If you're a travel backpacker with a passport from the US, Canada, the UK, the European Schengen Zone, Australia, or New Zealand, you're in luck! Thanks to various electronic travel authorization programs, you can jet off to incredible destinations with just a few clicks. This guide breaks it all down for you. From costs and application timelines to how long you can stay and other handy tips.
Electronic travel authorization applications are a breeze compared to regular visa applications. They're designed to give you (friendly country passport holder) pre-clearance, streamline your customs experience, and, of course, bring in some revenue from travelers through a small fee.
TIPS: Since electronic travel authorizations can be valid for anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on the country, we recommend keeping them together in a travel document holder pouch. Also, always apply through the country’s official website or mobile app. There are plenty of third party sites that may look trustworthy but will charge you extra fees to submit your information on your behalf. Stick to the official channels to avoid those unnecessary upcharges.
American Passport Holders
Traveling to Europe (European Schengen Zone)
Program: European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
Fee: €7 (~$8 USD)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Note: ETIAS will become mandatory for U.S. citizens traveling to the Schengen Zone starting in 2025. It hasn't launched yet for Americans.
More Information: https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-american-citizens
Traveling to Canada
Program: Not Available
Requirement: No additional application; American passport holders are exempt from any electronic travel authorization.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Traveling to the UK
Program: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Fee: £10
When to Apply: At least a few days before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Note: The website is still in progress.
Apply: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
Traveling to Australia
Program: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Fee: $20 AUD
When to Apply: Immediately after booking your trip.
Validity: 1 year.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Note: Apply via Australia ETA app
More Information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#HowTo
Traveling to New Zealand
Program: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Fee: $17 NZD (online) or $23 NZD (via app)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Apply: https://etravels-portal.com/new-zealand/nz-trip/nz-visit-10.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNu5tZzI4qq-knuy8ZB7FeSLPYN_R0fBX7qH-CrtCOG8ywfhZwGmiExoCu-AQAvD_BwE
Canadian Passport Holders
Traveling to the US
Program: Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Requirement: No additional application; Canadian passport holders are exempt from ESTA.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Traveling to Europe (European Schengen Zone)
Program: ETIAS
Fee: €7 (~$8 USD)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 3 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Note: ETIAS will become mandatory for Canadian citizens traveling to the Schengen Zone starting in 2025. It hasn't launched yet for Canadians.
More Information: https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-canadian-citizens
Traveling to the UK
Program: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Fee: £10
When to Apply: At least a few days before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Note: The website is still in progress.
Apply: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
Traveling to Australia
Program: ETA
Fee: $20 AUD
When to Apply: Immediately after booking your trip.
Validity: 1 year.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Note: Apply via Australia ETA app
More Information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#HowTo
Traveling to New Zealand
Program: NZeTA
Fee: $17 NZD (online) or $23 NZD (via app)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Apply: https://etravels-portal.com/new-zealand/nz-trip/nz-visit-10.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNu5tZzI4qq-knuy8ZB7FeSLPYN_R0fBX7qH-CrtCOG8ywfhZwGmiExoCu-AQAvD_BwE
British Passport Holders
Travelling to the US
Program: ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Fee: $21 USD
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days.
Apply: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Travelling to Europe (Schengen Zone)
Program: ETIAS
Fee: €7 (~$8 USD)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 3 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Note: ETIAS will become mandatory for UK citizens traveling to the Schengen Zone starting in 2025. It hasn't launched yet for British citizens.
More Information: https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-british-citizens
Travelling to Canada
Program: eTA
Fee: $7 CAD
When to Apply: At least a few days before your flight.
Validity: 5 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit.
Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/final-instructions-apply-eta.html
Traveling to Australia
Program: ETA
Fee: $20 AUD
When to Apply: Immediately after booking your trip.
Validity: 1 year.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Note: Apply via Australia ETA app
More Information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#HowTo
Travelling to New Zealand
Program: NZeTA
Fee: $17 NZD (online) or $23 NZD (via app)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Apply: https://etravels-portal.com/new-zealand/nz-trip/nz-visit-10.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNu5tZzI4qq-knuy8ZB7FeSLPYN_R0fBX7qH-CrtCOG8ywfhZwGmiExoCu-AQAvD_BwE
European Passport Holders (European Schengen Zone Passport Holders)
Travelling to the US
Program: ESTA
Fee: $21 USD
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days.
Apply: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Travelling to Canada
Program: eTA
Fee: $7 CAD
When to Apply: At least a few days before your flight.
Validity: 5 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit.
Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/final-instructions-apply-eta.html
Travelling to the UK
Program: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Fee: £10
When to Apply: At least a few days before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Note: The website is still in progress. Irish passport holders will not need an Electronic Travel Authroisation for the UK.
Apply: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
Travelling to Australia
Program: ETA
Fee: $20 AUD
When to Apply: Immediately after booking your trip.
Validity: 1 year.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Note: Apply via Australia ETA app
More Information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#HowTo
Travelling to New Zealand
Program: NZeTA
Fee: $17 NZD (online) or $23 NZD (via app)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit.
Apply: https://etravels-portal.com/new-zealand/nz-trip/nz-visit-10.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNu5tZzI4qq-knuy8ZB7FeSLPYN_R0fBX7qH-CrtCOG8ywfhZwGmiExoCu-AQAvD_BwE
Australian Passport Holders
Travelling to the US
Program: ESTA
Fee: $21 USD
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days.
Apply: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Travelling to Europe (European Schengen Zone)
Program: ETIAS
Fee: €7 (~$8 USD)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 3 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Note: ETIAS will become mandatory for Australian citizens traveling to the Schengen Zone starting in 2025. It hasn't launched yet for Australians.
More Information: https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-australian-citizens
Traveling to the UK
Program: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Fee: £10
When to Apply: At least a few days before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Note: The website is still in progress.
Apply: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
Travelling to Canada
Program: eTA
Fee: $7 CAD
When to Apply: At least a few days before your flight.
Validity: 5 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit.
Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/final-instructions-apply-eta.html
Travelling to New Zealand
Program: None required under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.
Fee: Not Applicable.
Stay Duration: Unlimited.
New Zealand Passport Holders
Travelling to the US
Program: ESTA
Fee: $21 USD
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days.
Apply: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Travelling to Europe (European Schengen Zone)
Program: ETIAS
Fee: €7 (~$8 USD)
When to Apply: At least 72 hours before travel.
Validity: 3 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Note: ETIAS will become mandatory for New Zealand citizens traveling to the Schengen Zone starting in 2025. It hasn't launched yet for New Zealanders.
More Information: https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-new-zealander-citizens
Travelling to Canada
Program: eTA
Fee: $7 CAD
When to Apply: At least a few days before your flight.
Validity: 5 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit.
Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/final-instructions-apply-eta.html
Travelling to Australia
Program: None required for New Zealand passport holders under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.
Stay Duration: Unlimited.
Traveling to the UK
Program: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Fee: £10
When to Apply: At least a few days before travel.
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires.
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Note: The website is still in progress.
Apply: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
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