Australian ETA Visa for Canadian Citizens | Smooth Travel

Do I need a visa, or can I just show up with my passport? Are you stuck at this point while traveling from Canada to Australia? Presenting you the Electronic Travel Authority(ETA). So, get a quick solution for an Australian ETA Visa for Canadian Citizens.

Don’t know about the ETA visa process? This article is for you. Here, you’ll get each detail of how to apply for a visa process to processing time and fees. Additionally, the eligibility criteria, reasons for ETA Visa rejection, and the best tips are mentioned ahead.

So, let’s get started.

What is the Australian ETA Visa For Canadian Citizens?

The ETA (Electonic Travel Authority) is a travel authority that allows non-Australians to enter Australia. This works as a visa because it is connected to the passport. But this eliminates the need for a label or stamp of a visa on a passport and application.

Australian ETA Visa for Canadian Citizens is important when they don’t have a valid visa. This eta visa is not used for long-term visits to Australia. So, you can avail of an ETA visa if you have to travel for business purposes or for a short time.

Why Canadian Citizens Need an ETA for Australia

Undoubtedly, there are good diplomatic relations between Canada and Australia. However, Canadians can’t visit Australia without completing the visa requirements.

Hence, the government of Australia has introduced the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to make the visa process easier. Therefore, now Canadian citizens don’t need to go through long procedures of paperwork for visas.

Validity of Australian ETA Visa for Canadian Citizens

How long is my Australian ETA visa valid? 

This is the most asked question after knowing about it. So, an ETA visa is valid for about 1 year for Canadian tourists and businesses. But you can stay up to 90 days in Australia.

Additionally, this visa can work perfectly for your vacation and business tours. Furthermore, if there is any relative in Australia, you can visit them with ease.

How to Apply for an Australian ETA Visa

This authorization is connected to your passport identification digitally. So, you will complete the whole process online. Let’s look at the step-by-step guide.

1. Start Your Application Online  

 First, you can download the ETA app of Australia. You can use this user-friendly platform easily.

2. Fill out the application form.

The second step is filling out the ETA online application form. You’ll need to enter your personal details in it. Moreover, make sure to enter the correct name, date of birth, passport details, and other information.

3. Pay the Application Fee
   
   Thirdly, the application fee for the Australian ETA visa for Canadian citizens must be paid.  There is a small fee of $20, and you can make an online transaction through a credit/debit card.
   
4. Receive Your ETA Visa

Fourthly, you will receive a confirmation email. This means your application is approved. Therefore, the ETA visa will be connected digitally to your original passport.

Hence, you are ready to travel around Australia.

Processing time- Australian ETA Visa for Canadian Citizens

This electronic visa takes much less time than traditional visas. Mostly, you can receive a visa within 1 day (24 hrs). But the maximum processing time can be 2 days.

However, I suggest you apply earlier. In this way, you can save yourself from any hassle. Sometimes, additional documents are required, which can take time and delay your flights.

Australian ETA Visa vs. Traditional Visa

Australian ETA Visa for Canadian Citizens is the ideal choice in comparison with the traditional visa. Here is the overview of the comparison. 

Let’s see why an ETA visa is better than a traditional visa.

• The processing time of ETA is 24 hours.
• No need for an in-person visit for ETA.
• You can apply online for an ETA visa.
• The ETA visa process is cost-efficient.
• Less documentation is needed.
• Long paperwork procedures are not included in the ETA. 
• Multiple entries are possible over the 12-month validity of ETA Visa.
• The ETA app is user-friendly.

Tourist Visa vs. Australian ETA Visa

A tourist visa can allow you to stay up to 12 good months in Australia.

Most Canadians choose the ETA visa during vacations, business, and other short visits. However, they can apply for tourist visas for longer stays.  

In addition, you’ll need a tourist visa if your country is not on the ETA-approved list by Australia. If tourists are traveling to Australia by road, they’ll need a tourist visa. 

Comparing the Australia ETA Visa with the Canadian ETA

The  Australian ETA Visa and the Canadian ETA system has many similarities. The Canadian ETA permits foreign people to enter Canada by air. 

