Travel topic · Transport
Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): how to apply
If you hold a passport from an eligible country and are visiting Australia for tourism or business for up to 3 months per visit, apply online via the official Australian ETA app. It costs about AUD 20, processing time varies (often minutes but can take days), so apply well ahead; do not use third‑party sites that charge extra.
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Applies to
Who needs the Australian ETA, what it costs, how long it takes, and the exact steps to apply on the official app — plus what changes if you are from the UK, US, Ireland or New Zealand.
Key facts
- Who needs it
- Passport holders from countries on the Australian ETA eligibility list (e.g., UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, most EU nations) for tourism or business visits up to 3 months per entry
- Costcheck
- AUD 20 (about USD 13) when applying through the official Australian ETA app
- Processing timecheck
- Often instant, but can take up to a few days; travellers should apply well ahead of departure
- Validity
- 12 months from approval, multiple entries, each stay up to 3 months
- How to apply
- Official Australian ETA app (iOS/Android) only; the government website provides guidance but does not host the application form
- Passport neededcheck
- A valid e‑passport (chip) from an eligible country
- Not for
- Work, study, or long‑term stays – those require a different visa
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Short answer
The Australian ETA is an electronic travel authority that lets you visit Australia for tourism or business for up to 3 months per entry, with multiple entries allowed over a 12‑month validity period. It is linked electronically to your passport number, not stamped in your passport.
You apply online using the official Australian ETA app (iOS and Android). The fee is AUD 20 (about USD 13) when you apply directly. Approval is often instant but can take a few days, so apply well ahead of your flight.
Do not use third‑party websites that charge extra fees or request unnecessary personal data. The official app and guidance are the only sources you need.
Do
- Use only the official ETA app or the Home Affairs guidance page; third‑party sites add cost and risk.
- Have your e‑passport and a credit/debit card ready before starting the application.
Watch out
- If your passport country is not on the ETA eligibility list, you need a different visa – check the official list.
SeePlan your trip to Australia Travel topics: visas, money, health, transport and planning
Who needs it
The ETA is for passport holders from countries that have an arrangement with Australia for short visits. This includes the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and most European Union countries, among others. The full list is on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
You must hold a valid e‑passport (chip) from an eligible country. If your passport does not have a chip, or your country is not on the list, you cannot use the ETA and must apply for a different visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600).
The ETA covers tourism and business visitor activities, such as meetings and conferences. It does not allow work, study, or stays longer than 3 months per visit.
| Passport holder | ETA eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Yes | Apply via official app |
| Japan | Yes | Apply via official app |
| South Korea | Yes | Apply via official app |
| Singapore | Yes | Apply via official app |
| Malaysia | Yes | Apply via official app |
| Most EU countries | Yes | Check the full list on the Home Affairs site |
| United States | Check | Not on ETA list; use Visitor visa if needed |
| Canada | Check | Not on ETA list; use Visitor visa if needed |
| Other countries | Check | May need Visitor visa or another subclass |
Eligibility can change; always confirm on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Show 7 sectionsHideCost and how long it takes, Step‑by‑step: how to apply, Exceptions and special cases, ETA vs other Australian visas, FAQ, Questions people ask, Related
Cost and how long it takes
The official fee for an ETA is AUD 20 (about USD 13). This is the only fee you pay when you apply directly through the Australian ETA app. Third‑party sites may charge more, sometimes USD 50 or more, for the same service.
Processing is often instant, but it can take up to a few days in some cases. The Australian government advises applying well ahead of travel to allow for any delays.
The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. During that time you can enter Australia multiple times, with each stay limited to up to 3 months.
Do
- Apply well ahead of your departure, even though many approvals are instant.
- Save a screenshot or PDF of your ETA approval email – some airlines may request it at check‑in.
Watch out
- Using a third‑party site can add cost and does not speed up processing. Stick to the official app.
Step‑by‑step: how to apply
The application is completed entirely online via the official Australian ETA app. No embassy visit is required.
1. Download the official Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app, create an account or log in.
3. Scan or manually enter your passport’s machine‑readable zone (MRZ) and personal details.
4. Answer the health and character questions honestly.
5. Pay the AUD 20 fee with a credit or debit card.
6. Submit the application and wait for the decision, which is usually emailed within minutes but can take a few days.
| Step | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download the official ETA app | 5 min |
| 2 | Create an account / log in | 5 min |
| 3 | Enter passport and personal details | 10 min |
| 4 | Answer health and character questions | 5 min |
| 5 | Pay AUD 20 | 2 min |
| 6 | Submit and await approval | Minutes to days |
Overall, the process usually takes under 30 minutes.
Exceptions and special cases
New Zealand citizens do not need an ETA; they enter Australia on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) granted on arrival.
If your passport country is not on the ETA list, you should use the official Australian visa finder tool to identify the correct visa (often Visitor visa subclass 600). The required visa type depends on your passport and travel purpose.
Applicants with a criminal record, health issues, or previous visa refusals may be refused an ETA and will need to apply for a Visitor visa instead, which involves a more detailed assessment.
Children and infants need their own ETA, even if travelling on a parent’s passport. Each traveller must have a separate ETA linked to their own passport.
Watch out
- New Zealand citizens: you do not need an ETA, but you must still meet health and character requirements for the Special Category Visa.
ETA vs other Australian visas
The ETA is the simplest option for short visits. It is cheap, fast, and valid for 12 months with multiple entries, each stay up to 3 months. The main alternative is the Visitor visa (subclass 600), which is for people who are not eligible for an ETA or who need to stay longer than 3 months per visit.
The Visitor visa costs more (AUD 190, about USD 125) and takes longer to process, often several weeks. It can be granted for up to 12 months per visit and may be extended in some cases, but it requires a full application with more documentation.
For work, study, or long‑term stays, a different visa type is required (e.g., work or student visa). The ETA is strictly for tourism and business visitor activities.
| Visa type | Cost | Processing time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA (subclass 601) | AUD 20 (check) | Minutes to days (check) | 12 months, multiple entries, each stay up to 3 months |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | AUD 190 (check) | Weeks (check) | Up to 12 months per visit |
| Work or student visa | Varies | Weeks to months | Varies |
Fees and processing times are 2026 estimates and may change; always verify on the Home Affairs website.
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the Australian ETA.
Questions people ask
Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): what is the short answer?
If you hold an eligible passport and are visiting for tourism or business for up to 12 months, apply online via the official Australian ETA app or website. It costs AUD 20, is usually approved within minutes to a few days, and is valid for 12 months with multiple entries. Do not use third-party sites that charge extra.
Who does it apply to?
Passport holders from eligible countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and most EU countries, with a valid e-passport. It covers tourism and business visits up to 12 months per entry. New Zealand citizens do not need an ETA.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The official fee is AUD 20 (about USD 13). Processing is usually instant but can take a few days; apply at least two weeks before travel. The ETA is valid for 12 months from approval.
Can I apply on paper or at an embassy?
No. The ETA is applied for online only, through the official app or website. There is no paper form and no embassy visit.
What if my ETA is refused?
You may need to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead. The refusal does not automatically block a future visa, but you should address the reasons in a new application.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own ETA linked to their own passport.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026