ETA Australia Requirements – Documents & Eligibility

ETA Australia Requirements – Documents & Eligibility

The ETA Australia (Subclass 601) requires just three things: a valid passport from an eligible country, a working email address, and a payment method to cover the AUD 20 fee. No documents need to be uploaded, and no embassy visit is required. The entire verification process is electronic.

For a general overview of how the ETA works, see our complete ETA Australia guide.

Documents Required for ETA Australia

You do not need to upload any physical documents for an ETA application. The system verifies your identity electronically against international databases. Here is what you need to have ready before you start.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet two conditions:

• Machine-readable – The passport must have a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), which is the two lines of text and chevrons (<<<<) at the bottom of the photo page. Most passports issued since the early 2000s have this format.
• Valid for 6+ months - Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Australia. If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying.

The AustralianETA app can scan your passport's MRZ using your phone's camera. If the scan fails, you can enter your details manually - but double-check every character. A single typo in your passport number is the most common reason for application delays.

Email Address and Payment Method

You need:

• A valid email address - This is where you receive your approval notification. Use an email you check regularly, and check your spam folder if the notification does not arrive within an hour.
• A payment method - The app accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal. The fee is AUD 20 (approximately USD 13 / GBP 10 / EUR 12). This fee is non-refundable.

Every traveler, including children and infants, needs their own ETA and pays the AUD 20 fee. There are no family discounts or group rates.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process, see our application guide.

Eligible Countries and Nationalities

The ETA is available to citizens of more than 30 countries. The major eligible nationalities include:

• Americas: United States, Canada
• Europe: United Kingdom (British citizens only)
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong (SAR), Taiwan, Brunei
• Other: Several additional countries and territories

If you hold a passport from an eligible country, the ETA is your simplest path to entering Australia for tourism, business visitor activities, or transit.

Who Should Use the eVisitor Instead

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries typically qualify for the free eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) instead of the ETA. The eVisitor is functionally identical to the ETA but costs nothing. If you are an EU/EEA citizen, check whether the eVisitor applies to you before paying for the ETA.

For a detailed comparison of visa types, see our Subclass 601 guide.

Health Requirements for ETA Australia

The ETA application includes health declaration questions. You must disclose:

• Whether you have been diagnosed with tuberculosis
• Whether you have any condition that may require significant healthcare or community services in Australia

Answering "yes" to a health question does not mean your application will be refused. It may trigger additional processing where you will be asked to provide medical reports or undergo a health examination. The Australian government assesses each case individually.

You do not need to provide a medical certificate or health check as part of a standard ETA application. Health checks are only required if your answers indicate a potential concern.

Character Requirements for ETA Australia

The character declaration is one of the most misunderstood parts of the ETA application. Here is what you need to know:

• Criminal record threshold: A "substantial criminal record" is defined as sentences totaling 12 months or more (cumulative). If your total sentences across all convictions exceed 12 months, your application may be refused.
• All convictions matter: This includes convictions from any country, not just your home country.
• Previous visa refusals: If you have had a visa refused or cancelled by Australia or any other country, you must declare it. This does not automatically mean refusal, but it will be assessed.
• Pending charges: If you have criminal charges that have not yet been resolved, declare them.

What does NOT disqualify you:

• Minor traffic offenses (fines, not custodial sentences)
• Single sentences under 12 months
• Spent convictions (depending on jurisdiction)

If you are unsure about your eligibility due to a criminal record, consult the Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Passport Validity Rules

The passport validity requirement is straightforward but strict:

• Minimum validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Australia.
• Machine readable format: Your passport must have an MRZ (Machine Readable Zone). Handwritten passports or passports without the two-line MRZ code at the bottom of the photo page are not accepted.
• Name matching: Your name on the application must match your passport exactly, including middle names. If your passport shows "John Michael Smith," do not enter "John Smith."

Common issue: Travelers whose passport has less than 6 months validity often get approved for the ETA but are then denied boarding by the airline. Airlines enforce the 6-month rule independently. Renew your passport before applying if it expires within 6 months of your return date.

Special Circumstances

Dual Nationality

If you hold passports from two or more countries, apply using the passport you will travel with. Your ETA is linked to a specific passport number, so:

• If you enter Australia on your US passport, your ETA must be linked to that US passport
• If you also hold a UK passport, you do not need a separate ETA for it unless you plan to travel on it
• Switching passports after approval requires a new ETA application

Name Changes and Passport Mismatches

If your name has changed since your passport was issued (for example, through marriage):

• Update your passport first - Your ETA application name must match your passport exactly
• If your passport still shows your old name, apply using that name
• Do not use a different name on the application even if it is your legal name now

Children and Infants

Every person traveling to Australia needs their own ETA, regardless of age:

• Infants: Need their own passport and their own ETA (AUD 20)
• Children: Same requirements as adults - valid passport, health and character declarations
• Parents: Can complete the application on behalf of their child using the child's passport details
• Family tip: Apply for all family members at the same time through the app

ETA vs Other Visa Requirements

The ETA has the simplest requirements of any Australian visa:

If you are from an ETA-eligible country, the ETA is almost always the best choice. Only consider the Visitor Visa (600) if you need to stay longer than 3 months, have a complex immigration history, or are not eligible for the ETA.

FAQ

This guide is for informational purposes only. For the most current requirements, always refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Last updated: July 2026.