In today’s world, traveling has become an integral part of our lives. Be it for leisure or work, many of us find ourselves regularly on the move across borders. However, one integral aspect that you may overlook is the safety of your travel documents. Losing these critical papers can turn a dream holiday into a
Australia Application
Australian ETA for American Citizens
If you are an American citizen planning to visit Australia, you will need an Australia electronic travel authority (ETA).
You can get this travel permit through a simple online application, avoiding an unnecessary trip to an embassy or consulate. It is regarded as being far easier to obtain than an Australian visa for Americans.
What Is an Australian ETA for US Citizens and What Does It Do?
An Australian ETA is the electronic travel visa authorization required by US citizens to travel to Australia.
It is regarded as the most convenient way to travel to Australia from the United States. American passengers can get the ETA from the comfort of their homes thanks to the simple online application system.
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authority. This online visa waiver program for Australia was first introduced in 1996, making it the first electronic authorization system ever launched.
An electronic travel authority for Australia from the United States is a multiple–entry online visa waiver. This means that US holders of an approved Australian ETA can enter the country an unlimited number of times during its validity, for a total stay of up to 3 months per entry.
Can US citizens apply for ETA to Australia?
Yes, the Australian ETA is available to holders of US passports who plan to visit Australia for up to 3 months at a time.
American citizens can get the ETA for Australia for the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Business purposes
- Transit through Australia to another destination
There is another Australian online visa called the eVisitor, but this is not available to US passport holders. Citizens of the United States are only eligible to apply for ETA for Australia (subclass 601) online.
Is an ETA Obligatory for American Citizens?
An approved ETA for Australia for US citizens is an obligatory requirement for Americans to visit the country for short stays for purposes of:
- visiting friends and family
- tourism, including entering Australia on a cruise
- business travel, including to negotiate deals or take part in a conference or seminar.
Do Americans Need a Australian Visa?
US passport holders must have a valid ETA to visit Australia for up to 3 months. The Australian ETA for US nationals is an online travel authorization that replaces the need for a visa.
The ETA covers vacations, business trips, and transit through Australia. It is valid for a year and allows multiple visits of up to 3 months.
However, if a citizen of the United States wishes to stay in Australia for longer than 3 consecutive months, or for other purposes than those permitted with an ETA, they will be required to apply for an Australian visa for Americans.
This must be obtained from the nearest Australian government diplomatic office in the United States, by making an embassy appointment well in advance of the intended travel dates.
An embassy visa for Australia for US citizens may be issued for purposes of studying, to work, or for residency, among other options. The type of Australian visa issued depends on the needs of the individual American applicant.
ETA Australia Application for Americans
To apply for an ETA for Australia from the United States, American citizens must complete a simple online form with basic passport and personal data.
The application includes a few security-related questions and a small ETA service charge. The entire process will only take a few minutes to complete.
Before submitting the ETA application, US applicants should double-check that all the information is correct and matches the details of their passport. This is because even small errors in the data provided may result in issues processing the application or using the ETA.
US citizens visiting Australia with family members should note that a separate ETA application form must be submitted for each individual traveler. This includes children, whether they are included on their parent’s passport or not.
US citizens must apply for an ETA from outside of Australia. You should apply at least a few business days before the intended date of arrival in the country to allow sufficient processing time.
Documents Required for the ETA for American Citizens Application
All American citizens must meet a few basic ETA Australia document requirements before they can begin an online authorization application. Applicants must have:
- A valid US passport
- A current debit or credit card to pay the Australian ETA processing fee
For an online authorization for Americans to be approved, the applicant must also comply with the following health and criminal conviction requirements for Australia:
- Be free from tuberculosis
- Not have any criminal convictions with a sentence of more than 1 year (whether the time has been served or not).
How Will I Receive my Australian ETA for United States Citizens?
Once issued, an approved Australian ETA for United States citizens is electronically linked to the applicant’s US passport.
A copy of the approved Australian ETA will be sent to the email address the applicant provided in their application.
The validity of an approved ETA begins on the date that it is issued. It is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first.
Holders of an approved ETA for Americans are able to present the digitally-linked passport to board transportation bound for Australia, and at Australian border control to gain entry to the country.