There is one difference between these two eVisas.

You can use the Australian ETA Visa for short travels like vacations, business, etc.

 In contrast, the ETA visa is also needed for non-Canadian citizens even if they are passing through Canada on their way. This visa is checked at the airport.

Australian Visa Options for Non-Canadian Residents in Canada

If you are thinking of visiting Australia but are not a permanent citizen of Canada. So, the traditional or tourist visa is the solution.

For this purpose, you’ll need to provide proof of your residency in Canada. Additional documents are also required during the application process. This visa processing may take 20-26 days.

How to Check Your Australian ETA Visa Status

ETA visa app provides a quick service.  You can check the status of the Australian visa application by the confirmation email. Generally, they send the email within a few hours. So, you can relax.

Who is eligible to apply for an Australian ETA visa?

The Australian government has issued a list of countries that are eligible for ETA visas. If you have a passport in any of these countries and you are not a permanent resident of Canada, then you can still apply. Let’s have a look.

• The U.S.
• Germany
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Ireland
• Finland
• Andorra
• Austria
• Greece
• France
• Japan
• Itlay
• Denmark
• Honk Kong Sar
• Iceland
• Vatican 
• UK
• Portugal
• Norway
• Republic of San Marino
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Holland
• Taiwan
• Switzerland
• Singapore
• Spain
• Sweden
• MALAYSIA
• Malta 
• Monaco
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg

Now, it’s easy for you to look for your country name from the above list.

What are the additional conditions for an Australian ETA Visa?

When applying for the ETA visa, the following conditions must be followed.

• Your passport must be valid (for the next 6 months)
• You must give proof of sufficient funds.
• You must provide detailed evidence of an itinerary outlining your stay in Australia.

Australian ETA Visa Rejection- Reasons

There are a few reasons for ETA visa rejection. So, before applying for a visa, make sure you have no reason for visa rejection.

So, they can reject your visa in the following cases:

• You are not a passport holder on the above-mentioned countries list,
• If you have mentioned a longer stay period (more than 90 days) in your visa application.
• They found your past criminal record.
• If you don’t provide complete documents.

Tips and Advice for Canadian Citizens Applying for an Australian ETA Visa

1. You should apply early (At least a few days before departure)

2. Don’t forget to double-check your application (especially passport details) before submission.

3. Always keep a Copy of Your Confirmation (either keep the confirmation email on your phone or take a print of it).

4. Understand the Limitations (if the plan of staying in Australia extends, then apply for another visa)

Pros and Cons of Australian ETA Visa

Now, let’s have a look at some pros and cons of an Australian ETA Visa.

Pros

• Fast processing
• Cost-efficient
• Convenience of multiple entries
• Simple online form submission

Cons

• Limited duration of stay
• No work rights during the stay
• Eligibility Restrictions
• Online management (Some people are not comfortable with that)

Final thoughts

Traveling works like therapy, and it should always be stress-free. So, the Australian ETA visa for Canadian citizens is a blessing. This way, you can easily skip all the hassle of the traditional visa process. Moreover, it provides quick processing times, a simple application, and is digitally linked to your passport. So, apply for your Australian ETA today and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

FAQs

How long can I stay in Australia with an ETA visa as a Canadian citizen?

Your Australian ETA Visa is valid for about 12 months. But you can stay up to 90 days in Australia. In addition, you can avail of multiple entries on an ETA visa.

 Can I work in Australia with an ETA visa?

No, you can’t work on an ETA visa. This visa is for tourism, business purposes, vacations or some short visits. If you want to work here, there are different visa options available like a work visa.

What happens if my Australian ETA visa application is rejected?

Mostly, they require some additional documents for ETA visa processing. Whenever they reject your visa, they provide the next instructions. So, follow them to seek approval.

Can I apply for an Australian ETA Visa at the airport?

Yes, you can apply. This is an eVisa that connects digitally to your passport. Hence, you can get it from the airport or through any online travel agency.