What Is An ETA Visa?
If you are exempt from applying for a visa to enter a country, you may still need an Electronic Travel Authorization, depending on the destination country. In this article, you’ll discover an ideal answer to the question, “What is an ETA visa?”
An ETA is an entry requirement electronically linked to your passport to let you travel to specific countries without a visa. It allows you to enter a country or territory as a visa-exempt foreign national.
Electronic Travel Authorization is available in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Sri Lanka. ETA from these countries varies in validity period, ranging from 30 days to five years or until your passport expires, depending on the country issuing it.
You’ll have to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), unlike visas that demand applying in person at an application center or diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate). In fact, you won’t need to submit any document in person.
Related:Â How To Apply For eTA In Canada.
What Countries Do You Need An ETA For?
You need an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter countries where nationals of your country are visa-exempt. Here’s a list of these countries for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Sri Lanka, respectively.
UK ETA Eligible Countries
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- The United Arab Emirates
- Jordan
Canada eTA Eligible Countries
- United Arab Emirates
- Taiwan
- Belgium
- Australia
- Switzerland
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- British Citizen
- British Overseas Citizen
- British National (Overseas)
- Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
- Cyprus
- Andorra
- Gibraltar
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn Island
- Saint Helena
- Brunei Darussalam
- Chile
- Austria
- Estonia
- Croatia
- Israel
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Solomon Islands
- Bermuda
- Italy
- France
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Greece
- Anguilla
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
- Iceland
- Lithuania
- Barbados
- Netherlands
- Japan
- South Korea
- Latvia
- Malta
- Slovakia
- Bahamas
- Norway
- Ireland
- Hungary
- Spain
- Hong Kong
- Papua New Guinea
- Portugal
- Liechtenstein
- Romania
- Samoa
- Monaco
- British Virgin Islands
- Singapore
- Sweden
- Vatican City State
- Poland
- Cayman Islands
- Finland
- New Zealand
- Mexico
- San Marino
Related: How to obtain an Argentina Electronic Travel Authorization.
Australia ETA Eligible Countries
- United States of America
- Brunei
- Sweden
- Andorra
- Malta
- Canada
- France
- Monaco
- Greece
- Taiwan
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Luxembourg
- Austria
- Germany
- Malaysia
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Norway
- Singapore
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Spain
- UK – British National (Overseas)
- UK – British Citizen
- Vatican City
- Liechtenstein
- South Korea
Sri Lanka ETA-Eligible Countries
- All European Union member states
- United States
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Australia
- India
- Canada
- Russia
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Cambodia
- Norway
- Israel
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- South Korea
- Ukraine
- China
- Thailand
What is the Difference Between an ETA and a Visa?
An Electronic Travel Authorization permits your entry into a country where you are visa-exempt, while a visa authorizes you to enter and stay in a country for a specified period. An ETA is issued electronically, unlike a visa, which a consular officer stamps on your passport.
If you’re traveling to any visa-free country, ensure you hold a valid passport and a copy of the ETA approval notice, as the immigration officer may request them at the port of entry.
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