A visa for Australia, stored electronically - not stamped or placed in a passport.
Types of ETA:
-
VISITOR
Valid 12 months for multiple stays of 3 months max each visit. -
BUSINESS SHORT
Valid for up to 3 months on each visit within a 12 month period. -
BUSINESS LONG
Valid for up to 3 months per visit for the life of the passport.
All visitors to Australia require a valid visa except for citizens of Australia and New Zealand.
The ETA is allowed for citizens of the following 32 countries - Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States Of America, Vatican City.
How you get your Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Department of Immigration And Citizenship (DIAC), Australia - You can apply online which is a bit cheaper than at the airport with the airlines.
Through your travel agency.
At the airport / with the airline.
When should you get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
From the DIAC site - "Your ETA is valid for travel to Australia for 12 months from the date it is granted or less if your passport is valid for less than 12 months. You can apply for an ETA at any time and, provided you arrive in Australia within the ETA validity period and you have the same passport you used to apply for the ETA..." Essentially, close to your departure date is better as the ETA is valid from the day you apply.
How much does an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) cost
When you apply through the Australian government site it is AUS $20.00 (approx $17 USD) for a visitor or business-short visa.
Through a travel agent or the airline it will be a bit more for a visitor or business-short visa - usually around the $25 (USD or CAD) mark. It's now much rarer for an airline to set up an ETA for free.
A business-long visa is about $80-$100 when you include fees that the airlines assess.
Problems getting an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Australian Embassy / Consulate / High Commission - Washington 202 797 3000, Los Angeles 310 229 4800, Ottawa, On 613 783 7665.
