Passmere is a private company, not a government agency. This guide is free information, not legal advice. Each fact links to the official source and shows the date we checked it.
Entry requirements
Australia entry requirements for U.S. citizens
What a U.S. tourist needs to enter Australia: the ETA from the official app, the government charge, how long you can stay and passport rules, with official sources.
What you need to enter Australia
For a short tourist trip, the rule for U.S. citizens is: under review — see the official source1. You request it in the official Australian ETA app before you travel.
Rules change, and the Australian government decides who can enter. Check the official site before you travel.
How to request the ETA
The information about the ETA is on the Department of Home Affairs website, under review — see the official source5. The request itself is made in the official Australian ETA app. Install the app from your phone's official app store, and type your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport.
How long you can stay
Each visit on an ETA can last up to under review — see the official source3. Plan your return flight inside that limit.
Rules change, and the Australian government decides how long you can stay. Check the official site before you travel.
Passport rules
under review — see the official source6Rules change and the destination government decides, so confirm this on the official site before you travel. Your passport must be valid, so if it will expire before you come home, renew it first. Renewing by mail takes under review — see the official source7 plus mailing time: see Renew your passport by mail. Short on time? under review — see the official source8 Read Urgent travel: getting a passport fast.
Travel advisory
The U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for Australia is under review — see the official source4. The level can change at any time. Read the full advisory before you book and again before you go; the link is under "Sources and verification" at the end of this guide.
Other rules to know
- At the airport: under review — see the official source9
- Staying too long: under review — see the official source10
Step by step
- Check that your U.S. passport is valid for your whole trip.
- Install the official Australian ETA app on your phone.
- Request the ETA in the app with the details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Pay the charge in the app.
- Wait for the ETA to be granted before you travel, and keep the confirmation.
- Leave Australia before the time your ETA allows ends.
Checklist
Before you fly to Australia
- U.S. passport valid for the whole trip
- ETA granted in the official Australian ETA app
- Confirmation of the ETA saved
- Return or onward flight inside the time you are allowed to stay
- Latest U.S. travel advisory read
- Official site checked again in the week before you fly
Do and don't
Do
- Request the ETA only in the official Australian ETA app.
- Check that your name, passport number and dates are correct before you submit.
- Leave before the time allowed ends, even if your plans change.
Don't
- Don't board a flight to Australia before your ETA is granted.
- Don't assume the ETA covers work or study; check the official rules for that purpose.
- Don't pay a website that offers to request the ETA for you at a higher price.
Fees
This is a government charge. It is paid in the official Australian ETA app, not to Passmere.
| What | Paid to | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ETA request | Australian government (official Australian ETA app) | under review — see the official source2 |
There is no separate visa application charge. Charges can change; the app shows the current amount before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Australia as a tourist?
For a short tourist trip, the rule is: under review — see the official source1. Rules change, so check the official site before you travel.
Where do I request the ETA?
In the official Australian ETA app. The information is on under review — see the official source5.
Can I use the automated gates at the airport?
Can I travel with my passport card?
Does Passmere request the ETA for me?
No. Passmere is a private company that prepares U.S. passport paperwork; it does not process visas or travel authorizations. You request the ETA yourself in the official app.
Sources and verification
- Entry document for tourism — U.S. Department of State: Australia International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Government charge for the ETA — Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601). under review — see the official source
- Maximum stay per visit — Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601). under review — see the official source
- U.S. Travel Advisory level — U.S. Department of State: Australia Travel Advisory. under review — see the official source
- Official application website — U.S. Department of State: Australia International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Passport validity requirement — U.S. Department of State: Australia International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Routine processing time — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Processing Time. under review — see the official source
- Urgent travel: passport agency appointment — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Passport Fast. under review — see the official source
- SmartGate automated border processing — U.S. Department of State: Australia International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Overstay consequences — U.S. Department of State: Australia International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- What the passport card is for — U.S. Department of State: Compare a Passport Card and Book. under review — see the official source