What if you don't get an ETA for a flight to Australia?

As a US citizen, I've gone to Australia twice, and dutifully signed up for the ETA visa on the website and paid my $20 or so and had no hassles on entry. There was no mention of the ETA at any point in the ticketing or passport control process.

My question: what happens if you just don't get the ETA and assume your passport is sufficient? Is it caught by the airline before check-in, or at passport control in Australia? And do they issue them on the spot, or is this grounds for refusing entry?

Best Answer

Airline checkin agents have access to the ETA database: they will verify your status, and refuse boarding if you don't have one. A few major airports (eg. Singapore) can issue them on the spot, but this will cost extra.

If they do mistakenly let you on board and you are refused entry, the airline has to pay hefty fines and you will need to buy a ticket back.

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Do I need a ETA for Australia?

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, visa subclass 601) is an electronic visa for Australia that can be used to enter the country for tourism or business purposes. All foreign travellers except New Zealand citizens must get a visa to enter Australia.

Can I get an Australian ETA at the airport?

Can I get an Australian ETA at the airport? All visitors must obtain their valid travel authorisation for Australia prior to reaching the Australian border. This means that the ETA will not be issued at the airport. However, most ETA permits are issued within hours if not minutes.

Do UK citizens need an ETA for Australia?

UK citizens do not require a paper or stamp visa to enter Australia, BUT they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their arrival.

Can I board a flight to Australia without a visa?

There is no minimum passport validity required to enter Australia. Clients must have a valid passport and valid visa when they board their flight and when they enter Australia.

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