The Australian government offers different types of travel documents for different purposes. While some foreign nationals enjoy visa exemption, others must obtain a travel document to enter Australia. You can get a traditional visa or an electronic visa, depending on the length of your stay!
Getting an e-visa is definitely a better option than applying for a traditional one. This is because you can apply for an e-visa online. You don’t need to visit the Australian embassy or schedule an interview; all you need to do is visit VisaHQ and apply online for your visa!
Types of Australia e-Visa
Australia offers different types of e-visas for different nationality holders, such as:
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Did you know Australia and the US have the same visa authorization system? Both countries have started the visa waiver program, allowing citizens to enter the country without applying for a visa beforehand. All you need to do is apply for an ETA!
While the US has ESTA (electronic system of travel authorization), Australia offers an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). Australian ETA stays valid for 1 year. It is a multiple entry visa that allows a holder to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days.
eVisitor Visa
Not all countries are eligible for an Australian ETA. If you are not eligible for an ETA, you can always apply for an Australian eVisitor visa. This one is an electronic document that allows a holder to enter Australia whenever necessary!
While only 8 countries are eligible for Australian ETA, citizens of more than 40 countries can apply for an eVisitor visa. It is also a multiple entry visa that allows a holder to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days!
How to Apply for an Australia Online Visa?
Applying for an Australian e-visa is a straightforward process. You don’t need to visit the Australian embassy located in your country or schedule a visa interview. Foreign nationals can apply for this visa from the comfort of their home.
Visa requirements for an Australian electronic visa are different for different countries. So, make sure to check out the e-visa requirements for your country before applying for a travel document. To do so, you can visit VisaHQ and find out all the required documents that you need to apply for an e-visa.
If you want to get an ETA, you can download the Australian ETA application. This application is available on both Android and iOS. Alternatively, if you want to apply for an Australian eVisitor visa, you can partner up with VisaHQ. To get an Australia tourist visa online, all you need to do is follow 3 simple steps:
Fill out the visa application form
Pay the visa processing fee
Submit your online form with supporting documents
That's it! You can complete this entire process in a few minutes. On approval, applicants will get their e-visa via email. Keep in mind that e-visa does not guarantee your entry; the immigration officials have the final say!
Required Documents
To get your e-visa, you'll need a few documents. 3 of the most basic documents that applicants require are:
Valid Passport - You must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity period remaining. Also, make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages left for stamps.
E-mail Address - Your email address will be electronically linked to your passport. On approval, you'll get your eVisitor visa or ETA via email!
Means of Payment - Foreign passport holders are required to pay embassy fees and visa service fees using an online payment option, such as a debit card or credit card.
Depending on your purpose of visit, you might need some additional documents to get your Australian e-visa, such as a business invitation letter, personal invitation, health insurance, health declaration form, and COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
A Visa application form is the most important thing you need to apply for an e-visa. Whether you are applying for an ETA or an eVisitor visa, you'll need to fill out the visa application form. To complete your application process, you'll need to provide personal information, passport details, travel information, and contact details, such as:
Full name
Place of birth
Date of birth
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry date
Phone number
Email address
Travel dates
Processing Time
On average, applicants can get their Australian e-visa within 3-5 business days. However, due to high demand and secondary checks, you might need to wait a little longer to apply for an e-visa.
In addition, if there are issues with your e-visa application form, your e-visa will more likely be delayed or denied. Therefore, it's recommended to apply for an Australian e-visa at least 2 weeks prior to the actual departure date!