Australia is among the world's top tourist destinations for its warm climate, unique culture, and outdoor activities. For eligible visitors, entrance is merely a quick and easy online application via the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA visa was initiated by Australia in 1996 and is similar to the European Schengen agreement that allows visa-free entrance to many approved countries. An ETA is not technically a visa; nothing is required save a U.S. passport. No stamps, photos, or appointments. The whole process takes minutes. When granted, your U.S. passport is electronically connected to ETA approval.
Instructions
1. Visit the website of the Australian Visa Bureau and choose which visa best suits you, whether tourist ETA, tourist non-ETA, student, work, long stay, or immigration visa.
2. Apply for an ETA travel visa. You can apply for ETA if you are a citizen of one of the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom (British Citizen), United Kingdom (Overseas), United States of America, or Vatican City. If you are a citizen of a country that is not listed above, skip to step 4.
3. Complete the very short online application for the ETA visa. You must complete the ETA form through the Australian Visa Bureau. Do not try to go through the Australian Embassy or consulate general. When you complete the application, pay the non refundable application fee of US$31.91. Once the fee and application have been cleared (usually a few minutes) the ETA status will be cleared and completion will be sent to you via email of approval. The ETA travel status will be linked automatically to your passport number, and you will be free to travel to Australia immediately. You must enter Australia within one year of the approval or it will expire. On a single trip you can stay in Australia on an ETA visa for three months at a time.
4. Apply for a tourist visa Subclass 676 if you are living in the USA as a resident alien and wish to travel to Australia. Apply online at the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship to be directed to a list of Australian Embassies around the world. You must apply for a visa through the Australian Embassy that has jurisdiction over your region, that is, a Brazilian would apply through the Australian Embassy in Brasila. Refer to "Australian Embassy List" in resources to find your nearest Embassy.
5. Complete the 48R visa form. Follow the application criteria listed on the form, and refer to the Web site of the Australian Embassy that holds jurisdiction over your region. Fees and procedures vary slightly depending on your country of residence, therefore you must go through the Embassy for information and not the Australian State Department.
