The Australia ETA App is the only official channel to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — a AUD 20 visa that lets eligible passport holders visit Australia for up to 3 months per stay.

Download it free from the App Store or Google Play, developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

What Is the Australia ETA App?

The Australia ETA App is the only official channel to apply for an ETA (Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority), developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs and available free on both iOS and Android.

The app replaced the old online ETA application form. Since its introduction, all ETA-eligible passport holders must use the AustralianETA app — there is no website alternative.

The app guides applicants through a 6-stage process: scanning your passport, reading the ePassport chip via NFC, taking a live selfie, entering personal information, paying the AUD 20 service fee, and submitting the application.

The Australia ETA App has been downloaded over one million times on Google Play alone, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on more than 40,700 verified reviews.

On the Apple App Store, it holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 968 ratings. The app is published by the Department of Home Affairs and was last updated on 16 February 2026.

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) granted through the app is an electronically stored authority equivalent to a visa, linked directly to your passport number. It is not a physical document — you do not receive a stamp or sticker.

Once granted, the ETA is automatically checked when you check in for your flight to Australia.

Key facts:

  • Developer: Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government)
  • Platforms: iOS (App Store) + Android (Google Play)
  • Download cost: Free
  • Service fee: AUD 20 (non-refundable)
  • ETA type: Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority
  • Official app name: AustralianETA

Who Can Use the Australia ETA App? (Eligibility)

The Australia ETA App is available to passport holders from 38 ETA-eligible countries — Australian citizens are ineligible and must use other travel documents when entering Australia.

ETA-Eligible Countries

ETA-eligible countries include the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, and a number of other nations.

The full list is available at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. If your country is not on the ETA-eligible list, you will need to apply for a different visa type through ImmiAccount.

Important note for European passport holders: Citizens of most European Union countries are not ETA-eligible. Instead, they may be eligible for the eVisitor (Subclass 651), which is free and applied for online through ImmiAccount — not through the Australia ETA App.

What the ETA Allows

  • Tourism — holidays, cruises, visiting family or friends
  • Business visitor activities — attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations
  • Multiple entries within a 12-month period (or until passport expiry, whichever is shorter)
  • Up to 3 months per visit

What the ETA Does NOT Allow

  • Work in Australia — employment of any kind is not permitted on an ETA
  • Study beyond short-term courses
  • Extended stays — the ETA is not designed for repeated long-term stays

Who Cannot Use the Australia ETA App

  • Australian citizens — must use an Australian passport to enter; no ETA required
  • Australian permanent residents — use their resident return visa
  • Passport holders from non-ETA-eligible countries — must apply for a tourist visa (Subclass 600) or other appropriate visa
  • People currently in Australia — you must apply from outside Australia

How to Download the Australia ETA App

Download the Australia ETA App for free by searching “AustralianETA” on the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android) — the developer listed is Department of Home Affairs.

For iPhone/iPad (iOS)

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Search for “AustralianETA” (one word, no space).
  3. Select the app published by Department of Home Affairs.
  4. Tap Get — the app is free to download.
  5. Install and open the app.

For Android

  1. Open Google Play.
  2. Search for “AustralianETA”.
  3. Select the app by Department of Home Affairs.
  4. Tap Install — free to download.
  5. Open the app once installed.

Device Requirements

  • NFC (Near Field Communication) must be supported and enabled — required to read the ePassport chip
  • Camera capable of scanning passport and taking a live photo
  • Mobile data (cellular network) — Wi-Fi does NOT work for the application process
  • Location services must be enabled
  • Valid email address you can access during the application
  • Payment method ready: credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

Important: The Australia ETA App requires mobile data, not Wi-Fi. This is a common cause of failure that official guides do not prominently mention. Switch off Wi-Fi and use your cellular connection before starting the application.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide (6 Stages)

Applying via the Australia ETA App takes 5–30 minutes across 6 stages: passport scan, NFC chip read, live selfie, personal information, AUD 20 payment, and submission.

Before you start, prepare:

  • Your valid passport (open to the biodata page)
  • Mobile data enabled (turn off Wi-Fi)
  • Phone case removed (needed for NFC in Stage 2)
  • Good lighting and a plain background for your selfie
  • Credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay ready
  • Your accommodation address in Australia (hotel name, address, phone number)

Stage 1 — Scan Your Passport

The app opens the camera to scan the biodata page of your passport. This step pre-fills your name, date of birth, passport number, and other details automatically.

