What is a 'Visa Waiver' Country?
A visa waiver is an agreement between two countries that allows citizens of one country to enter the other country for a certain period of time without obtaining a visa. In other words, a visa waiver means that you can travel to a certain country without needing to apply for a visa beforehand.
Australia has a list of visa waiver countries that are eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa. Citizens of these countries can apply online for an ETA or eVisitor visa and receive an instant approval or an e-visa which allows them to stay in Australia for up to 3 months for tourism or business purposes.
It is important to note that even though citizens of these countries are eligible for visa-free travel to Australia, they still need to meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a valid passport, having no criminal convictions, and having sufficient funds to support their stay in Australia.
What is an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)?
An Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or visa subclass 601 is an electronically-stored authorisation that allows certain foreign nationals to enter Australia for short-term visits, such as tourism or business purposes, without obtaining a traditional visa. It is an alternative to a traditional visa and is only available to citizens of certain countries who are traveling to Australia for specific purposes. The ETA is electronically linked to the traveler's passport and can be obtained online through the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website or through a travel agent. It is valid for multiple visits to Australia for up to 12 months from the date of issue. Each visit must not exceed 3 months in duration. It allows travellers to enter Australia for tourism, visiting friends and family, or engaging in short-time business activities.
What is an Australian e-visitor visa?
An Australian e-Visitor visa (subclass 651) is also a non-traditional visa. The e-Visitor visa is only available to citizens of certain European countries, as well as a few other countries such as Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino. It is an alternative to a traditional visa and is valid for multiple visits to Australia for up to 12 months from the date of issue. Each visit must not exceed 3 months in duration. The e-Visitor visa allows travellers to enter Australia for tourism, visiting friends and family, or engaging in business activities.
To apply for an e-Visitor visa, the applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a valid passport, not having a criminal record, and not having any outstanding debts to the Australian Government. The application process is simple and can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Best of all, it is free of charge, unlike the Australian ETA which has a processing fee.
In summary, an Australian e-Visitor visa is an electronically-stored authorisation that allows certain foreign nationals to enter Australia for short-term visits, such as tourism or business purposes, without obtaining a traditional visa. It is available to citizens of certain European countries, as well as a few other countries such as Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino. The e-Visitor visa is valid for multiple visits for up to 3 months at a time in a 12 months period and is obtained online through the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.
What is the difference between an Australia ETA and the eVisitor visa?
Both e-visas can be used as a tourist visa or business visa. The only differences between an eVisitor and an ETA Australia are the nationalities accepted, the different application procedures and the differences in application fees.
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