British passport holders can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit Australia. An ETA visa allows you to enter Australia for tourism or business purposes. It’s much simpler and faster than applying for a traditional visa.
Three main visa options for UK citizens traveling to Australia:
1. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601):
- It is suitable for travelers who intend to visit Australia for tourism, visit family or friends, attend business meetings or conferences, or conduct business negotiations.
- The ETA allows multiple entries into Australia within 12 months, with each visit allowing a stay of up to three months.
The eligible countries are:1
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong (SAR of China)
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Norway
- Portugal
- Republic of San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports)
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom—British Citizen
- United Kingdom—British National (Overseas)
- United States of America
- Vatican City
Note: Applying for an ETA using a non-citizen passport, certificate of identity, or other travel document, such as a Titre de Voyage, is not permissible.
2. E-Visitor (subclass 651):
- The eVisitor is also electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is suitable for purposes similar to ETA’s, such as tourism, business visits, or visiting relatives.
- It is valid for up to 12 months from the date of grant and allows stays of up to three months per visit.
To be eligible for the eVisitor, you must hold citizenship and a valid passport from one of the following countries:2
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Republic of San Marino
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom – British Citizen
- Vatican City
Note: You cannot apply with a non-citizen passport, certificate of identity, or other travel document, including a Titre de Voyage, or a British National Overseas, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject passport.
3. Australia Regular Visas:
- Encompasses a wider range of visas for various purposes beyond tourism.
- Examples:
- Visitor Visa (subclass 600): This visa is ideal for longer stays (up to 12 months) for vacations, visiting family, or participating in specific programs.
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417): This visa allows young adults (18-30 years old) to combine travel with work experiences in Australia for up to a year.
- Skilled Visa Options (various subclasses): Designed for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia, often requiring sponsorship or nomination.
- Student Visas (various subclasses): For international students enrolled in approved educational institutions in Australia.
If you are a British passport holder and plan to stay in Australia longer or make multiple visits within a year, the e-visitor visa could be the perfect option for you. Visas for Future can assist you with the application process and make your journey to Australia simpler and more convenient.
What We’re Offering
If you are a British passport holder planning to visit Australia, you will need an Australian E-Visitor visa. Our processing service guarantees the approval of your visa application within 24 hours. Once your visa is approved, we will deliver it directly to your mailbox within 24 hours.
Why choose us
Our visa forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
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Requirements and documentation needed
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizenship: ETA is available to citizens of certain countries, including the United Kingdom.
- Valid Passport: A valid passport from a visa-exempt country is required.
- Good Health: Applicants may be required to disclose their health status.
- Clean Record: Applicants should not possess significant criminal convictions.
- Ties to Home Country: Convincing evidence, such as employment, residence, financial assets, or family connections, demonstrating strong ties to the home country is necessary to satisfy border services officers.
- Sufficient funds: You must be able to support yourself financially during your stay in Australia.
Requirements and Documentation:
- Valid passport details: This includes your passport number, date of issue, and expiry date.
- Travel information: Provide details about your intended arrival and departure dates, and any planned multiple entries within the validity period.
- Proof of Onward Travel: A flight ticket showing your departure from Australia strengthens your application.
- Accommodation Details: Confirmation of hotel bookings or other accommodation adds weight to your application.
How to apply for an Australian ETA?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA):
Step 1: Go to the Australian Official Website: Open your web browser and visit Australia’s official website.
Step 2: Start Applying: To begin your application, click on “Apply for an ETA” or a similar option.
Step 3: Fill in the Form: Provide accurate details in the online form. This includes your full name, date of birth, passport info, contact details, and travel plans.
Step 4: Check Your Details: Double-check all the information you’ve entered to make sure it’s correct.
Step 5: Pay the Fee: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the ETA application fee online.
Step 6: Submit: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the ETA application fee online.
Step 7: Get Confirmation: You will receive an email confirming your application submission. Keep this email safe, as it contains your application reference number.
Regulations and limitations for British nationals getting an Australian ETA
Below are the guidelines and constraints for British citizens seeking an Australian ETA:
Activities:
- Employment within Australia is not permitted on an ETA.
- The study duration is restricted to no more than three months on an ETA.
Length of Stay:
- A maximum stay of 3 months per visit is allowed in Australia on an ETA.
Health and Character Requirements:
- Similar to all visitors to Australia, British nationals applying for an ETA must meet health and character standards. This typically entails disclosing any criminal history and furnishing biographical and biometric data. Individuals with specific medical conditions or criminal backgrounds may face rejection of entry denial or visa applications.
Visa Conditions:
- ETA holders are obligated to adhere to the terms of their visa, including refraining from employment or any activities inconsistent with the visa category. Non-compliance with visa conditions can lead to visa revocation and potential repercussions for future trips to Australia.
Reapplication:
- In case of an ETA application denial, applicants might have the opportunity to reapply or explore alternative visa options. However, addressing any underlying issues that contributed to the initial rejection is crucial, such as providing supplementary documentation or information requested by Australian authorities.
Additional Limitations:
- The ETA must remain valid for the entirety of the intended stay.
- Application for an ETA while already present in Australia is not permitted.
Further Considerations:
- Possession of an ETA does not guarantee entry into Australia; the final decision rests with border officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to Australia on my British passport?
Yes, British citizens can travel to Australia using their British passport.
What passports are eligible for Australian ETA?
Passports eligible for an Australian ETA include passports from countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and many European countries.
Can you get an ETA for Australia at the airport?
No, you cannot get an ETA for Australia at the airport.
How much does Australian ETA cost?
The cost of an Australian ETA is AUD 20. However, please note that additional service fees may apply if you choose to apply through a travel agent or visa processing company.
- Immigration and Citizenship Website. (2019). Immigration and Citizenship Website. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved April 3, 2024. <https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#Eligibility> [↩]
- Immigration and Citizenship Website. (2019). Immigration and Citizenship Website. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved April 3, 2024. <https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651> [↩]
- Immigration and Citizenship Website. (2019). Immigration and Citizenship Website. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved April 3, 2024. <https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651> [↩] [↩]
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Australian eta for British passport holders." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/australian-eta-for-british-passport-holders/. Accessed on 3 April 2024.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Australian eta for British passport holders." Visas For Future. April 3, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/australian-eta-for-british-passport-holders/.