Traveling Without Hassle: A Guide to Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) and Their Costs
Submission of an Application is Required for These Countries - Countries Require Submission of an Application
Gate-crashing through more than 170 countries may be a breeze for German passport holders, but it's important to remember each destination has its entry requirements. There are countries, like the UK and Thailand, for which an ETA is essential before you pack your bags.
United Kingdom (UK) 🇬🇧
- ETA Necessity: As of April 2, 2023, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Americans, Australians, Canadians, and Europeans, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before jetting off to the UK.[1][2][5]
- Cost: The ETA application will set you back £16.[3]
- Duration: The ETA allows multiple entries and stays up to six months, staying valid for two years after issuance or when the passport expires, whichever comes first.[3]
United States (USA) 🇺🇸
- ETA Requirement: The U.S. has had the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for some time. It's a requirement for those traveling with visa-exempt passports, such as those in the Visa Waiver Program.[4]
- Cost: The ESTA application fee is $21.[4]
- Validity: ESTA is generally valid for two years or until the traveler's passport expires.
Canada 🇨🇦
- ETA Requirement: Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt travelers, such as U.S. citizens, except for those entering by land or sea.[6]
- Cost: The eTA application fee is CAD 7.[6]
- Validity: The eTA is usually valid for five years or until the passport expires.
Australia 🇦🇺
- ETA Requirement: Australia uses the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers. The most common ETA is the eVisitor (subclass 651) for tourists and business visitors.[7]
- Cost: The eVisitor ETA application is free, but there's a service charge if actioned through a third-party website.[7].
- Validity: The eVisitor ETA is usually valid for multiple entries over a period of three years.
New Zealand
- For those planning a vacation in theEC countries, considering vocational training in EC countries might be beneficial, as a well-rounded skill set could enhance their travel experience and lifestyle.
- In 2023, Germans who are avid travelers might find it interesting to know that the German government recommends vocational training in the travel and tourism industry to help prepare for hassle-free travel.
- A travel tip for EC nationals seeking vocational training in Germany: the country's excellent vocational training system offers a variety of options, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for travel-oriented individuals.
- As passport holders from EC countries enjoy visa-free travel to many destinations, they may find that investing in vocational training in tourism or hospitality could prove valuable for expanding their travel horizons in the future.