It is advisable to carry a printout of the ETA when traveling to Australia from the USA in the rare case of any problems with the electronic system.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaETA Australia Processing time
1 - 2 days
Australia government fee
14 usd
Our service fee
29 usd
TOTAL
43 usd
Optional services:
Embassy Registration
Service fee includes
Fast processing time
Expert application review
Online support 365 days a year
99% application success rateAustralian Embassy in the United States
Citizens of the United States who want to travel to Australia can apply for the Australia ETA online and, therefore, do not need to visit an embassy.
Individuals who wish to travel to Australia for other purposes, such as relocating, finding employment, or studying should contact their nearest Australian embassy and seek assistance there.
The Australian embassy and consulates in the United States can be found at the following addresses:
Chicago
123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330, Chicago IL 60606
Consulate
Honolulu
Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street, Honolulu 96813
Consulate
Houston
3009 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1310, Houston TX 77056
Consulate
Los Angeles
Century Plaza Towers - 31st Floor, 2029 Century Park East, Century City, Los Angeles CA 90067
Consulate
New York
150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor, New York NY 10017-5612
Consulate
San Francisco
575 Market Street, Suite 1800 (18th Floor)
Consulate
Whashington DC
1601 Massachusetts Ave, Washington DC NW 20036-2273
Consulate
Registering with STEP
The U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a program aimed at keeping American citizens safe and updated while they’re overseas.
When planning a trip to Australia, it is important to register through STEP in order to get country-specific travel advisories and make it easier for the local U.S. embassy to reach you in case of an emergency.
When obtaining your ETA through our site you can choose this option to add this registration.
Country policy
Australia Visa Policy
>
Learn about the visa policy of Australia and find out the travel requirements for visitors of your nationality.
Traveling from the United States to Australia
The shortest distance between the United States and Australia is around 7,500 miles (12,066 km) and, therefore, the easiest way to travel between the two countries is by flying.
The most convenient departure airports are those on the West Coast, as they offer non-stop flights to Australia. These include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Honolulu (HNL). There are also non-stop flights from Houston (IAH), although these are typically seasonal.
Travelers who are flying from the East Coast shouldn’t worry, as there are plenty of connecting flights available (typically via one of the airports noted above).
The most popular arrival airports in Australia include Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
American Tourism in Australia
Between 2015 and 2019, the number of U.S. citizens who traveled to Australia increased by nearly 30%. Likewise, U.S. passport holders were the third most popular tourist arrivals in Australia.
The country is rich in natural wonders, including the beautiful turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands, Uluru Rock, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Year
Non-resident arrivals from the United States
2015
618,570
2016
716,490
2017
780,570
2018
789,380
2019
817,918
Visa requirements checker
United States▾
Australia▾
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs for American Citizens Traveling to Australia
Do US citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes, any U.S. citizen who wishes to enter Australia will need the proper travel authorization. The easiest way to obtain one is to apply for the Australia ETA, which can be done online.
How much is an ETA to Australia from the USA?
The price of an Australian ETA for U.S. citizens will depend on the duration and type of travel authorization. When applying for the ETA, travelers will have the option to pay with a credit or debit card.
How long is an Australian ETA valid for Americans?
The Australian ETA is valid for 12 months and can be used for multiple entries into the country. Travelers can stay in Australia for up to 3 months during each entry.
Related News
Venturing abroad is an exciting experience, filled with new cultures to explore, foods to taste, and vistas to see. However, before immersing oneself in these novel experiences, one must navigate the labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa. While the general rule of thumb dictates that visa requirements ask you for a sober, straightforward exchange of
Traveling the world can be an enriching experience, opening doors to new cultures, customs, and unforgettable memories. However, not all countries are as welcoming to tourists, and obtaining a visa can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the hardest countries to get a visa for, and the reasons behind their strict visa
A passport is the key to traveling abroad. However, some passports are considered to be “stronger” than others. The world’s most powerful passports are those that offer the greatest travel freedom. The strongest passports are those that allow the holder to enter the most countries easily, without extra entry requirements, such as visas. There are
Disclaimer
Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.