Before You Start – What You Need
Before beginning your ETA application, make sure you have everything ready. The process takes about 10-15 minutes and requires specific items to complete successfully.
What you need:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from an ETA-eligible country (USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, or Brunei)
- A smartphone with NFC capability (iPhone 7 or newer, most Android phones from 2016 onwards)
- NFC enabled in your phone settings (required for passport scanning)
- Location services enabled on your device (required by the app)
- A credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express), Apple Pay, or Google Pay for the AUD 20 service fee
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi recommended)
- A well-lit room for the selfie photo
- A valid email address you can access (for outcome notifications)
Important: The Australian High Commission recommends applying at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date. While most applications are processed within minutes, some require additional checks that can take up to 72 hours or longer.
Step 1 – Download the Australian ETA App
The Australian ETA app is the only official channel for submitting an ETA (subclass 601) application. There is no website or paper application option – the app is the sole method for all ETA-eligible passport holders worldwide.
Download the app from:
- iPhone: Apple App Store – search for “AustralianETA”
- Android: Google Play Store – search for “AustralianETA”
Verify the publisher is listed as the Department of Home Affairs. The official app has a 4.8-star rating from over 45,000 reviews and has been downloaded more than 1 million times. The app is completely free to download – you only pay the AUD 20 service fee when you submit your application.
Scam warning: Be cautious of similarly named apps or third-party websites. Only the official “AustralianETA” app is authorized by the Australian Government. Third-party services like CIBTvisas charge $45 USD and TravelDocs charges $75 USD for the same visa that costs AUD 20 through the official app.
Step 2 – Create Your Profile
After downloading and opening the app, you will be prompted to create an applicant profile. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport:
- Full name (first name, middle name if applicable, surname)
- Date of birth
- Nationality (the country that issued your passport)
- Email address (for application notifications – check your spam/junk folder)
Double-check all entries against your passport. Any mismatch between your application and passport details can result in delays or refusal. This is one of the most common reasons for application problems.
Note for families: Each individual must submit a separate application, including infants and children. You can help a friend or family member apply using the same mobile device, but they must be physically present with you when you apply.
Step 3 – Scan Your Passport
The app uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to read the biometric chip embedded in your passport. This step automatically captures your passport details including:
- Full name and date of birth
- Passport number and expiry date
- Nationality and gender
- Digital photo stored on the chip
How to scan:
- Open your passport to the data page (the one with your photo)
- Hold your phone flat against the data page
- Move the phone slowly until the NFC reader detects the chip
- Hold steady until the scan completes (usually 5-10 seconds)
NFC troubleshooting tips:
- Remove any phone case that might interfere with the NFC signal
- Ensure NFC is enabled in your phone settings (Settings > NFC on most devices)
- On iPhone, NFC is always active on iPhone 7 and newer
- On Android, check Settings > Connected devices > NFC
- If scanning fails, try different positions on the passport data page
- Hold the phone horizontally against the passport for best results
Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your application date. If your passport has changed since your last ETA was granted, you will need to apply for a new ETA.
Step 4 – Take a Live Selfie
The live facial image requirement means you must take a selfie during the application process. This photo is compared against the photo stored on your passport chip for identity verification.
Tips for a successful selfie:
- Remove glasses and sunglasses
- Ensure your face is well-lit (natural light is best)
- Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression
- Keep your head centered in the frame
- Avoid shadows on your face
- Stand against a plain background if possible
Critical: You must be physically present when taking the selfie. An agent, family member, or friend cannot complete this step on your behalf. Even if you use a migration agent, you must still be physically present when they make the application because you need to have your photo taken and your passport available for scanning.
Step 5 – Answer Eligibility Questions
The application includes a series of questions about your background and travel intentions. These cover:
- Purpose of visit – Tourism or business visitor activities only
- Health – Any significant health conditions or hospitalization needs. You must be free from tuberculosis.
- Character – Criminal convictions, deportations, or visa cancellations. If you have criminal convictions, you should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.
- Previous visas – Any prior Australian visa refusals or cancellations
- Current visas – Whether you hold any other Australian visa
- Other names – Any previous names you have used
- Australian contact – Contact details in Australia (if known)
Answer all questions truthfully. Providing false or misleading information can result in your ETA being refused and may affect future visa applications to Australia.
Tourist vs Business ETA: Both are valid for 12 months with multiple entries and up to 3 months stay per visit. The business ETA allows attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations but does not permit employment in Australia.
