The system under ETA or electronic travel authority was set up in 1996 to authorize international travelers with a visa that’s electronically linked to their respective passports.
When checking in for your flight, the authorities can confirm electronically if you are allowed to board the flight. ETA visa is valid for short term stays in the country, whether for business or tourism.
Since it is not a work visa, you can check online visa services to not only apply but also find the right type of visa for your visit. Here is the complete information to help you out.
What Makes ETA Different from Other Visas?
The Australian tourist visa or ETA allows you to stay in the country for three months per arrival within 12 months from the visa approval date. This visa differs from traditional visas in many ways.
- There is no application form or visa stamp affixed on your passport.
- The visa is provided to passport holders from specified nations or regions only.
- You can apply for ETA only if you are from outside Australia.
- To apply, you need your passport and passport number to which the visa will be linked. In case your passport gets replaced, stolen, or lost, you have to reapply for ETA.
Who’s Eligible for an ETA Visa to Australia?
If you want to apply online for ETA, you must be eligible and meet the guidelines specified by the Australian government. Currently, it allows citizens from nearly 50 countries to apply for ETA.
So, if you are from the eligible country, you need to show your valid passport to apply for this visa. Other conditions are:
- Intention to stay in Australia for not more than three months for every entry.
- The purpose of visiting Australia is business or tourism.
- You can’t apply to be employed by a company in Australia.
- It requires travelers to be in good medical condition and have no convicted criminal cases against them.
The Process to Apply for ETA
Before you use online visa services to apply for ETA, understand that this visa is allowed only for short-term stays in the country. You need a valid passport, credit card, and email address to complete your online application process.
Provide every detail with caution to match the information in your passport. Always use the passport linked to the online application at the time of travel.
After providing passport and travel details on the online application form, pay the visa fees to initiate the process. It links the application to your passport number, and you can track your ETA status through the same online portal. Make sure to select the right type of visa category when applying.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for ETA?
When applying for an ETA visa to Australia, you have to provide some necessary documents like:
- A scan of the information page on your passport
- A passport that’s valid for at least three months after the expiry of your visa
- An email address to receive visa-related information
- Credit card/ debit card or PayPal account to make payments
After completing this application process and obtaining your ETA visa, you can enjoy your stay for a maximum of three months and make the most of your visit to Australia.