How long is an Australian ETA valid for?

Duration of Validity of Australian Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs)

The Australian Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a pre-requisite for visa exemptions for eligible nationals visiting Australia for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The duration of validity of an ETA is an important aspect to consider when planning a trip to Australia.

Typical Validity Period

Generally, Australian ETAs grant a validity period of 12 months, commencing from the date of issuance. However, this validity period is subject to the following conditions:

• Passport Expiry Date: The ETA is only valid until the passport used for the application expires, even if the 12-month period has not elapsed.
• Earlier Expiration: If the passport expires before the 12-month validity period ends, the ETA will expire on the same date as the passport.

Example:

If an ETA is issued on January 1, 2023, and the passport used for the application expires on June 30, 2024, the ETA will be valid until June 30, 2024, even though the 12-month period would have ended on December 31, 2023.

Multiple Entries

ETAs allow for multiple entries into Australia within the 12-month validity period. However, each stay in Australia using an ETA is limited to a maximum of three months or 90 days.

Importance of Validity

Understanding the validity period of an ETA is crucial for planning your trip to Australia. It ensures that you have ample time to travel and that you do not overstay your authorized period. Overstaying an ETA can result in fines, visa cancellation, or future visa refusals.

Conclusion

Australian ETAs typically have a validity period of 12 months from the date of issuance or until passport expiry, whichever comes sooner. They allow for multiple entries, but each stay is capped at three months. By being aware of the validity and entry limitations, travelers can plan their trip accordingly and avoid any potential issues during their stay in Australia.