Tips from a Frequent Visitor: A Quick Reference Guide to the Australia Travel Visa

Applying for the ETA: A Simple Process

1. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA):
   The Australia Travel Visa, officially known as the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), is fully electronic. You'll need a valid U.S. Passport and plan to travel to Australia for tourism or business for less than 90 days.
   

2. Convenient Application:
   Download the Australian ETA app from your mobile app store – a new, convenient method that likely would have saved me from the ordeal mentioned earlier!
   

3. Visa Validity:
   The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date it's granted or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Enjoy stays of up to three months after each entry during the ETA's validity.
   

4. Easy Application Process:
   Open the app, start a new application for each traveler, scan your passport, take a "live photo," answer a few questions, and provide accommodation details. Detailed step-by-step instructions are available here.
   

5. Affordable and Quick:
   As of now, the standard ETA application fee is $20 AUD per visa, payable via Apple Pay. Most visas are granted immediately or at most within 72 hours.
   Seamless Return Application:
   For return trips, the app saves your passport information from the last application. A quick live photo and a few questions are all it takes to re-submit your travel details.
   

Hotels in Australia

Park Hyatt Sydney (Hyatt Prive)

• Welcome letter from hotel leadership on behalf of the travel advisor and their agency.

• Welcome amenity provided to guests upon arrival.

• Daily complimentary full breakfast at a hotel restaurant for up to two guests.

• Property credit (value varies by property).

• Priority for room upgrade (response within 24 hours of booking, subject to forecasted occupancy, not available at all-inclusives)

• Early check-in/late check-out/connecting rooms (response within 24 hours of request, subject to forecasted occupancy, earliest check-in is 9 a.m., latest checkout: 4 p.m.)

Qualia

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (within same pavilion category booked, no upgrades from Leeward to Windward)

• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom

• Colors of Sunset Cruise - includes a tour of the Whitsundays for one-and-a-half hours on a luxury cruiser, including canapés and select alcoholic beverages for up to two adults, once during stay

• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Langham Melbourne

• 100 AUD Hotel Credit

• Daily Breakfast For two

• Welcome Note From Hotel

• VIP Welcome Amenity

• Next tier room upgrade

• Early check-in, late checkout

Bask & Stow Byron Bay

• Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in

• Guaranteed 12 p.m. late check-out

• Complimentary bottle of wine in room on arrival

• Welcome treat in room on arrival

Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley

• $50 USD value-added amenity (hotel credit)

• Upgrade to next room category (subject to availability)

• Late check-out 2 p.m. (based on availability)

• Bottled water and fresh fruit / snacks in room upon arrival

• VIP level added to guest profile

• Handwritten and personalized welcome card

• Turn down service

Ready to embark on your Australian adventure? Share your thoughts or ask any questions – I'm here to help! Safe travels!

Essential Tips for Smooth Border Control: An important bonus tip!
Australian border control takes its job seriously. Unlike U.S. Customs, every party is questioned, and approximately 30 percent undergo bag scans. Be cautious – no food, drink, or prohibited items, or you might face a hefty fine. I learned this the hard way with a $500 fine for a forgotten bag of peas!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Australia. In need of further inspiration? Check out Chantel Lanier's guide, The Best Time to Travel to Australia.