PASSPORTOFFICES
Electronic travel authorization · Oceania

Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601)

U.S. citizens need an Australian ETA before boarding; it is applied for in the Australian ETA mobile app and usually approved within minutes.

Official application site Check my requirements

Short answer

Who needs the Australia ETA?

U.S. passport holders visiting Australia for tourism or business for up to three months per visit.

Key takeaways

  • Government fee: about $13. AUD 20 service charge, paid in the app.
  • Typical processing: Often approved in minutes; allow a few days in case of manual review.
  • Maximum stay: Three months per entry.
  • Passport validity: Valid for your intended stay; six months is recommended.
  • When to apply: Any time before travel using the passport you will carry.

Forms and official links

Step by step

  1. 1

    Download the official app

    The ETA can only be applied for in the Australian ETA app.

  2. 2

    Scan your passport chip

    Hold the phone against the passport data page to read the chip.

  3. 3

    Wait for the email

    The ETA is electronic and linked to your passport — nothing to print.

What to have ready

  • A valid U.S. passport with an electronic chip
  • The official Australian ETA app on a phone that can read the chip
  • A payment card

Watch out for

  • Only the official Home Affairs app issues the ETA; agent sites add large markups.
  • Working in Australia requires a different visa — the ETA does not permit employment.

Also in Oceania