Applying for this Visa

If you already hold an ETA

If you already have a current ETA, and you intend to apply for another ETA of the same subclass, if the new ETA is granted, it will:

• come into effect as soon as it is issued
• cancel (or cease) your existing ETA.

If you already hold another visa

If you already hold a visa and intend to apply for an ETA, you must apply at an Australian visa office outside Australia and provide your passport details either in person, by telephone, by post or by email. You will not be able to lodge an application online or through an airline or an approved agent.

If the ETA is granted, it will not necessarily:

• come into effect when the ETA is issued (as your current visa may still be in effect)
  or
• cancel (or cease) your existing visa.

In this case:

• if the current visa is still in effect when you next enter Australia, you will enter Australia on the current visa, not the new ETA
• if you enter and remain in Australia on the current visa for longer than three months, then the ETA will cease three months from the date you entered Australia
• if you do not enter Australia within the expiry date of the ETA, the ETA will then cease.

Note: This information is not intended to cover the rules of Bridging visas.
See: Information Form 1024i Bridging visas (65KB PDF file)

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) holders

Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas, known as the Working Holiday Maker visas, can only be used once. If you are granted an ETA while you hold a Working Holiday Maker visa you will hold both visas. When you enter Australia you will automatically enter on your Working Holiday Maker visa and you will not be able to apply for another Working Holiday Maker visa.

If you already hold a Working Holiday Maker visa and want to enter Australia on an ETA, you should do the following to avoid accidentally using your Working Holiday Maker visa:

• request that the department cancel your Working Holiday Maker visa. You can reapply for another Working Holiday Maker visa at a later stage
• after you have confirmation that your Working Holiday Maker visa has been cancelled, apply for an ETA.

To request cancellation of your:

• Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa, contact the department through the enquiry form.
  Email: Working Holiday Maker Application Enquiry Form
• Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, contact the Immigration office where your visa was processed. If you are applying as a US citizen, you can use the Working Holiday Maker Application Enquiry form.
  
  See: Immigration Offices Outside Australia
  Email: Working Holiday Maker Application Enquiry form

How to apply for an ETA (Visitor)

You are advised to apply for your ETA at least two weeks before your proposed date of travel.

Please check the website of the Australian Embassy in the country where you plan to lodge your application, as additional local requirements may apply.

You can apply for an ETA (Visitor) either:

• online
  See: www.eta.immi.gov.au
• through a travel agent, airline or specialist service provider arranging an ETA on your behalf
• at an Australian visa office outside Australia.

If your ETA is approved

If your ETA is approved, you will be provided with a confirmation for your records.
See:
Fact Sheet 55 The Electronic Travel Authority
Form 1147 Electronic Travel Authority - Information Sheet (129KB PDF file)

If your ETA is not approved

If your ETA is not approved, you will be advised to visit your nearest departmental office to discuss your visa options for your proposed visit to Australia.
See: ETA Contact Information

If you are a Service Provider

Information on how to issue an ETA or undertake online training.
See: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)