Visa GuideUpdated 2026-10-22

ETA: Electronic Travel Authorization

What ETA is and how it differs from e-visa and visa.

1What ETA is

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-travel registration for otherwise visa-exempt travellers — not a visa. Examples: Australia ETA, NZ NZeTA, Canada eTA, US ESTA.

2ETA vs e-visa vs visa

A visa is for those who need permission to enter. An e-visa is an online visa. ETA is only for visa-exempt travellers doing a light pre-screening.

3Do Chinese citizens need ETA?

Usually no — Chinese passports are not visa-exempt for these countries, so a visa is required (Australia 600, NZ visa, Canada TRV, UK visitor visa) instead of ETA.

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