Australia´s Electronic Travel Authority system (ETA) is the most advanced and streamlined travel authorisation system in the world. It is the modern-day replacement for a visa label or a stamp in a passport, although these are still used where the ETA is not yet available.
ETA enables visitors from passport-approved countries to obtain authority to enter Australia at the same time as they book their travel arrangements. There is no need for the traveller to complete an application form for a visa.
The ETA is issued within seconds by computer links between the department, over 300,000 travel agents, more than 75 airlines and specialist service providers around the world.
The ETA system enables tourists and business travellers intending to visit Australia for three months or less, to apply for an ETA at the same time as they make other online travel bookings.