Applying for this visa

If you already hold another 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 have a current visa, and you intend to apply for an ETA, if the ETA is granted, it will not necessarily:

• come into effect when the ETA is issued
  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 new ETA will cease three months from the date you entered Australia
• if you do not enter Australia within the expiry date of the new ETA, the new 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) holders

If you wish to travel to Australia on an ETA but already hold a Working Holiday visa which you have not yet used for travel to Australia, you will need to have your Working Holiday visa cancelled before making an ETA application. Otherwise, if you in arrive in Australia holding both visas, your Working Holiday visa will be activated. You should cancel your Working Holiday visa before making the ETA application because cancelling your Working Holiday visa will also automatically cancel the ETA. To have your Working Holiday visa cancelled, contact the Working Holiday visa processing centre.
Email: Working Holiday application enquiry form

How to apply for an ETA (Visitor)

You are advised to apply for your ETA at least two (2) 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
• applying 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)