Tips for successful passport scanning:

  • Hold your phone in landscape (horizontal) orientation with your right hand
  • Angle the camera at approximately 45 degrees to the passport page
  • Keep the passport 10–20 cm away from the camera lens
  • Avoid glare — tilt the phone 1 degree at a time to find the sweet spot
  • Ensure bright, even lighting — dim rooms cause repeated failures
  • If a green frame appears and says “processing document,” hold perfectly still

Be patient: Some users report needing 40+ attempts before the scan succeeds. This is normal.

Stage 2 — Read the ePassport Chip (NFC)

The app reads the ePassport chip embedded in your passport using NFC. This verifies the authenticity of your passport.

Advice for successful NFC reading:

  • Remove your phone case completely — even thin cases can block NFC signal
  • Confirm NFC is enabled in your phone settings
  • Use mobile data, not Wi-Fi
  • Place the phone flat directly on the passport with no gap, then slowly slide it around until it detects the chip
  • For USA passports: follow the specific in-app instructions — the procedure is different

Note: Passports issued before approximately 2006 may not contain an NFC chip. If the app cannot read a chip after multiple attempts, apply through ImmiAccount for an alternative visa.

Stage 3 — Take Your Live Selfie

The app takes a live biometric photo of your face and compares it to your passport photo via facial recognition.

Tips for a successful selfie:

  • Use a plain, flat background — white wall is ideal
  • Remove glasses, hat, or sunglasses
  • Ensure good, even lighting — avoid backlighting or shadows
  • Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression
  • Most users need 2–3 attempts — keep retrying

Common failure: If the app crashes during the selfie and returns you to Stage 1, this is a known bug — restart and try again.

Stage 4 — Enter Personal Information

This stage collects:

  • Full name (pre-filled — verify it is correct)
  • Aliases — any other names you have used
  • Home address and email address
  • Email verification code — enter it within the time limit
  • Contact details in Australia — hotel name, address, phone number

Tip: Have your hotel’s address and phone number ready before starting. If the app times out while you search, it may log you out and require a restart.

Stage 5 — Pay the AUD 20 Service Fee

The Australia ETA App charges a non-refundable AUD 20 service fee per applicant — the only charge, with no VAC on top.

Payment methods include Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Apple Pay (iOS), Google Pay (Android).

For multiple applicants, each person pays a separate AUD 20 fee and must be physically present for their selfie and passport scan.

Stage 6 — Submit and Wait for Confirmation

After payment, tap Submit. In most cases, you receive an immediate on-screen confirmation.

If you see “Application(s) submission failed: Payment was successful”:

  • Do not pay again
  • Tap the resubmit / retry button repeatedly — some users need to tap it 50–100 times
  • If still stuck, use the in-app feedback form or email mobile.apps@homeaffairs.gov.au
  • Check your email — the application is likely in the system despite the error

Australia ETA App Cost: AUD 20 Service Fee Explained

The Australia ETA App charges a non-refundable AUD 20 service fee — there is no Visa Application Charge (VAC), and paying more than AUD 20 to anyone for an ETA means you are being scammed.

  • Non-refundable — even if your ETA is refused
  • Per applicant — each person in your group pays separately
  • The only charge — no processing fee, no “expedited” option

Payment Methods

Method iOS Android
Credit card (Visa/Mastercard/Amex) ✓ ✓
Apple Pay ✓ ✗
Google Pay ✗ ✓

What AUD 20 Covers

The fee covers the ETA Subclass 601, which grants 12 months of multiple-entry validity and up to 3 months per visit — unlimited entries within the validity period.

How Long Does the Australia ETA App Take?

The Australia ETA App processes most applications immediately — you receive an on-screen confirmation and email within minutes. If further information is needed, expect an email within 12 hours. Apply at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date.

Processing Time Breakdown

Scenario Processing Time
Standard application (no issues) Immediate (minutes)
Application requiring further review Up to 12 hours
Application requiring additional documents Days to weeks (via ImmiAccount)

Important Timing Advice

  • Apply at least 4 weeks in advance — the Australian High Commission explicitly recommends this minimum lead time
  • Do not book flights or accommodation until your ETA is granted
  • Processing cannot be expedited — pre-arranged travel is not a compelling reason
  • Check your spam folder — ETA outcome notifications sometimes land in junk mail

Australia ETA App Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide

The most common Australia ETA App problems — passport won’t scan, NFC not reading, selfie rejected, and “submission failed” error — all have specific fixes that most official guides don’t explain.

First check: Ensure you are using mobile data (cellular network), not Wi-Fi. This single fix resolves many unexplained failures.

