Fact Sheet 53 - Australia's Entry System for Visitors
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Background
The aim of Australia's entry system for visitors is to manage the growth of visitor numbers in a cost-effective way through the use of cutting edge technology and to deliver a level of service consistent with the expectation of today's travellers.
New systems and technology, are allowing Australia to develop the world's most electronically sophisticated immigration entry system for visitors.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system
The ETA system was introduced in 1996. It is available to passport holders from a number of countries, regions and locations.
The ETA system can be accessed by more than 300 000 travel agents worldwide, more than 75 airlines and through the Internet.
The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for short-term visits or business entry. It replaces the visa label or stamp in a passport and reduces the need for travellers to visit an Australian Embassy.
Most ETAs are issued immediately by computer links between the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world. In a small number of cases, some additional processing is required.
See: Fact Sheet 55 The Electronic Travel Authority
eVisitor
The eVisitor is available to passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries wanting to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. The eVisitor authorises multiple entry to Australia over a twelve month period, for stays of up to three months on each occasion.
Eligible travellers can apply for an eVisitor using the simple online form available from the Australian immigration website.
eVisa system
Eligible tourists who want to visit Australia for up to one (1) year can also apply for their visa online, using the department's eVisa system. The eVisa system is quick, easy to use and convenient. Applications are processed in two to 10 days. Alternatively, travellers can arrange for an approved travel agent to make an eVisa application on their behalf, meaning that more people than ever will be able to apply for a visa to visit Australia without having to post their passports and documents or travel long distances to an Australian immigration office.
Document readers
Australia has pioneered the use of document readers to automatically capture information from passports and visas. Document readers are used at many of Australia's overseas missions and all Australian airports.
Further information is available on the department's web site.
See: www.immi.gov.au
The department also operates a national telephone service inquiry line.
Telephone: 131 881
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm (recorded information available outside these hours) for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.
Fact Sheet 53. Produced by the National Communications Branch, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Canberra.
Last reviewed 19 August 2009.
© Commonwealth of Australia 2009.