American citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia.

• Government fee Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application.
• Processing / card charge Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top.
• Third-party sites Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Valid United States PassportYour passport must be valid for the entire period of your intended stay in Australia.
• Sufficient FundsProof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
• Onward or Return TicketProof of an onward or return ticket from Australia.
• Good HealthApplicants must meet health requirements. A medical examination may be required in some cases.
• Good CharacterApplicants must meet character requirements. A police certificate may be required in some cases.

1. 1
   Download the Australian ETA app from your mobile device's app store (iOS or Android).
2. 2
   Use the app to scan your passport and take a photo of your face.
3. 3
   Answer the eligibility questions and provide the required personal details.
4. 4
   Submit your application through the app. Most ETA applications are processed instantly, but some may take longer.
5. 5
   Receive notification of your ETA grant. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so no physical stamp or label is required.
6. 6
   For Visitor visa (subclass 600) or Transit visa (subclass 771), apply online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal.

   Apply for other visas via ImmiAccount

• Previous visa overstay or breach of visa conditions.

  How to avoid: Always adhere to the conditions of any previous visas for Australia or other countries. Do not overstay your visa or engage in activities not permitted by your visa.

• Providing false or misleading information.

  How to avoid: Ensure all information provided in your application is accurate, truthful, and consistent with your supporting documents. Any discrepancies can lead to refusal.

• Not meeting character requirements (e.g., criminal record).

  How to avoid: Be honest about any criminal history. If you have a criminal record, seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs or a migration agent before applying, as certain offenses may make you ineligible.

• Insufficient funds to support your stay.

  How to avoid: Provide clear evidence of sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and daily expenses for the duration of your intended stay. Bank statements or letters from financial institutions can serve as proof.

• Lack of genuine intention to visit as a tourist.

  How to avoid: Clearly state your purpose of visit as tourism and provide a plausible itinerary. Avoid any indication that you intend to work or reside permanently in Australia.

• Passport validity issues.

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Australia. If your passport is due to expire soon, renew it before applying for your ETA or visa.

• Always declare all food, plant material, and animal products upon arrival to avoid penalties, as Australia has strict biosecurity laws.
• Be aware of Australia's strong sun; use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM.
• Familiarize yourself with local wildlife, especially in rural areas. Be cautious around snakes, spiders, and marine stingers in tropical waters.
• Driving is on the left side of the road. If renting a car, ensure you are comfortable with this and aware of local road rules.

• Can I extend my ETA or Visitor visa while in Australia?

  It is generally not possible to extend an ETA. If you wish to stay longer, you may need to apply for a new visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600), before your current visa expires. Applying for a new visa does not guarantee it will be granted.

• Can I work in Australia with an ETA or Visitor visa?

  No, an ETA or Visitor visa (subclass 600) for tourism purposes does not permit you to work in Australia. You are permitted to engage in limited business visitor activities, such as attending conferences or negotiating contracts, but not to work for an Australian employer.

• Do I need a transit visa if I'm just passing through Australia?

  If you are an American citizen and your transit through Australia is less than 8 hours, and you remain in the transit lounge of an airport, you generally do not need a transit visa. However, if your transit is longer than 8 hours, or if you need to leave the airport transit lounge, you must obtain a Transit visa (subclass 771) before you travel.

• What happens if my passport expires before my ETA?

  Your ETA is electronically linked to the passport you used to apply. If you get a new passport, your existing ETA will no longer be valid. You will need to apply for a new ETA with your new passport.

• What are the health requirements for entering Australia?

  All visitors to Australia must meet certain health requirements. You must be free from any disease or condition that is a threat to public health in Australia or that could result in significant costs to the Australian community. In some cases, a medical examination may be required.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for an ETA for Australia?

  Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Australia. While there is no strict 6-month validity rule for US citizens entering Australia, it is strongly recommended that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. This helps avoid potential issues with airlines or during your stay. Always check the latest requirements on the official Australian government immigration website.

• I had an Australian visa refused before. Can I still get an ETA?

  If you have previously had an Australian visa refused or cancelled, you are generally not eligible to apply for an ETA. In such cases, you would likely need to apply for a different type of visitor visa, which involves a more detailed application process. You should declare any previous refusals honestly and seek advice from the Australian Department of Home Affairs if unsure.

• How much money do I need to show I have for my trip to Australia?

  While there is no specific minimum amount of money you must demonstrate for an ETA, you should be able to support yourself financially during your stay. You may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses, accommodation, and return travel. It is advisable to have access to funds that reasonably cover your planned activities and duration in Australia.

• I'm travelling to Australia next week. Is there enough time to get an ETA?

  ETAs are typically processed very quickly, often within minutes or hours of application. However, some applications may take longer if additional information is required or if there are processing delays. It is always best to apply for your ETA as soon as your travel plans are firm to allow for any unforeseen circumstances.

• I'm travelling to Australia with my children. Do they need their own ETA?

  Yes, every individual travelling to Australia, including infants and children, must have their own valid ETA or visa. Each child's ETA application must be submitted separately, even if they are travelling on their parent's passport. Ensure all family members have their travel authorisations confirmed before departure.

• How much does an Australia visa cost for American citizens?

  You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government travel authorisation fee plus any card or processing charge. Government fee: Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application. Processing / card charge: Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top. Third-party sites: Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Sydney Opera House, Sydney, or does this cover all of Australia?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Australia visa is valid for the whole country — including Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory and Melbourne's laneways and cultural precincts, Victoria. Apply once for Australia and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.