Australia visa requirements for US passport holders

Check your circumstances

Read these conditions alongside the entry rule. Where official guidance does not state a condition, that is not confirmation that no condition applies.

Passport type Conditions to check

You need a valid US passport. You cannot apply with a non-citizen passport, a certificate of identity or another travel document, and you must declare any other passports you hold.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

Trip purpose Conditions to check

The ETA covers tourism, cruises, visits to family or friends and some business visitor activities, plus up to 3 months of study or training. It is not a work visa.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

Age Conditions to check

Children need their own application; each family member applies separately, and the app takes a live photo of each applicant. Home Affairs may refuse a visa that is not in the best interests of a child under 18.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

Residence Conditions to check

You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the ETA is granted. Dual US and Australian citizens cannot apply: they enter Australia as Australians.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

Other visas or residence permits Conditions to check

If you also hold another substantive Australian visa when you arrive, you enter on that visa, and the ETA starts when it ends. The 3-month ETA stay still counts from your entry.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

Carrier and arrival route Conditions to check

The ETA is linked to the passport you applied with, and you must enter Australia on that passport. Home Affairs advises not to make travel arrangements until the ETA is granted.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

Stay and visa validity Confirmed for this scope

The ETA is valid for 12 months or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, with multiple entries and stays of up to 3 months each time. It cannot be extended.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

How to apply in the ETA app

Download the Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You need a phone with a camera, NFC and location services turned on, an email address and a payment method for the AUD 20 service charge, the only charge for an ETA.

In the app, scan your passport, take a live photo of yourself, answer the questions, including any criminal convictions, pay and submit. A friend, family member or travel agent can help, but you must be physically present for the photo.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

If your ETA is not granted straight away

Most results arrive immediately, but some take longer if the details are hard to verify or more information is needed. Check your email, including the junk folder. If Home Affairs asks for more information, use the link in its letter to submit an online form in ImmiAccount with Form 1554 attached. Do not lodge another ETA in the app: you will get the same result.

If you have a criminal conviction in any country, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead and provide evidence about the conviction.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

On arrival and during your stay

Travel on the passport linked to your ETA and complete the Incoming Passenger Card. SmartGates can process ePassports at the border. You can check your ETA details and stay period in VEVO or with the Visa check function in the app. If you get a new passport, your ETA ends and you need a new one.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government; Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.

Exceptions

Applicants who cannot use the app can apply for another suitable visa in ImmiAccount. Anyone who has failed the health requirement before, or who will enter health care or hospital settings, should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600). Round-trip cruises from Australia do not reset your 3-month stay.

Official sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government.