Visa or ETA?

[Bee Guy]

Not sure if this has been discussed, but I want to be clear on what travel documentation will be required to enter Australia.

Last time we went we arrived in Sydney by air and had an ETA (electronic travel authorization) I believe that since we are arriving by cruise ship that this time a Visa is required.  Is that correct?  Can a visa be added to your  (US) passport electronically?

 

(Just read an article stating that 800 US passengers on a cruise were not aware of the visa requirement and I do not want to be included in that group.)  🙂 

[The_Big_M]

An ETA is not restricted to air entry. If you qualify for an ETA otherwise, entering by ship is fine with one.

 

I suspect the article is speaking figuratively about a visa, although the number surprises me. When I sailed to the US, there were equally Australians who at the port didn't realise they needed to get a visa/ESTA to enter the US...

[SinbadThePorter]

You may want to refer to here.

[MicCanberra]

For short stay tourism purposes an ETA is all that is required as opposed to a Visa which is needed for all other types of visits.