Australia ETA Requirements for U.S. Citizens
Apply for an ETACitizens of the Unites States can travel to Australia with a Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
With an ETA, Americans can go to Australia on holiday, to visit family or friends, or to carry out some business activities.
If you’re a U.S. passport holder, you can find out below if you qualify for the ETA, and what you need to apply.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for Australia?
As a U.S. citizens, you need to apply for an ETA before your trip to Australia. The online application is quick and simple.
With an approved ETA, Americans can visit Australia multiple times in a 12-month period, for up to 3 months per stay.
To be eligible, U.S. passport holders must be travelling to Australia:
- For tourism, including to take a cruise
- To visit family or friends
- On business
If you are an American citizen and travelling for different reasons, or for longer than 3 months, you need a different type of Australian visa.
Which business activities are allowed in Australia with an ETA?
American business travellers can apply for an ETA for:
- General business enquiries
- Official government visit activities
- Negotiatiation, investigation, and entering a business contract
- Conferences, seminars, trade fairs (you must not be getting paid to take part)
Check the specific activities you wish to carry out are permitted with the ETA. To work in Australia, you must hold the relevant visa.
Conditions to apply for an Australia ETA from the United States
American citizens must meet a few eligibility requirements to apply for an ETA. You must:
1. Be a genuine visitor
This means you must only intend to stay in Australia temporarily, as per the conditions of the visa. Your ETA can be cancelled if you are found not to be a genuine visitor.
2. Meet health requirements
You must meet minimum health standards to ensure you’re not a risk to public health in Australia. A health examination could be requested.
3. Meet character requirements
If you have a criminal conviction, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor Visa (sublass 600) instead of an ETA.
How do I apply for an Australian visa from the USA?
Provided you meet the above requirements, you can bet started with your ETA application from the U.S. Here are the 3 steps to follow:
- Fill out the online ETA application form
- Review and submit your application
- Recevie the approved ETA by email
The information you need to provide includes name and date of birth, passport details, and basic travel information.
Make sure you provide accurate information, mistakes could delay your application or prevent it from being approved.
How long does it take to get an Australian visa from the U.S.?
Americans who are eligible for the Australian ETA benefit from fast processing and approval times.
Most applicants from the United States receive their approved ETA by within 2 days. Travellers are advised to apply as soon as possible before their trip in case of any unexpected delays.
Americans who require different type of visa such as a Visitor Visa should apply well in advance of their planned departure date.
Apply for a new ETA when your passport expires
The approved ETA will be linked digitally to your passport, you will not get a sticker in your passport.
You must apply for a new ETA if your current passport expires or you get a new passport. The passport you use to travel must have a valid ETA linked to it.
Register with the U.S. embassy in Australia
You can now register with the U.S. embassy in Australia when applying for an ETA. Select the Embassy Registration option when you reach the payment page and Australia Go eVisa will take care of the rest—no need to fill out additional forms.
Benefits include:
Safety and security notifications
The embassy can quickly contact and inform you if there are safety or security concerns, such as natural disasters, during your stay.
Assistance in emergencies
In the event of an emergency, the embassy or consulate can provide aid to U.S. citizens in Australia. This could include evacuation assistance or providing information on local resources.
Ease of communication
Registering helps family and friends get in touch with you if there is an emergency back home in the United States.
By enrolling you can enjoy greater peace of mind throughout your stay in Australia.
FAQ About U.S. Citizens Traveling to Australia
How long can a US citizen stay in Australia without a visa? Toggle faqs
US citizens need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia and remain for any length of time. American passport holders can stay in Australia for up to 90 days with the Australia ETA.
The Australia ETA is valid for short business trips and tourist activity in Australia. It is quick to apply for an ETA online, most applications are reviewed and approved within 24 hours.
The Electronic Travel Authority is valid for 12 months from the issue date and multiple trips of up to 3 months can be made throughout the year using the same travel permit.
Can US citizens obtain a visa on arrival in Australia? Toggle faqs
Americans cannot get a visa on arrival in Australia. Australia does not issue visas on arrival, all visitors must obtain the relevant travel document before departure.
US passport holders going to Australia for tourism or business purposes must apply online for an ETA before beginning their journey.
With an Electronic Travel Authority, Americans can enter Australia and stay in the country for up to 3 months. The ETA application is quick to complete and processing is fast; many applications are approved within minutes.
US citizens are advised to apply for the Australia ETA at least 1 or 2 days before departure.
How can US citizens obtain an Australian ETA? Toggle faqs
American passport holders can apply for the Australian ETA online. Applicants must meet all the ETA requirements to be eligible.
The first step to obtaining the visa is to complete the online ETA application form. Basic personal information such as the name, date of birth, and address of the applicant is required.
Apply for ETAAmericans should check the information they provide carefully before submitting a request as any mistakes could lead to delays and even rejection. The next stage in the process is to pay the ETA fees using a credit or debit card and submit the application for review.
Most ETA applications are processed within 24 hours. On approval, the authorisation is automatically linked to the applicant’s passport.