Australia visa fee

[uncleg44]

I will make several cruise stops in Australia (Feb. 2024). I've attempted to apply for online visa but find it very confusing. I'm not tech-savvy. Any suugestions would be most appreciated.   GF

[ravenjls]

Did you download the Australian ETA app?  If so:

 

After you have downloaded and opened the app on your mobile device, you need to:

• scan your passport to pre-fill your name, date of birth, passport number and other details
• take a photo of yourself
• answer some questions, including whether you have any criminal convictions, any prior names and contact details in Australia
• pay the service fee  AUD 20 
• submit the application.

[sultan_sfo]

3 hours ago, uncleg44 said:

I will make several cruise stops in Australia (Feb. 2024). I've attempted to apply for online visa but find it very confusing. I'm not tech-savvy. Any suugestions would be most appreciated.   GF

 

As of last year, the inexpensive and immediate way for Australian ETA visa is by using a smart phone. I agree with you that the on-line way using a smart phone can be frustrating. One has to really look at those videos. All the steps are easy except the scan for "Reading The Passport eChip"-- even though I am tech savvy it was hit and miss even for me using an i-phone. Just keep at it or seek help from some friends!

[uncleg44]

Thank you. I'll ask a younger friend for assistance.

[waltd]

And what is the work around for those that don't have a smart phone?    Can it be done on a laptop?

Thanks

[startedwithamouse]

Download the app, it will ask a series of questions and guide you to the proper one. 

[startedwithamouse]

3 minutes ago, waltd said:

And what is the work around for those that don't have a smart phone?    Can it be done on a laptop?

Thanks

You need a QR code to present at the port, so everyone should have a smart phone. 

[sultan_sfo]

23 minutes ago, waltd said:

And what is the work around for those that don't have a smart phone?    Can it be done on a laptop?

Thanks

Sadly NO because it has to be done using the Aus ETA app. Laptops that I am familiar with cannot download the ETA app. And even if one is able to download the app, laptops cannot directly scan to the App. I generally use my iPad for many Apps eg. Princess Medallion App. But I was unsuccessful using iPad for the Aus ETA App. So I had to use DW's iPhone.

[sultan_sfo]

33 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

Download the app, it will ask a series of questions and guide you to the proper one. 

When was the last time you applied for Aus ETA visa?  I ONLY post when I have specific knowledge and have gone through the process.

[LouCoop]

Just curious, does this mean that someone who doesn't own a smart phone cannot enter Australia?

[wallyj]

31 minutes ago, LouCoop said:

Just curious, does this mean that someone who doesn't own a smart phone cannot enter Australia?

Of course not,  you can use a tablet/IPad, etc. to get the ETA/EVisa. I was able to do on my IPad. Or pay 3rd party services at a much higher cost. If you personally do not have smart device, see if any friends/acquaintances have.

[skents]

I used the Australian ETA app about a month ago.  Be patient with the photo.  I had to take about 30 photos to get it to work.  I kept getting a message indicating face quality was inadequate. 🤬 

[AZjohn]

8 hours ago, sultan_sfo said:

 

As of last year, the inexpensive and immediate way for Australian ETA visa is by using a smart phone. I agree with you that the on-line way using a smart phone can be frustrating. One has to really look at those videos. All the steps are easy except the scan for "Reading The Passport eChip"-- even though I am tech savvy it was hit and miss even for me using an i-phone. Just keep at it or seek help from some friends!

 

1 hour ago, skents said:

I used the Australian ETA app about a month ago.  Be patient with the photo.  I had to take about 30 photos to get it to work.  I kept getting a message indicating face quality was inadequate. 🤬 

Can relate to both these posts🤣

 

As you both say, just keep trying it until it works and watch the videos on how to do it.
 

My photo took a couple of tries but my wife maybe a dozen attempts. Reading the passport chip took me a dozen times before it read it and my wife got hers to read the first try ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

Cheers

[startedwithamouse]

7 hours ago, sultan_sfo said:

When was the last time you applied for Aus ETA visa?  I ONLY post when I have specific knowledge and have gone through the process.

Last month.

 

We're on the Majestic next week going to Australia.

 

 

Edited October 5, 2023 by startedwithamouse

[ravenjls]

9 hours ago, AZjohn said:

 

Can relate to both these posts🤣

 

As you both say, just keep trying it until it works and watch the videos on how to do it.
 

My photo took a couple of tries but my wife maybe a dozen attempts. Reading the passport chip took me a dozen times before it read it and my wife got hers to read the first try ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

Cheers

I was fortunate that it only took a few tries for our Australian visas but oh my goodness trying to scan our passports for United Airlines nearly drove me crazy.  

[jwattle]

Also, make sure that if you're flying and your flight has ANY layover in New Zealand, you will need an in transit New Zealand visa.

[sultan_sfo]

21 hours ago, sultan_sfo said:

When was the last time you applied for Aus ETA visa?  ...

 

13 hours ago, startedwithamouse said:

Last month.

 

We're on the Majestic next week going to Australia.

Thank you.  I used  the Aus ETA Visa App over a year ago (when it was first introduced) -- will need to use it again next month (Nov). Hopefully the later upgrades have improved the App.

 

[uncleg44]

I do not have a smartphone. Can anyone recommend a legitimate third party service which can assist in obtaining visa? I have been attempting to download ETA on my laptop multiple times. I spoke directly with Australia Immigration customer rep (2am US time) who was sympathetic but made it clear that Australian visas can be obtained online only.

[roamerfromtexas]

My iPad works.  

[Arizona Wildcat]

On 10/4/2023 at 12:39 PM, waltd said:

And what is the work around for those that don't have a smart phone?    Can it be done on a laptop?

Thanks

No as your laptop cannot read the chip in the passport. Newer tablets usually can do it.  However have seen airline personnel do it.

Am sure you have a friend who has a smartphone.

There are 3rd party companies that charge anywhere from$80 to $200, but cannot imagine you do not know someone with a smartphone.  As a last resort go at opening time to a phone provider - Verizon  or ? - and ask for help.  Maybe some $$.

I note several of the 3rd party websites are SCAMS.  Reported in local Australian news.  Careful.

 

Edited October 8, 2023 by Arizona Wildcat

[waltd]

Have not attempted it yet. Did do the New Zealand one by laptop and except for the photo that one was easy.

I do have someone to help with the Australian one. They make it challenging for us older folks.

Thanks All for your advise. 

[whogo]

On 10/4/2023 at 8:39 PM, skents said:

I kept getting a message indicating face quality was inadequate.

That is hilarious.

[CPT Trips]

It’s much easier to scan your passport chip if you take the phone out of the case. Unfortunately I don’t remember which feature it was, but I needed to go into settings and enable something in order to do the scan. IIRC the instructions informed me that this was needed. 
I had difficulty getting the photo in selfie mode, so I switched to regular camera and had someone else take the picture.