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Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Referral
In most cases ETAs are granted instantaneously.
Others require up to 12 hours to process and clients/travel agents are asked to 'make an enquiry in X hours to check whether your application has been successful'.
In small percentage of cases some clients will receive the 'refer to embassy' message which advises the ETA cannot be processed electronically. Where an ETA cannot be processed electronically it is called an ETA referral. This does not mean your ETA has been refused. In this situation your ETA referral needs to be assessed by an Immigration Officer.
We advise all clients to not make any irreversible travel arrangements until they have been granted an appropriate visa.
I Have Applied via a Travel Agent
If you have applied via a travel agent, airline or online with a third party, your agent is responsible for processing your referral in accordance with our Procedures for Agents. You do not need to contact us directly or attend our office in person. We have streamlined processes in place with all Agents in the UK and Ireland to minimise any inconvenience to you.
If your agent has referred you to us directly please refer back to them with this advice. If your agent is unsure of the correct procedures your agent should contact us directly for further information.
Email: etareferrals.lhlh@dfat.gov.au
Phone: 020 7887 5863 (10am to midday weekdays except public holidays)
I Have Applied Online at www.eta.immi.gov.au
If you have applied online directly with Departments website you will have received a unique ETA Reference Number. You can check whether your ETA has been granted using this Reference Number on the ETA website by using the "Check your ETA" button.
See: www.eta.immi.gov.au
If after checking your ETA you receive the "Refer to Embassy" message, you should email your ETA reference number along with your passport details to us.
Email: etareferrals.lhlh@dfat.gov.au
Fax: 020 7887 5775
Your e-mail must contain the following information about the ETA applicant:
1. A copy of ‘Refer to Embassy’ message (you can press print screen on your keyboard and paste into your email).
2. Type of ETA, Visitor or Business
3. A (scanned if by email) copy of your passport biodata page (photo page)
4. Family name (exactly as shown in passport)
5. Given names (exactly as shown in passport)
6. Gender
7. Date of birth
8. Nationality
9. Passport number
10. Passport issue date
11. Passport expiry date
12. Passport issuing country
13. Passport issuing authority (exactly as shown in passport)
14. Country of birth
15. Departure date and time
16. Email address and daytime phone number
17. If you hold any other citizenship/passport, please state which country/ies