Applying for ETA by using the Australian ETA app
Previously only a small part of ETA-eligible passport holders can apply for ETA online. From 6 April 2022, all ETA-eligible passport holders can now apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app.
The app is a flexible platform which can rapidly implement responses to emerging situations and is able to be updated to reflect user preferences and technology. The dynamic form within the app also improves the accuracy of visa application data, leading to more efficient visa processing and deterrence of non-genuine travellers. The Australian ETA benefits ETA visa applicants by enabling a convenient and efficient way to make an ETA visa application, while also supporting the Government’s digital transformation strategy and the recovery of Australia’s tourism industry
Q: What is ETA?
A: An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically stored authority equivalent to a visa, which is linked to a passport number.
The ETA allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business visitor activity. The ETA allows eligible non-citizens to travel as many times as you want, for up to one year (or life of the passport - whichever is shorter), and stay up to three months for each visit, provided you are pursuing tourism or business visitor activity.
Q: Who is ETA-eligible passport holder?
A: The following passports are ETA-eligible:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong (SAR of China)
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Monaco
Norway
Portugal
Republic of San Marino
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports)
The Netherlands
United Kingdom—British Citizen
United Kingdom—British National (Overseas)
United States of America
Vatican City
Q: Does health requirements apply to ETA?
A: There is no health examination requirement for ETA, but all travellers must be free from disease that may represent a risk for Australian public health (i.e., tuberculosis).
Q: Does character requirements apply to ETA?
A: There are general character requirements that must be met by all travellers wishing to enter Australia. These are in place to ensure the safety of all people on Australian territory.
The Australian government takes into consideration the criminal and immigration history of an applicant before issuing a visa. Individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes and have spent considerable time in jail may be denied the visa.
If you have a criminal conviction in any country, you should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) and provide evidence of your criminal convictions.
Subject to public interest criteria, people who have been denied a visa in the past and/or have overstayed an Australian visa may also be refused entry.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
In addition to what the law does and doesn’t allow you to do, there are also practical considerations that may mean that travelling overseas jeopardises your visa application. If you want to find out more about the risks with travelling overseas, please not hesitate to contact us. You can book a Migration Planning Session with one of our immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-7200 2700 or email us to book in a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, Burmese and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact our office.