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Created: 14h May 2007
Australia's Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most advanced and streamlined travel authorization system in the world.
The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for short-term visits or business entry. It replaces the visa label or stamp in a passport and removes the need for application forms.
An ETA is issued within seconds by computer links between the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers (Such as Visas4Oz) around the world and the Internet.
Background
The ETA system was introduced in 1996 and is now available to passport holders from 34 countries, locations and regions..
More than 21 million travelers have been granted ETAs to come to Australia. ETAs now account for almost 83 per cent of all tourist and short-term business visas granted worldwide.
The ETA system can be accessed by more than 300,000 travel agents worldwide, more than 75 airlines and through the Internet.
The Types of ETA
There are three ETAs: the subclass 976 Tourist (Short Validity) ETA; the subclass 977 Business (Short Validity) ETA; and the subclass 956 Business (Long Validity) ETA.
All three types of ETA allow single or multiple entries into Australia for a maximum stay of up to three months from the date of each entry.
The subclass 976 and 977 (Short Validity) ETAs allow the holder to travel to Australia as often as they need within the specified period (not to exceed 12 months) from the date the ETA was granted. These ETAs do not attract a visa application charge.
The subclass 956 (Long Validity) Business ETA allows the holder to enter Australia on multiple occasions during the life of the passport. This ETA attracts a visa application charge which is currently A$70.
How ETAs work
Visas4Oz enter the information provided by the applicant passport into the ETA system via a travel reservation system.
The system performs an online check of the department's warning records, and if no adverse record is detected, Visas4Oz is advised that the ETA has been granted. Visas4Oz then inform the applicant via email.
If a 'referral' message is received, Visas4Oz refers the applicant to the nearest Australian Visa Office.
No evidence of the ETA is needed, as it is electronically stored in the system. Airlines and travel agents participating in the ETA system can confirm its existence on behalf of travelers.
Benefits
ETA arrangements provide significant benefits to travelers, as well as airlines and the Australian Government.
- Travelers benefit as the ETA provides a seamless process for providing authority to travel to Australia from places where tickets are obtained. Travelers also enjoy faster processing at airports.
- Airlines benefit by utilising computer systems to verify that travelers have authority to enter Australia before issuing their boarding passes. This saves airline staff time at the check-in counter and reduces their likelihood of transporting unauthorized passengers.
- The Australian Government benefits by having easy access to data on all travelers to Australia. This supports maintenance of Australian border integrity by law enforcement and health authorities.
Further information on the ETA is available:
See: www.eta.immi.gov.au
Looking for a ETA Holiday Visa? Visas4Oz can help! Buy your Australia ETA Holiday Visa online for just £6.50! Find Out More or Apply Online.
