Australian ETA App

The Australian ETA App is the official, free app from the Australian Government to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601).

Download it from the App Store or Google Play, scan your passport, take a selfie, and pay the AUD 20 service fee — most ETAs are approved instantly. Since 2022, the Australian ETA App is the only official channel to apply for an ETA.

What Is the Australian ETA App?

The Australian ETA App is the official mobile application developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

It is the only authorised channel to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) subclass 601 — a digital travel authority electronically linked to your passport number.

The ETA subclass 601 allows multiple entries to Australia for up to 12 months (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first), with stays of up to 3 months per visit. It covers tourism, visiting family or friends, and business visitor activities.

IMPORTANT: The Australian ETA App is free to download. The only legitimate fee is the AUD 20 service fee paid within the app when submitting your application. There is no separate Visa Application Charge (VAC).

Official App IDs (verify before downloading):

• iOS App Store: AustralianETA (App ID: 1527982364)
• Google Play: AustralianETA (package: au.gov.homeaffairs.eta)

Who Needs the Australian ETA App?

You need the Australian ETA App if you hold a passport from an ETA-eligible country and plan to visit Australia for tourism or business.

The app is mandatory — there is no web-based alternative for ETA applications.

European passport holders are not eligible for an ETA. Instead, they should apply for the free eVisitor visa (subclass 651) via ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Australian citizens do not need an ETA or any visa to enter Australia.

ETA-Eligible Countries

ETA-eligible passport holders include citizens of:

• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇯🇵 Japan
• 🇸🇬 Singapore
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia
• 🇧🇳 Brunei
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (SAR)
• 🇰🇷 South Korea
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan

For the full list of eligible countries, check the official page at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Who Cannot Use the App

How to Download the Australian ETA App

The Australian ETA App is free to download from both major app stores. You only pay when you submit your application (AUD 20 service fee).

To get the app on iPhone (iOS), follow these steps:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Search for “AustralianETA” (one word, no space).
3. Verify the developer: Australian Government.
4. Tap Get to download (free).
5. App ID: 1527982364 — use this to verify you have the correct app.

Device requirements: iPhone with NFC capability (iPhone 7 or later), camera, iOS 14 or later.

In order to download the application on Android, do this:

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Search for “AustralianETA”.
3. Verify the developer: Australian Government.
4. Tap Install (free).
5. Package ID: au.gov.homeaffairs.eta — verify in the app URL.

Device requirements: Android 8.0 or later, NFC-enabled device, and camera.

How to Apply for an ETA Using the App: Step-by-Step

Applying for an Australian ETA via the app takes 5–10 minutes: scan your passport, take a live selfie, answer eligibility questions, and pay AUD 20 by credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Most applications are approved immediately.

Before You Start (Requirements Checklist)

Before opening the app, make sure you have:

• Valid passport (biodata page accessible and undamaged)
• NFC enabled on your device (Settings → NFC → On)
• Location services enabled for the app
• Working camera (front and rear)
• Valid email address you can access
• Payment method ready: credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
• You are outside Australia when applying (mandatory)
• Good lighting for your selfie photo

The 5 Application Steps

Step 1: Scan your passport.
Open the app and hold your passport’s biodata page (the page with your photo and personal details) against the back of your phone.

The app reads the NFC chip embedded in your passport. This pre-fills your name, date of birth, passport number, and other details automatically.

Step 2: Take a live selfie.
The app will ask you to take a live photo of yourself. Your face must match the photo in your passport.

Ensure good lighting, look directly at the camera, and remove glasses or hats if they are not in your passport photo.

Step 3: Answer eligibility questions.
You will be asked a series of questions, including:

• Whether you have any criminal convictions in any country
• Any other names you have used
• Contact details in Australia (if applicable)

Answer all questions honestly. If you have a criminal conviction, you will need to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.

Step 4: Pay the AUD 20 service fee.
Pay using a credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. This is the only fee — there is no additional Visa Application Charge.

Each person (including infants and children) must submit a separate application and pay the AUD 20 fee individually.

Step 5: Wait for your ETA outcome.

After submitting, you will receive an email notification. In most cases, the ETA is granted immediately.

Check your email (including spam/junk folder) for the outcome notification.

How Much Does the App Cost?

The AUD 20 service fee is charged by the Department of Home Affairs for using the Australian ETA App, and it is non-refundable. If you apply through an authorised travel agent, they may charge an additional service fee on top of the AUD 20.

How Long Does the Australian ETA App Take?

Most Australian ETA applications submitted via the app are approved immediately. If further information is required, you will receive an email within 12 hours.

Apply at least 4 weeks before travel to allow time for any additional processing.

Immediate Approval vs. Further Processing

Immediate approval (most cases):

• ETA granted within minutes of submission
• Confirmation sent to your registered email
• ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no printout needed
• Verify your ETA status via the app or at eta.homeaffairs.gov.au

Further processing triggered by:

• Incorrect or incomplete answers in the app
• Information that is difficult to verify
• Criminal history (apply for subclass 600 instead)
• Technical issues with the passport scan or photo

Email notifications are sent within 12 hours to your registered email address. Always check your spam/junk folder.

To review your status, open the Australian ETA App → Check status, or visit the Check an ETA function at eta.homeaffairs.gov.au.

What to Do If Your ETA Is Pending or Rejected

If your ETA is pending:

1. Check your email (including spam folder) for a notification
2. Wait up to 12 hours from submission
3. Check status via the app
4. Do not book flights or accommodation until your ETA is granted

If further information is required, you will receive an ETA Application Outcome Notification letter by email. Follow these steps:

1. Create an ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au (or log in if you already have one)
2. Open the outcome letter and click the ETA form link
3. Download and complete Form 1554: ETA request for further processing
4. Attach required documents:
   • Copy of passport biodata page
   • Copy of national identity card (front and back)
   • Form 1554 (under Supplementary Questions/ETA Supplement Information)
   • Evidence of genuine intention to visit (employment letter, bank statements, etc.)

