As a Singaporean with the mighty Singapore passport, it often slips my mind that I need to apply for an Australia ETA Visa when I visit Australia.
Unless you are an Australian citizen, all foreigner travelers need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa when visiting Australia. New Zealand passport holders can apply for visa upon arrival in Australia.
Where to Apply for Australia ETA?
There are many websites that can help you to apply for an Australia ETA but the official place is on the Australian ETA app.
The other websites also apply through the Australian ETA app on your behalf.
You can download the Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store and Android Google Play.
How to Apply on Australian ETA App?
1. First you need to agree to the Consent Agreement
2. Allow the app to scan the passport data page and read the passport chip.
3. Take a live photo of applicant against white background.
4. Answer a few questions like such as if you have ever been convicted, if you have any history of drug abuse.
How Much is Australia ETA?
I used to pay websites to apply for Australia ETA and I paid S$70-90 per ETA.
But if you download the official Australian ETA app and apply directly from there, it costs only AUD$20! That means these website have been robbing me of S$50-70 per visa!
How Long for Australian ETA to Process?
I checked the Australian ETA app an hour after I applied and the ETA was approved. I suspect that it was approved very quickly because the website says
In most cases you will be notified of the result of your ETA application immediately.
It’s always good to apply for your Australia ETA way beforehand as approval could take longer during peak travel period or further information is required.