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For the latest immigration and citizenship news, see News - Archive. 

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app which you can download for free from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android). For more information, see our Step by step guide. 

There is no Visa Application Charge (VAC) for an ETA, however there is an application service fee of AUD20 to use the Australian ETA app.

European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651).

Don’t be Scammed

We are aware of third-party websites purporting to be associated with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department), charging exorbitant fees to lodge ETAs on behalf of visa applicants.

Be aware that you are being scammed if:

  • you apply for your ETA via a website – ETAs can only be applied for using the ETA app 
  • you pay more than AUD20 to lodge the application
  • you are told to pay extra fees for premium service or extra charges for ‘expedited’ visa processing
  • the information you are relying on hasn’t come from an official website ending in .gov.au

Some of the known websites which are not official Department-approved platforms to make an ETA application are:

If you choose to use one of these third-party websites, you risk:

  • losing any upfront cash that you have paid to the agent
  • having your ETA refused
  • not being permitted on the flight to Australia
  • being refused entry to Australia at the Australian border by the Australian Border Force

In order to protect yourself from visa scams, you should only deal with reputable travel agents, or official Australian Government channels via the Department of Home Affairs website.

If you are aware of, or suspect a scam in relation to ETAs, or other visas to Australia, please report it to Australia's Border Watch by visiting homeaffairs.gov.au/report.

Visa Types

Information on visas to Australia can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Explore visa options on the department's website to help you find the visa most likely to meet your specific circumstances.

Visa applications, fees & processing times

Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an ImmiAccount. This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster.

If you are lodging an application in the US, please refer to the following information before submitting your application:

Please note, you should not book flights or make travel commitments until you have a valid visa to travel to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will not be liable for any financial loss incurred by travellers whose visa application was finalised later than expected, or where an application is not successful.

Enquiries

Visa and citizenship applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Embassy staff are unable to assist with general visa or citizenship enquiries. 


The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up to date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department’s requirements. Visit the website at Immigration and citizenship.


If you are having trouble locating information on the department’s website, the Home Affairs Digital Assistant may be able to help. The Digital Assistant can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry. Visit the Immigration and citizenship website and click the Ask a question Digital Assistant button to get started.

 

Global Service Centre

If you require additional information, you may telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm your local time.


International calls may be subject to charges imposed by your local carrier. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid potentially high charges.

 

Using an interpreter

When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language. Option 6 can be selected straight after dialling the GSC number.

Alternatively, a TIS interpreter can also be engaged directly via:


•    TIS website: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or


•    Home Affairs website See: Family and friends helping with your application.

 

Compliments, complaints and suggestions

Your feedback is valuable to the Department of Home Affairs. The department uses your feedback to improve services and investigate and respond to any issues of concern. You can find more information on the department’s website at Compliments, complaints and suggestions.

 

Allegations related to suspicious border activities

If it doesn’t feel right, flag it anonymously with Border Watch. Border Watch is the single collection point for the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) for allegations related to suspicious border activities and is not limited to immigration and citizenship. One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime.  You can report suspicious immigration, customs and border related activity via the Border Watch Online Report.

Beware of Visa Scams

To avoid being scammed, you can check the Register of Migration Agents on the OMARA website, to receive the protections of an OMARA registered Migration Agent.

There are Australian registered migration agents working all around the world. These agents are subject to the same Code of Conduct, professional development and regulations as registered migration agents based in Australia. More information about Australia's efforts to ensure the integrity of the migration advice profession is available at: www.mara.gov.au.

Further information on visa scams is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.