If your ETA is rejected:

• Review the reason for refusal
• You can reapply via the Australian ETA App
• If rejected due to a criminal history, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) via ImmiAccount
• Seek advice from a registered migration agent if needed

⚠️ Do not finalise travel arrangements until your ETA is granted. Processing cannot be expedited for pre-arranged travel.

Australian ETA App Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide

The most common Australian ETA App problems are photo rejection, passport scan failure, and app crashes on older devices. Each issue has a specific fix — see the steps below.

Photo Not Working / Face Not Matching

The app requires a live selfie that matches your passport photo. If your photo is rejected:

1. Improve lighting — use natural light or a bright indoor light. Avoid shadows on your face.
2. Remove accessories — take off glasses, hats, or face coverings (unless worn in your passport photo).
3. Look directly at the camera — keep your face centred and level.
4. Clean your camera lens — smudges can cause blurry photos.
5. Check passport photo match — if you have grown a beard or changed appearance significantly since your passport photo, the facial recognition may fail. Try different lighting angles.
6. Restart the app and try again.

If the error message says “face did not match passport,” ensure you are using the same face as shown in your passport biodata page.

Passport Scan Not Working (NFC Issues)

The Australian ETA App uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to read the chip in your passport. If the scan fails:

1. Enable NFC: Go to Settings → Connections (Android) or Settings → NFC (iPhone) → Turn On.
2. Enable Location Services: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → AustralianETA → Allow.
3. Remove your phone case — thick cases can block NFC signals.
4. Position correctly: Hold the passport flat against the back of your phone. The NFC antenna is usually near the top of the phone (iPhone) or centre/top (Android).
5. Try different positions on the passport biodata page — move the phone slowly across the page.
6. Ensure passport is valid — damaged or demagnetised chips cannot be read.

If NFC scanning consistently fails, contact the Department of Home Affairs or apply for an alternative visa via ImmiAccount.

App Crashes or Won’t Open

If the Australian ETA App is not working or keeps crashing:

1. Update the app — open App Store or Google Play and check for updates.
2. Restart your device — a simple restart fixes most app issues.
3. Clear app cache (Android): Settings → Apps → AustralianETA → Storage → Clear Cache.
4. Reinstall the app — delete and reinstall from the official store.
5. Check OS compatibility — ensure your device runs iOS 14+ or Android 8.0+.
6. Free up storage — the app needs sufficient device storage to function.
7. Check internet connection — the app requires a stable internet connection.

If the app continues to malfunction, use ImmiAccount as an alternative to apply for a different visa type, or contact the Department of Home Affairs support.

Australian ETA App vs ImmiAccount: Which Should You Use?

ETA-eligible passport holders must use the Australian ETA App — ImmiAccount cannot be used to apply for an ETA directly.

ImmiAccount is only needed if your ETA application requires further processing (Form 1554) or if you need to apply for a different visa type.

When to use ImmiAccount instead of the ETA App:

• Your ETA application requires further processing (Form 1554)
• You are a European passport holder → apply for eVisitor subclass 651
• You need a Visitor visa subclass 600 (all nationalities, longer stays)
• You cannot use the ETA App due to device incompatibility

Can I Apply for an ETA Without the App?

Since 2022, the Australian ETA App is the only channel to apply for an ETA (subclass 601). The previous web-based ETA application system has been discontinued.

If you cannot use the app, here are your alternatives:

You cannot apply on a computer apply on a computer, since the ETA App requires a smartphone with NFC and a camera.

However, an authorised travel agent or family member can apply on your behalf using their smartphone, as long as you are physically present for the live photo and passport scan.

FAQ: Australian ETA App

• Do I need the Australian ETA App to enter Australia?
  If you hold an ETA-eligible passport (US, UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, etc.), you must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA App before travelling.
• How much does the Australian ETA App cost?
  The app is free to download. You pay a AUD 20 service fee when submitting your application. This is the only legitimate fee — there is no Visa Application Charge (VAC) for an ETA.
• Can I get an ETA without the app?
  No. Since 2022, the Australian ETA App is the only way to apply for an ETA (subclass 601). If you cannot use the app, apply for an eVisitor (Europeans, free) or Visitor visa subclass 600 via ImmiAccount.
• Do you have to print the Australian ETA?
  No, as the ETA is stored electronically and linked to your passport number. Airlines and border officials can verify it automatically.
• How do I know if my Australian ETA has been approved?
  You will receive an email notification (check your spam folder). You can also check your ETA status in the Australian ETA App or at eta.homeaffairs.gov.au using the “Check an ETA” function.
• Can I apply for an ETA on behalf of someone else?
  Yes, but the person must be physically present when you apply, as a live selfie is required. You can use your smartphone to apply for a family member or friend — they must be there for the photo and passport scan.
• Is the Australian ETA App available for Windows or desktop?
  No. The app is only available for iOS (iPhone) and Android smartphones. It requires NFC and a camera, which most computers do not have.
• What happens if my ETA is rejected?
  You can reapply via the Australian ETA App. If rejected due to a criminal history, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) via ImmiAccount. Consider consulting a registered migration agent for complex cases.
• How long is the Australian ETA valid for?
  The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of grant, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You can enter Australia multiple times during this period, staying up to 3 months per visit.
• Do Australian citizens need an ETA?
  No. Australian citizens have an automatic right of entry to Australia and do not need any visa or ETA.

Last updated: March 2026. For the most current information, visit the official Australian Government immigration website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.