Current as at 21 October 2026
Guests visiting Australia as part of their Explorations by Norwegian voyage must ensure they hold the appropriate visa or travel authority for their passport nationality before travelling.
Most international guests require a valid visa or travel authority to enter Australia, including guests arriving as part of a cruise.
Depending on your passport nationality, you may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601), an eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) or another type of Australian visitor visa.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Guests travelling on an ETA-eligible passport, including United States and Canadian passport holders, must apply for their ETA directly through the Australian ETA App.
There is an AUD$20 service charge to use the app, with no additional visa application charge for the ETA.
An ETA allows eligible travellers to visit Australia multiple times during its validity and stay for up to three months at a time. The ETA is valid for travel for up to 12 months, or for the validity of the passport if the passport expires sooner.
How Do I Apply?
The ETA cannot be arranged by Explorations by Norwegian on your behalf. Guests must complete their own application using the Australian ETA App.
Before applying, we strongly recommend reviewing the Australian Government's step-by-step instructions and video guides to ensure you are applying for the correct travel authority:
👉 View the Australian ETA step-by-step instructions and video guides
👉 Check whether your passport is eligible for an Australian ETA
You must be outside Australia when applying for an ETA and when the ETA is granted. Each traveller must make a separate application, including children and other family members travelling together.
Australian & New Zealand Passport Holders
Australian citizens do not require a visa to enter Australia. Australian citizens are not eligible to apply for an ETA as they have an automatic right of entry to Australia.
New Zealand passport holders are also exempt from the ETA requirement under the information provided for your voyage.
European Passport Holders
Guests travelling on certain European passports may be eligible for an eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) rather than an ETA.
We recommend checking the requirements applicable to your passport nationality with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying.
If Your ETA Is Not Approved
In most cases, applicants are notified of the outcome of their ETA application immediately. However, processing may take longer if the application has not been completed correctly, further information is required or information provided is difficult to verify.
If your ETA is not granted, you will need to investigate and obtain an alternative visa appropriate to your individual circumstances before travelling.
Your ETA & Passport
Your Australian ETA is digitally linked to the passport used for your application. You will not receive a visa label in your passport.
If your passport expires or you obtain a new passport, your existing ETA will cease and you will need to apply for a new ETA using your new passport.
For your Explorations by Norwegian voyage, please bring a printed copy of your Australian ETA confirmation along with your passport for the embarkation process.
Passport Requirements
For your voyage, please ensure your passport:
- is valid for at least six months after the end of your cruise
- has sufficient blank pages where required throughout your journey
- is the same passport used for your Australian ETA or applicable visa
Passport cards and photocopies of passports are not accepted in place of your physical passport.
What Do I Need to Do?
✅ Check which Australian visa or travel authority applies to your passport nationality.
✅ If eligible for an ETA, download the Australian ETA App and apply directly through the app.
✅ Make sure you apply using the same passport you will be travelling with. Your ETA is digitally linked to that passport.
✅ Each traveller needs their own application, including children.
✅ Bring a printed copy of your Australian ETA confirmation with you for embarkation.
✅ Ensure your passport meets the requirements for your entire voyage.
Before You Travel
Visa and immigration requirements are determined by the Australian Government and may change. Requirements can also vary depending on your passport nationality and individual circumstances.
All guests are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct passport, visa or travel authority required for their voyage.
Failure to obtain the appropriate visa or travel authority and travel with a valid passport may result in you being unable to board your cruise.