Australia Explains 6 Conditions Foreigners Must Meet to Enter With ETA

Australia has outlined six key requirements foreign travellers must satisfy before they can enter the country with an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The digital travel authorisation is available to passport holders from 34 eligible countries and territories, but applicants must meet the country’s immigration rules.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs says the ETA allows eligible visitors to enter the country multiple times within 12 months.

Each visit can last up to three months. However, the authorisation does not permit holders to work for Australian businesses or remain in the country permanently.

The scheme covers countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, France and Germany. No African country appears on the eligibility list.

Six conditions foreigners must meet for Australia’s ETA

According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Hold an eligible passport

Applicants must possess a valid passport from one of the countries or territories approved for the ETA scheme.

The authorisation is linked electronically to the passport used during the application. Travellers must use that same passport when entering Australia.

2. Apply from outside Australia

Foreigners must be outside Australia when they submit their ETA applications.

They must also remain outside the country when the authorisation is granted.

3. Use the official ETA mobile application

Applicants must submit their requests through the Australian ETA mobile application.

The government charges an application service fee of AUD20. There is no separate visa application charge for the ETA.

4. Intend to visit temporarily

Applicants must show that they intend to stay in Australia temporarily.

The ETA supports tourism, family visits, cruises and certain business activities. It does not allow visitors to work for an Australian business or provide services to a local organisation.

5. Meet Australia’s health requirements

Applicants must satisfy the country’s health requirements.

Those who previously failed to meet the health standard may need to apply for a different visa. Foreigners intending to enter healthcare or hospital environments are also advised to consider another visa category.

6. Meet character requirements and settle government debts

Australia requires applicants to meet its character standards.

People with criminal convictions may need to apply for a Visitor visa instead and provide details of their convictions.

Applicants and their family members must also repay money owed to the Australian government or make arrangements to settle the debt.

What travellers can do with the ETA

The ETA allows eligible visitors to enter Australia for several short-term purposes.

These include visiting family and friends, taking holidays or cruises, and participating in certain business visitor activities.

Holders can leave and return to Australia multiple times during the 12-month validity period. Each visit, however, cannot exceed three months.

Travellers who want to stay longer must apply for another suitable visa. The ETA cannot be extended to cover a longer stay.

The authorisation therefore offers a simpler entry option for eligible passport holders. However, meeting the requirements does not remove the need to obtain approval before travelling.