There is a lot of misconception regarding the Australian electronic travel authorization (eta) due to limited or wrong information. Is the Australia eta free? Many applicants want to know before they fill out and submit the application form, and we explain more below.
Is The Australia ETA Free: All You Need To know
The Australian eta visa doesn’t attract a visa application charge; however, you still have to pay a token for its submission, which never exceeds a few dollars. This is why the eta is one of the easiest travel visas to apply for.
Australia ETA issued by the Australian government is not a visa per se, even though it serves as a permit that grants foreigners access to Australia. Applicants don’t have to visit the Australian embassy in their countries or deal with any middleman to apply for the ETA. The process is online, so you can complete it at home with your smartphone or computer as long as it is connected to the internet.
Before starting the registration, you only need to keep your documents close so you can scan and upload them when necessary.
Here are some of the things you can do with an Australian ETA
Visit Family & Friends: You can visit family and friends in Australia using the ETA. They may be Australian citizens or permanent residents, but it doesn’t matter as long as they have legal status to stay in the country and invite you over.
Cruise or Holiday. Australia has a thriving cruise subsector as part of its tourism industry that attracts locals and foreign nationals to its shores. Most cruise adventures take a few days, but you need a permit to enjoy the service even if you only stay aboard a ship in Australian waters for a short time. You can also use the eta to enter Australia to spend your holiday. The documents give you access to any part of the country you wish to visit.
Undertake Business Activity: You can also visit Australia to undertake business activities like attending meetings, striking deals with Australian suppliers, or attending events or conferences.
Australia ETA is not a visa per se, even though it serves as a permit that grants foreigners access to Australia. Applicants don’t have to visit the Australian embassy in their countries or deal with any middleman to apply for the ETA. The process is online, so you can complete it at home with your smartphone or computer as long as it is connected to the internet.
Australia ETA Eligibility
Before applying for ETA, you must be sure you are eligible for it. Only citizens of selected countries are eligible for this document; if you are not from an eligible country, you may opt for any other valid visa open to applicants from your country.
Besides the above, you need the following.
Passport
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity. Passport holders must scan and upload the passport date page showing your details and pictures clearly. Only passports that governments of eligible countries issue will be accepted. Also, note that the passport has to be a Biometric passport with an internal chip.
Photo
You need a clear photo of yourself showing your face clearly. Avoid wearing jewelry or headgear that will change your looks so immigration officers can easily identify you when you arrive in Australia.
Email Address
A valid email address must be provided in the application form. Should your ETA application be approved, the authorities will mail it to the email address you provide. Always check your inbox regularly for the ETA.
Bank Card
A bank-issued debit or credit card is required if a visa fee is required, as it cannot be paid with cash.
Invitation Letter
If you have been invited to Australia by family or friends, you need to present a scanned copy of the invitation letter sent to you. The letter must contain your name, their names and contact address as well the purpose for your trip.
Australia ETA Processing Time and Validity
The Australian electronic travel authorization is valid for one year from the date of approval and has different processing times. The processing time is 16 days, 39 days, 63 days, or 4 months. The standard processing time is 16 working days, but due to COVID-19 disruptions, delays may extend the processing time beyond 16 working days.
This is why it is advisable to apply for the ETA a few weeks before you plan to make the trip to avoid administrative delays.
Applicants must be outside Australia to apply for the ETA, not while they are within its borders. Also, note that the ETA is linked to your biometric passport and will expire if your passport expires.
Is the Australia eta free? There are no processing fees, but you may be asked to pay a small application charge.