Step 6 – Pay the Service Fee
The final step before submission is paying the AUD 20 application service fee (approximately USD 13). The app accepts:
- Visa credit or debit cards
- Mastercard credit or debit cards
- American Express
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
There are no additional government charges for the ETA. The AUD 20 is the only fee you should pay. If any website or agent asks for more, it is not an authorized service.
| Service | Total Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Official Australian ETA app | AUD 20 | Government service fee only |
| CIBTvisas (third-party) | $45 USD | Government fee + $32 service fee |
| TravelDocs (third-party) | $75 USD | Government fee + $62 service fee |
Third-party services add no value beyond what the official app provides. Save your money and apply directly.
Step 7 – Wait for Processing
After submission, your application enters the processing queue. Most applications follow this timeline:
| Scenario | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard application | Minutes to a few hours |
| Peak travel season | 1-3 business days |
| Additional checks required | Up to 72 hours or longer |
You will receive an email notification when your ETA is approved. Check your spam or junk mail folder if you do not receive a notification within 72 hours. You can also confirm your visa status through the Australian ETA app or by using the Check an ETA function on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The approval is automatically linked to your passport number – no printed confirmation is needed. When you arrive in Australia, immigration will verify your visa status by scanning your passport.
If additional information is requested: You will receive an email with instructions. You must create an ImmiAccount and submit documents including Form 1554 (ETA request for further processing), passport biodata page, evidence of employment or study, bank statements, and travel arrangements.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these frequent errors that can delay or derail your application:
- Name mismatch – Your application name must match your passport exactly (including middle names)
- Wrong passport – Applying with an expired or ineligible passport (must have 6+ months validity)
- NFC not enabled – Forgetting to enable NFC in phone settings before scanning
- Poor selfie – Dark lighting, wearing glasses, or not looking at the camera
- False answers – Lying on eligibility questions (this can have serious consequences)
- Third-party apps – Using unauthorized websites or apps instead of the official Australian ETA app
- Last-minute application – Not allowing at least 4 weeks before your travel date
- Not checking email – Missing outcome notifications in spam/junk folders
Avoid ETA Scams – Official vs Third-Party Services
The Australian Embassy warns that third-party websites purporting to be associated with the Department of Home Affairs charge exorbitant fees to lodge ETAs on behalf of visa applicants.
You are being scammed if:
- You apply for your ETA via a website – ETAs can only be applied for using the official ETA app
- You pay more than AUD 20 to lodge the application
- You are told to pay extra fees for premium service or expedited processing
- A website claims to be affiliated with the Australian Government but charges $45-$75
The official ETA costs exactly AUD 20 through the Australian ETA app. No other service is authorized to process ETAs. If you need assistance, you can use a registered migration agent, but you must still be physically present for the selfie step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the ETA for Australia as a US citizen?
Download the official Australian ETA app from the App Store or Google Play, create a profile, scan your passport using NFC, take a selfie, answer eligibility questions, and pay the AUD 20 fee. The process takes about 10-15 minutes and most applications are approved within hours.
How far in advance should I apply for an Australian ETA?
The Australian High Commission recommends applying at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date. While most applications are processed within minutes, some require additional checks that can take up to 72 hours or longer. Do not finalize travel commitments until you receive your visa grant.
Can I apply for an Australia ETA online?
No, the ETA can only be applied for through the official Australian ETA mobile app. There is no online website application. The app is available for free on both iPhone and Android devices.
How much does the Australia ETA visa cost for US citizens?
The official government fee is AUD 20 (approximately USD 13) through the Australian ETA app. Third-party services like CIBTvisas ($45) and TravelDocs ($75) charge significantly more for the same visa.
Can I apply for an ETA on behalf of someone else?
A migration agent can assist with the application, but the applicant must be physically present for the live selfie step. You can also help a friend or family member using the same device, but they must be with you when you apply.
What if my passport does not have an NFC chip?
Most modern passports (issued after 2006) have NFC chips. If yours does not, you may need to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) through the ImmiAccount online system instead.
Can I apply without a smartphone?
No, the ETA can only be applied for through the official Australian ETA app, which requires a smartphone. If you do not have access to a smartphone, consider asking a migration agent for assistance or applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600).
What happens after my ETA is approved?
Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport. When you arrive in Australia, immigration will verify your visa status by scanning your passport. No printed documents are required.
Is the AUD 20 fee refundable if my application is denied?
No, the AUD 20 service fee is non-refundable once the application is submitted, regardless of the outcome.
Do children need a separate ETA application?
Yes, each individual must submit a separate application, including infants and children, even if they are included on a parent’s passport.
Last updated: June 2026. Based on official Australian Government sources including the Australian Embassy USA, Australian High Commission Malaysia, and Department of Home Affairs. Visit the Department of Home Affairs for the latest requirements.
