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), formally known as the Subclass 601 Visa, is the required authorization for short-term stays. For U.S. citizens, the Australia ETA provides a simplified, electronic way to gain permission to travel to Australia for tourism or business.
The Australia ETA is not a visa; it’s an official travel authorization issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Once approved, the Australia ETA is electronically linked to your US passport, allows multiple entries over a year, and is essential for entry. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to obtain your Australia ETA quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the Australia ETA?
- Do I Need an Australia ETA?
- ETA Features: Validity and Stay Limits
- Applying for Your ETA: App Only
- The Official Australia ETA Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the ETA: Other Australia Entry Requirements
- Australia ETA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Australia ETA?
The Australia ETA (Subclass 601) is an electronically stored travel authorization, not a visa. It is a required permit for citizens of eligible countries, including the U.S., allowing multiple short visits to Australia.
Do I Need an Australia ETA?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need an ETA to enter Australia for short-term tourism or business activities.
You must get an ETA if your purpose is:
- To visit Australia for tourism, visiting family/friends, or on a vacation.
- To engage in short-term business visitor activities (e.g., meetings, conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations, etc.).
- To undertake a short course of study or training for a maximum of 3 months.
Note: The Australia ETA is not valid for work or employment purposes and cannot be used for stays longer than three months per visit.
ETA Features: Validity and Stay Limits
The ETA provides flexible entry options for frequent travelers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee: | AUD $20 Service Fee (Approx. $12.97 USD - No Visa Application Charge). |
| Validity Period: | 12 months from the date of issue (or until your passport expires, whichever is shorter). |
| Entries & Uses: | Multiple entries allowed during the validity period. Up to 3 months (90 days) per visit. |
Applying for Your ETA: App Only
The Australian government severely restricts how ETA (Subclass 601) can be applied.
- Mandatory Channel: The ETA application is only available via the official Australian ETA mobile app (available on Apple and Android stores). Applications via the standard government website are not possible for U.S. citizens.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified process and expert guidance, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the documentation and eligibility review, helping to prevent common errors that could delay processing. You also get 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and the ability to manage documents for other destinations.
The Official Australia ETA Process: A 3-Step Guide
The ETA process is optimized for mobile devices, often resulting in near-instant approval.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing Time (Standard): | Instantly (within minutes) for most applications. Allow up to 72 hours if flagged for manual review. |
| Use: | The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print anything. |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport. (Must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Australia. It is highly recommended to always travel with at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport.)
- The official Australian ETA mobile app, downloaded to a device with a camera and NFC capability.
- A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) for the AUD $20 ($12.97 USD) service fee.
Step 2: Complete the Application via the App
- Open the app and begin a new ETA request.
- Scan your passport using the app to pre-fill your passport details.
- Take a photo of yourself using your device's camera.
- Answer the eligibility questions, including those related to criminal convictions and health history.
Step 3: Pay and Receive Your Authorization
- Pay the non-refundable AUD $20 ($12.97 USD) service fee.
- Submit your application.
- Confirmation: You will receive the decision via email, and the ETA will be automatically linked to the passport you used to apply. Check the status through the app or the government's VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system.
Beyond the ETA: Other Australia Entry Requirements
The ETA grants you the right to travel, but final entry remains at the discretion of the Australian Border Force. An approved ETA does not guarantee entry into Australia. Australian Border Force officers retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay (Follow the 6-month validity rule).
- Proof of Onward Travel: A confirmed return or onward ticket (required to prove you intend to leave Australia).
- Compliance: You must not have criminal convictions where you served 12 months or more in prison. If you do, you should apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead.
Note on Visa Extension: The Australia ETA cannot be extended while you are in Australia. If you wish to stay longer than 3 months, you must apply for a different visa (such as the Visitor Visa Subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
Australia ETA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, the ETA (Subclass 601) is not a visa. It is an electronic permit for foreign travelers from eligible countries, permitting them to enter Australia for short stays.
No. For eligible passports, including the U.S., the ETA is only available via the official Australian ETA mobile app. You cannot apply through a website.
Most applicants receive instant approval (within minutes). If your application is flagged for manual processing (e.g., due to a criminal declaration), it may take up to 72 hours.
You can stay up to 3 months (90 days) on each entry. The ETA itself is valid for 12 months for multiple visits.
If you renew your passport after your ETA is granted, you must apply for a new Australia ETA and pay the service fee again, as the authorization is electronically linked to your old passport number.
Apply for your Australia ETA quickly and securely with iVisa today! Let iVisa help you navigate the process and ensure your documents meet all mobile app requirements.
