The Australian government provides different types of travel documents to different nationality holders. While you can apply for a traditional paper or stamp visa, Australia also offers an e-visa for US citizens, also known as the Electronic Travel Authority.
While visiting Australia, the most important thing that you need is a visa. In this article, we have provided all the information that you need to know about the Australian visa policy and how to get an ETA.
Australia Visa Options for US Citizens
For different purposes, you can get different types of visas. Currently, Australia offers the following visas to US passport holders:
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Australia has the same travel system as the US. While the united states of America provide ESTA (Electronic System of Travel Authorization), Australia provides ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Just like an ESTA, united states citizens can apply for an ETA from the comfort of their homes.
Currently, Australia offers ETA to 8 different countries, including the US. This means you don’t have to visit the Australian embassy to get a valid visa anymore. You can simply apply for an Australian ETA and visit the country.
Tourist Visa
If you want to enter Australia for tourism but don’t want to apply for an ETA, you'll need to get a tourist visa. Australia offers tourist visas for tourism purposes, such as visiting friends or family members.
Unlike an ETA, you'll need to visit the Australian embassy to get a tourist visa. It is valid for multiple entries and allows one to stay in Australia for 90 consecutive days.
Business Visa
You can apply for an ETA even if you want to visit Australia for business purposes. However, if you are not eligible for an ETA, you can apply for a business visa. Just like a tourist visa, you'll need to visit the Australian consulate to get a travel document for business purposes.
This one is a multiple-entry travel document that stays valid for 1 year. A US citizen is eligible for a business visa if he/she wants to visit Australia to:
Attend a conference
Enroll in a training program
Meet with business associates
Work & Holiday Visa
For US nationals, Australia also offers work and holiday visas. This temporary visa is for young American citizens who want to work and spend holidays in Australia.
Initially, this visa was only available to Canada, Ireland, and UK citizens. However, now US citizens can also get a work and holiday visa to stay in the country for up to 12 months.
Transit Visa
If a US citizen is transiting through Australia without leaving the airport, he/she does not need a transit visa. This is only applicable if you don’t have to clear immigration. Alternatively, if you have to board an onward flight or collect baggage, you'll need to apply for an Australian visa!
ETA Requirements for US Citizens
ETA is undoubtedly the best approach for US citizens. With this travel document, you can enter the country multiple times for both tourism and business purposes. To get an ETA, there are some requirements you must fulfill.
Required Documents
You only need a handful of documents to get an ETA, such as:
An ETA visa application form
A valid passport
An email address
A credit or debit card
Health Requirements
To get an ETA, a US citizen must fulfill some character and health requirements. You need a health declaration document stating you don’t have any diseases that can affect the general public. Plus, you'll need to answer some health-related questions while filling out your online application form.
In some rare cases, you might even be asked to undergo a medical examination and provide health certificates. In addition, it would be best if you get a COVID-19 vaccination certificate beforehand to avoid self-isolation.
Passport Requirements
Not all countries are eligible for an ETA. So, you must use your original passport issued by the united states of America. In case you have dual nationality, you'll need to use your US passport to get an ETA.
In addition, make sure your passport has at least 3 months of validity remaining. Also, the traveler's passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
How to Apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA is a straightforward process. All you need to do is download the Australian ETA application on your smartphone (available on both iOS and Android). Afterward, fill out the visa application form and pay the processing fee.
Depending on your purpose of visit, you might be asked to provide some additional documents. Once you submit all supporting documents along with your visa application form, you'll get an ETA within 3-5 business days.
Your email address will be electronically linked with your passport. On approval, you'll get your ETA visa email! Keep in mind that an ETA does not guarantee your entry; the Australian Immigration Office has the final say!