Passport Won’t Scan

Solutions:

  • Switch to landscape (horizontal) orientation
  • Hold the passport 10–20 cm from the camera
  • Angle the camera at approximately 45 degrees
  • Eliminate glare — tilt the phone 1 degree at a time
  • Move to a brighter area
  • Clean the passport page — fingerprints can interfere
  • If stuck, try a different device

NFC Chip Not Reading

Solutions:

  • Remove your phone case completely
  • Confirm NFC is enabled in Settings
  • Switch to mobile data
  • Place the phone flat on the passport and slowly slide it around
  • Try the back cover first, then the front cover
  • USA passports: follow the specific in-app instructions

Selfie Rejected

Solutions:

  • Use a plain, flat background
  • Remove glasses, hat, or sunglasses
  • Ensure even lighting — no backlighting or shadows
  • Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression
  • Retry with different lighting or angle if “face doesn’t match”

“Submission Failed: Payment Successful” Error

  1. Do not pay again — your payment has been processed
  2. Tap the resubmit / retry button repeatedly (50–100 times if needed)
  3. Stay on the screen — do not close the app
  4. Use the in-app feedback form (Help → Contact Us) if still stuck
  5. Contact mobile.apps@homeaffairs.gov.au
  6. Check your email — the application is likely submitted despite the error

What Happens After You Submit the Australia ETA App?

After submitting the Australia ETA App, you receive an email confirmation within 12 hours — check your spam folder — and can verify your ETA status in the app or via the “Check an ETA” function at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Verifying Your ETA Status

  1. In the Australia ETA App — open the app and check your application status.
  2. Check an ETA function — at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au; enter your passport number and date of birth.

If Your Application Requires Further Information

If you receive an ETA Application Outcome Notification stating your application cannot be processed:

  1. Create or log in to ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
  2. Click the ETA form link in the outcome email.
  3. Download and complete Form 1554: ETA request for further processing.
  4. Attach: passport biodata page, Form 1554, cover letter, employment/study evidence, proof of funds, travel arrangements, and list of immediate family members.

Important Post-Submission Notes

  • Passport renewal: Your ETA becomes invalid — apply for a new ETA with your new passport
  • ETA refusal: You may reapply with additional supporting evidence
  • Family/group travel: Use the Group ID function in ImmiAccount

Frequently Asked Questions About the Australia ETA App

What is the Australia ETA App?

The Australia ETA App (“AustralianETA”) is the only official mobile app to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA Subclass 601), developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

Can I do an Australia ETA online without the app?

No — all ETA Subclass 601 applications must go through the app; there is no website alternative. European passport holders may be eligible for the eVisitor (Subclass 651), which is applied for online via ImmiAccount.

How long does the Australian ETA App take?

The Australia ETA App processes most applications immediately; if further review is needed, you will receive an email within 12 hours. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel — processing cannot be expedited.

How much does the Australia ETA App cost?

The Australia ETA App charges a non-refundable AUD 20 service fee per applicant. Payment is by credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Who is eligible to use the Australia ETA App?

The Australia ETA App is for passport holders from 38 ETA-eligible countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea — Australian citizens are ineligible. European passport holders are generally eligible for the eVisitor (Subclass 651) instead.

What do I need to use the Australia ETA App?

You need a valid passport from an ETA-eligible country, an NFC-enabled smartphone, mobile data (Wi-Fi does not work), location services, a valid email, and a payment method. You must apply from outside Australia.

Why is the Australia ETA App not working?

The most common fixes are: switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, remove your phone case (it blocks NFC), improve lighting for the passport scan, and retry the resubmit button if you see a “submission failed” error. See the Troubleshooting Guide above for full details.

Can a travel agent use the Australia ETA App on my behalf?

Yes — authorized travel agents and airlines can apply on your behalf, but you must be physically present for the live selfie and passport scan. Industry users must have an NFC-capable device.

What happens if my ETA application is refused?

You can lodge a new application with additional supporting evidence — ETA refusals are not permanent bans. Alternatively, apply for a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) via ImmiAccount.

Do children need their own ETA?

Every individual, including infants, must submit a separate Australia ETA App application and pay a separate AUD 20 fee. Each child must be physically present for their live selfie.

What if I renew my passport after getting an ETA?

Your ETA becomes invalid when you renew your passport — it is linked to the old passport number. Apply for a new ETA via the Australia ETA App with your new passport before traveling.

Can I work in Australia on an ETA?

The ETA Subclass 601 permits only tourism and business visitor activities — work is not allowed. Apply for an appropriate work visa via ImmiAccount if you intend to work.

How do I check if my ETA has been granted?

Open the Australia ETA App to check your application status, or use the “Check an ETA” function at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au by entering your passport number and date of birth.

Information current as of April 2026. For the most up-to-date requirements, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.