A Guide to Electronic Travel Authorizations for Several Destinations
Visitors Need to Submit Application for Entry to These Nations - Countries Necessitate Submission of Applications
Here's a simple breakdown of the current processes for obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for traveling to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand. This includes information on application fees and timelines as well as tips for a smooth application process.
United Kingdom
To enter the UK, German citizens now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) along with a valid passport. You must apply for the ETA before your voyage, and it costs £16. The ETA allows stays up to six months for personal, business, or tourist purposes. Apply directly via the government website or app, and watch out for untrustworthy third-party providers.
United States
The US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has been around for quite some time. It's advisable to apply at least 72 hours prior to travel. Approval grants stays of up to 90 days within a two-year period. Longer stays necessitate a visa. The current fee is $21.
Canada
The Canadian government suggests booking a flight only after receiving your electronic travel authorization (ETA). Confirmation typically arrives by email within minutes, though processing may take several days. The ETA can be applied for on the government website and costs CAD 7. It's valid for up to five years and allows stays of up to six months.
Australia
An eVisitor permit or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is compulsory for entry into Australia. While the eVisitor is free, the ETA incurs a processing fee of AUD 20. Both grants multiple stays of up to three months within a year. For comprehensive information, visit the Department of Home Affairs' website.
New Zealand
New Zealand's electronic entry permit is the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Most requests are processed within less than 72 hours, but it's better to apply well in advance to avert delays. The NZeTA is valid for two years, allowing stays of up to three months. It costs NZD 17 via the app and NZD 23 via the website.
Other Countries and Special Cases
Israel
From January 2025, citizens from visa-exempt countries will need a permit (ETA-IL) to enter Israel. It allows stays of up to 90 days over a two-year period. The application fee is 25 Shekels.
South Korea
The K-ETA is South Korea's requirement. This permits a 90-day stay for a processing fee of 10,000 Won. Currently, it's still suspended for Germans until the end of 2025.
Thailand
Since May 1, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has been mandatory for tourists. Apply within three days before arrival, and there are no reported fees at this moment, though a 300 Baht charge is expected for tourists starting from next winter.
Zanzibar
Beginning October 1, 2024, travelers to Zanzibar must get entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This currently costs $44 per person. Failure to do so may result in denied entry.
For other countries like India and Cuba, German travelers need a visa. The Foreign Office's website offers an overview of regulations for individual countries, along with travel warnings and specific security concerns for destination countries. For more detailed info, it's often best to contact the respective embassies.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
- United Kingdom
- United States
- ESTA
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- Israel
- South Korea
- Zanzibar
- Foreign Office
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a necessity for German citizens to enter the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand. In these countries, the ETA allows stays from 6 months (UK) to up to 90 days within a two-year period (US, Canada, New Zealand). For those traveling to Australia, both the eVisitor and ETA grants multiple stays of up to three months within a year. Meanwhile, Thailand's Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory and currently free, though fees are expected starting next winter.
