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Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Referrals

Australia's Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most advanced and streamlined travel authorisation 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.

How to obtain an ETA
1. Online through the Australian Government’s ETA system (www.eta.immi.gov.au) or
2. Contact your travel agent or airline who can apply on your behalf using their computer reservation system (CRS) or airline reservation system (ARS).

Grant times

Most ETAs are issued immediately by computer links between the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world.

Delayed grants

In a small number of cases, some additional processing will be required and clients will receive a message asking them to check on the status of their application after 12 hours. If you have received this message, please wait for this timeframe before you check again to confirm whether your application has been successful.

We ask for your patience while your ETA request is being processed. If you send a second ETA application to a DIAC office, this may delay the process even further.


ETA Application Not Approved

If, after the 12-hour waiting period, you receive a message indicating that your application for an ETA has not been approved or that a decision could not be made within the required time, you will be advised to contact a DIAC office.

If you reside in Canada, the United States or the Caribbean, please contact the Information Service for Australian Visas on 1 905 280 1437 to obtain information on how to proceed with your ETA request.

Please wait for the full 12 hours before calling the Information Service for Australian Visas. They will not be able to assist if you make enquiries during the waiting period.