Do I need an ETA or travel visa for Australia?
Yes, you do if you wish to enter the country for any reason. Foreign nationals are expected to apply for and hold a visa if they want to enter Australia. This page reviews Australia ETA and how to apply for it. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Australia ETA?
ETA stands for an electronic travel authorization, and it is a 601 subclass visa issued for the purposes of tourism and business. Foreign travelers from eligible countries are expected to apply for this document if they wish to visit and stay in Australia for a short time. Only New Zealanders are visa exempt from entering Australia.
The ETA application process is done online, and it is much easier to apply for than other conventional Australian visa. All applicants must do is fill out an online application form, attach the necessary documents to their applications, and pay the application fee. They can submit and wait for the approval.
What The Australia ETA is For?
This travel document is issued to eligible foreign citizens for the following reasons.
Tourism: Australia is a fun country with historic landmarks and fun spots. Every year, visitors from around the world, especially Asia, North America, and Europe, visit Australia to enjoy the continent's natural and social brilliance. If you are from an eligible country, you can also visit to enjoy the scenery.
Family & Friends: Foreign nationals who have family and friends in Australia who are either Australian citizens or permanent residents can visit them in an ETA.
Business: Although the ETA is not a work visa, the holder can use it if they are coming to conduct business or attend a business meeting or conference
Transit: ETA can also be used as a transit visa so the holder can stay in the country for a day or two before continuing their journey to their final destination.
This document can also be used as a shirt term study visa or volunteer work, but any of the above five reasons must be the main reason for visiting the country.
What is ETA Validity?
ETA is valid for 1 year and is not renewable. This means the applicant must wait for an existing one to expire before applying for a new one. The ETA is linked to the holder's passport, and they can visit Australia multiple times as it is a multiple-entry visa. You can stay in Australia for 3 months maximum.
Australian ETA Requirements
To successfully apply for Australia ETA, you need to complete the online ETA form along with the following
Valid Passport: You need a valid passport issued by your home government to apply for an ETA. It must be a Biometric passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Active Email: An active email is required to receive the authorities' ETA once approved. The email should be a valid one provided by the applicant.
A bank credit or debit card is required to pay the visa fee. Ensure that the card contains enough funds to cover the fee and transaction charges.
Health Requirements: Applicants must meet stipulated health requirements like a Covid 19 vaccination certificate or a negative Covid test.
ETA is valid for 1 year and is not renewable. This means the applicant must wait for an existing one to expire before applying for a new one. The ETA is linked to the holder's passport, and they can visit Australia multiple times as it is a multiple-entry visa. You can stay in Australia for 3 months maximum.
List of ETA-approved countries
Only a few countries are eligible for ETA: Canada, Brunei, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the US. European citizens don't qualify for this visa, but the eVisitor visa does. Other countries may apply for other visa types.
Health Conditions
Also note that despite an absence of specific valid visa requirements, the Australian government expects passport holders to be fit and medically sound. They must not harbor any disease or medical condition that will burden the public health sector or present a risk to the public. The application form contains some health-related questions that must be answered truthfully. In some ct, health certificates may be required, like a negative COVID-19 PCR test or a vaccination certificate.
Character Requirements
The applicant must be truthful about their history as requested by the authorities. Applicants who have spent significant period behind bars for crimes committed may be denied an Electronic travel authority.
Did you know you can complete the Australia ETA form in less than 30 minutes? Do I need an Eta or travel visa to enter Australia? Yes, you do. Just log onto VisaHQ to complete the online application form.