January 2021
The Electronical Travel Authority (subclass 601) visa (ETA) is a streamlined visitor visa for eligible passport-holders to visit Australia as often as they wish in a 12-month period, and they can stay up to 3 months each time they enter Australia.
However in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Home Affairs ceased issuing ETA visas, until recently.
The Department has now re-commenced issuing ETA visas via a mobile phone app – AustralianETA.
ETA’s are back for some via Australian ETA app
Applicants can apply for an ETA visa through the AustralianETA app if they:
- meet all ETA visa eligibility requirements; and
- hold a passport from Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, or the United States of America.
Of course, before a person can travel to Australia on an ETA visa, they must also be exempt from Australia’s travel restrictions.
The grant of an ETA visa through the AustralianETA app does not mean that a person has been considered for or granted an exemption to travel to Australia – they will still need to apply for a travel restriction exemption separately, and provide evidence to support their claims.
An application for an ETA visa through the Australian ETA app incurs a non-refundable service fee of AUD $20.00.
To speak with an experienced, specialist immigration lawyer regarding your VISA eligibility requirements, or your Australian visa options, please contact us on +61 3 9329 8744 or by email at info@erskinerodan.com.au
