The Department has announced on their COVID-19 mini website that they are trialling an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) mobile app (AustralianETA) for some ETA-eligible passport holders while the travel restrictions are in place.

As per the information on the website, you can apply for an ETA through the app if:

• you meet all ETA eligibility requirements and
• you hold a passport from Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea or the United States of America.

Before you can travel on an ETA, you must also be exempt from Australia’s travel restrictions.

Grant of an ETA through the app does not mean you have been considered for or granted an exemption to travel to Australia. You still need to apply for a travel exemption and provide evidence to support your claims. If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia.

Please note that use of the Australian ETA app incurs a non-refundable service fee of $20. An ETA does not allow you to work in Australia, or stay longer than three months.