Traveling with the online visa: ETA

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ETA – what is it?

ETA is the abbreviation for “Electronic Travel Authority”, an electronic travel authorization, also known as an ETA visa, online visa or e-visa. Some countries that require a visa, such as India, Sri Lanka and Australia, offer an ETA in addition to their regular visa service. However, restrictions must be taken into account, as the electronic system can often only be used by air travelers and is not available for every travel purpose.

India, for example, only offers ETA for tourist travel and for entry by air as an alternative to a classic tourist visa. You can obtain both variants from us.

ETA Australia is available for both business travelers and holidaymakers. The online visa is valid for a period of 12 months and allows a maximum stay of 3 months per entry. Australia divides the online visa into ETA procedures and eVisitor procedures depending on different target groups: Travelers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries require the eVisitor Australia. ETA countries, on the other hand, include Canada, the USA, Malaysia, China and Japan.

Sri Lanka distinguishes between three types of electronic entry permit ETA Sri Lanka: Tourist ETA, Business ETA and Transit ETA.

Advantages of issuing visas online at a glance

Applicants have the option of completing the visa application completely online. Extensive “paperwork” is not required.
There is no need to visit a foreign representation (embassy or consulate) in the respective country.
Visas are usually issued more quickly and on the basis of fewer application documents, which vary from country to country. As a rule, a copy of the passport and a passport photo must be uploaded. Proof of sufficient funds to finance the stay as well as return and onward travel tickets are often additional requirements.

Disadvantages of the electronic procedure

An e-visa is not available for all travel intentions.
In some cases, there are restrictions on the length of stay and places of arrival: In India, for example, only air travelers arriving at designated airports have the option of ETA. While a regular visa is valid for up to 6 months or even 1 year, the electronic version is only available for stays of a maximum of 30 days and only for single entry.

Will I receive the visa before departure?

Unlike regular visas, the applicant's personal and travel data is only available in digital form. As a traveler, you will not receive a stamp or sticker in your passport. There is no need for paper documents because the immigration authorities automatically save the visa electronically after a successful application. Airlines, travel agencies and Australian border officials have access to the encrypted, digital data.

Once your online application has been approved, you will usually receive a confirmation email. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to print out the confirmation and carry it with you when you enter the country.

It is important that you are still in possession of the passport with which you applied for the e-visa when you cross the border, as the electronic authorization is linked to your passport number. If your passport is no longer valid or has been lost, you will need a new ETA even if it has not yet expired.