Apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

About ETAs

ETAs are only available through the new Australian ETA app channel for all eligible jurisdictions.

Travellers can apply for an ETA through the app if they meet all ETA eligibility requirements and can visit an app store to download the Australian ETA app: Apple or Android.

An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically stored authority equivalent to a visa, which is linked to a passport number. If your passport has changed, you will need to apply for a new ETA: Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (homeaffairs.gov.au)

The ETA allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business visitor activity. The ETA allows multiple entries for up to one year (or passport validity - whichever is shorter), and stay up to three months for each visit.

ETAs are not designed to allow repeated extended stays in Australia for other purposes. Work in Australia is also not permitted on an ETA.

Apply early - at least 4 weeks in advance as some applicants for an ETA may be asked to provide further information. Therefore you must apply early and well before the intended date of travel.

If you are asked to provide further information, you must provide this to us as soon as possible following the instructions below. Do not delay.

Do not finalise travel commitments until advised of a visa grant.
Due to the number of applications received, we cannot provide processing updates when applications have been lodged with insufficient time for processing.
We cannot expedite processing for cases unless for compelling reasons (pre-arranged travel is not a compelling reason and we are unable to respond to these requests).

Lodge an ETA application

We recommend that you lodge a visa application early - at least 4 weeks in advance.

To lodge an application the Australian ETA app is the only available channel to apply for an ETA: Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (homeaffairs.gov.au).

Before you apply

Check you have a valid passport.
Download the Australian ETA app for free from the Apple Store (Apple) or Google Play store (Android).
Use a mobile device with a camera which can take your photo and an image of the Passport biodata page.
Near-field communication (NFC) must be enabled on your mobile device.
Location services must be enabled on your mobile device.
You must have a valid email address which you can access.
You must have a valid payment method (credit card, ApplePay or GooglePay) ready to pay the service fee.
Each applicant for an ETA must apply using the app. If you need to lodge a new application, you must use the Australian ETA app to apply again.

Apply for ETA via Australian ETA App

Submit the ETA application using the Australian ETA app. You need to:

Scan your passport to pre-fill your name, date of birth, passport number and other details.
Take a photo of yourself.
Answer some questions, including whether you have any criminal convictions, any other names and contact details in Australia.
Pay the service fee of AUD20.00 by credit card/ Google Pay/ Apple Pay.
Each individual must submit an application including infants and children.
You can help a friend or family member to apply for an ETA through the app using the same mobile device, but they must be physically with you when you apply as they need to have their photo taken during the application.
You can also go through an authorised travel agent but you must still be physically present when they make the application because you will need to have your photo taken and have your passport available for scanning.
If you need guidance, please watch the ETA video guides.

Visa Outcome

After you lodge via the Australian ETA App, wait for an outcome notification by email within 12 hours. Please check your email including junk / spam mail folder for an outcome notification.
You can also confirm if your application has been approved by checking your visa status through the Australian ETA app or by using the Check an ETA function.

ETA application requires more information

If you receive a message indicating that your ETA application cannot be processed then you need to provide the Department of Home Affairs with further information. You can see a sample of the letter you will receive by email here.

Submit documents via Immi Account

You must follow the directions in the outcome letter:

Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount. If you already have an ImmiAccount, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Login into ImmiAccount and enter your unique ETA reference number displayed at the top of the outcome letter. This will load information from your ETA application.

Step 3: Download and complete all fields in Form 1554: ETA request for further processing.

Step 4: Attach the following documents to your ETA application via your ImmiAccount:

• Copy of your passport biodata page (page with the holder’s personal details and photo) and copy of the front and back of your national identity card;

• A completed Form 1554: ETA request for further processing, attached under the category of Supplementary Questions/ ETA Supplement Information;

• Additional information demonstrating you have a genuine intention to temporarily visit Australia, such as:

o A cover letter providing background information about the reason for your visit to Australia including your intended stay and activities.

o Evidence of your employment or study in your country of residence (such as an employer statement indicating your job, approved leave etc.; student ID).

o Evidence you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit (such as bank statements and salary slips; business registration documents and financial records for the business; if you are not employed, please provide other evidence from the person who supports you (including evidence of your relationship with that person).

o Evidence of travel arrangements (such as accommodation bookings, airfares, noting you should not finalise such arrangements until you have received a visa).

o A list of your immediate family members (including full names, dates of birth and relationship to you). Immediate family members include children, parents and siblings.

If you are travelling in a group or family group, use the Group ID function in the ETA (subclass 601) application form.

Reminders

Apply early - at least 4 weeks in advance before your intended travel.
Check twice, submit once! Provide as much information as possible as applications may be decided on the basis of material you provide. If you submit an incomplete application or you provide incorrect information, your application may be delayed or refused.
If you are travelling in a group or family, create a Group ID in ImmiAccount. All member from the same group is to quote the same Group ID when they submit online application via ImmiAccount.
If you renew your passport after your ETA is granted, you will need to apply for a new ETA.
If your ETA is refused, you may lodge a new application and provide further evidence to address concerns (this must include the required information).
Check your visa status through the Australian ETA app or by using the Check an ETA function.

Page updated 18 September 2025