If you are planning on visiting the Land Down Under and wondering if you can apply for an e-visa for Australia, the short and sweet answer is no. E-Visas are not yet in play in Australia.
While Australia may not offer e-visas yet, the process for obtaining a visa is straightforward. It involves an online application, which is the first step in a simple, multi-tiered process. Australian Immigration works in collaboration with the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a pre-approval confirmation system for visa applications. Even though these online processes are not visa applications per se, they pave the way for a hassle-free visa application. Countries that use similar online application processes include The United States of America, Canada, and The United Kingdom.
That being said, this post explores what e-visas are and where you can use them.
What are e-visas?
An e-visa or Online Visa is a digital system that revolutionises the visa application process for tourists. It offers a convenient alternative to traditional embassy-issued visas, allowing users to apply for visas directly through the internet. This eliminates the need for lengthy bureaucratic procedures and physical visits to embassies or consulates. E-Visas are primarily intended for tourism purposes and are not yet available for work permits or student visas.
How do I apply for e-Visas?
Getting an e-Visa involves a straightforward process that varies slightly depending on the destination country. Generally, applicants with valid passports can access the e-visa application portal provided by their desired destination. After completing the necessary forms and paying the e-visa fee online via credit card, applicants can download and print their e-visa documents. This digital visa allows tourists to bypass long queues at border crossings and proceed directly to immigration checkpoints.
Which countries accept e-visas?
Several countries have embraced the E-Visa system for tourists. Here is an updated list of countries where you can apply for e-visas in 2024.
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Cambodia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Gabon
- Georgia
- India
- Iran
- Kenya:
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Moldova
- Myanmar
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Singapore
- South Sudan
- St Kitts and Nevis
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Which is better, an e-visa or a visa-on-arrival?
Tourists often prefer e-visas over visa-on-arrival options. While visa-on-arrival is simpler than many other visa processes, e-visas are typically preferred because they can be applied for online, offering convenience and efficiency.
What distinguishes an ETA from an e-visa?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is typically for foreign nationals who don’t need a full visa but require authorization to enter a specific country. On the other hand, an e-visa is a type of visa that, despite being a visa, is much simpler and quicker to apply for and obtain compared to most traditional visa types.
How does an e-visa differ from a visitor visa?
E-visas usually only grant access to citizens of specific nations as determined by the host country. In contrast, a visitor visa is generally available to a broader range of people, including those who may not qualify for e-visa access.
What is the typical processing time for an e-visa?
The processing time for e-visas varies depending on the country. However, they typically take between five to ten business days for approval.
Final thoughts
It is evident that the global shift towards digitalisation has significantly impacted the travel and tourism industry, with many countries adopting e-visa systems to simplify and expedite the visa application process. However, it’s important to note that not all online visa applications are e-visas. For example, Australia has an online visa application system, but it is not categorised as an e-visa application.
In this post, we have explored and mentioned several countries that accept e-visa applications as of April 2024, showcasing the growing trend toward digital visa solutions. These e-visa programs not only benefit tourists by offering convenience and accessibility but also contribute to the overall promotion of tourism and cultural exchange between nations.
Contact us today if you need help with getting documents apostilled for your Australian visa application.
