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ETA vs Visa vs Visa on Arrival: What's the Difference?

Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs), visas, and visas on arrival are all ways to gain entry to a foreign country — but they work very differently. This guide explains each type, which countries use them, and how they compare.

Understanding the Three Entry Systems

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

An ETA is a digital pre-screening system that verifies travelers before they board their flight. It is not a visa — it is a simpler, faster authorization that is electronically linked to your passport.

  • Applied for online before travel
  • Usually approved instantly or within hours
  • Costs typically under $25
  • No need to visit an embassy or consulate
  • Linked electronically to your passport number

Traditional Visa

A traditional visa requires a formal application, often submitted to an embassy or consulate. It may involve interviews, supporting documents, and significant processing time.

  • Applied for at an embassy, consulate, or online (eVisa)
  • Processing time: days to months
  • May require interview, invitation letter, or proof of funds
  • Costs range from $20 to $500+
  • Stamped or attached as a sticker in your passport

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

A visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry when you land. You typically fill out a form, pay a fee, and receive a stamp in your passport at the immigration counter.

  • No advance application needed
  • Obtained at the airport or border crossing
  • Usually requires cash payment in local or US currency
  • Processing happens on the spot (may involve queuing)
  • Available only to certain nationalities at certain destinations

ETA vs Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Comparison

FeatureETAVisaVisa on Arrival
ApplicationOnline (simple form)Embassy, consulate, or onlineAt port of entry
Processing timeMinutes to 72 hoursDays to monthsOn the spot
Typical cost$7 - $25$20 - $500+$20 - $100
Documents neededPassport details onlyPhotos, itinerary, financials, etc.Passport, cash, sometimes photo
Interview requiredNoSometimesNo
Denial riskVery lowModerate to highLow
Physical documentNo (electronic)Yes (stamp or sticker)Yes (stamp at border)

Countries That Use ETA Systems

The following countries have implemented Electronic Travel Authorization systems:

Canada (eTA)

Required for visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada. Costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes. Valid for 5 years or until passport expiry.

Australia (ETA / eVisitor)

The ETA (subclass 601) covers many Asian and North American passport holders. The eVisitor (subclass 651) covers EU citizens. Costs AUD $20. Valid for 12 months.

United Kingdom (UK ETA)

Launched in 2024, the UK ETA applies to non-visa nationals. Costs GBP 10. Valid for 2 years, allowing multiple short stays of up to 6 months.

New Zealand (NZeTA)

Required for visa-waiver travelers. Costs NZD $17 (app) or $23 (web). Includes an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100. Valid for 2 years.

How ETAs Affect Passport Rankings

At PassportChoice, we include ETA destinations in the mobility score alongside visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. This is because ETAs are designed to be simple, fast, and almost universally approved — making them comparable to visa-free travel in terms of ease.

Mobility Score = Visa-Free + Visa on Arrival + eTA

eVisa destinations are tracked separately as they require a more involved application process.

Check your passport's ETA and visa-free access

See exactly which countries your passport can access visa-free, with ETA, visa on arrival, or eVisa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?
An ETA is a lightweight electronic authorization linked to your passport that allows you to travel to a country without a traditional visa. It is typically processed instantly or within minutes online and is much simpler than a full visa application.
What is the difference between an ETA and an eVisa?
An ETA is a quick, simple authorization (often instant approval) that usually does not require supporting documents. An eVisa is a full visa application submitted online that may require documents, photos, and longer processing times. ETAs are generally cheaper and faster.
Which countries require an ETA?
Canada (eTA), Australia (ETA/eVisitor), the United Kingdom (UK ETA), New Zealand (NZeTA), Sri Lanka, Kenya, and several other countries use ETA systems. The list is growing as more countries adopt electronic travel authorization programs.
Is a visa on arrival the same as an ETA?
No. A visa on arrival is issued physically at the port of entry — you queue at an immigration counter, pay a fee, and receive a stamp or sticker. An ETA is applied for and approved online before you travel. Both are simpler than a traditional visa, but the process differs.
Do I need an ETA if I have visa-free access?
It depends on the country. Some countries that offer visa-free access still require an ETA for pre-screening. For example, Canada grants visa-free access to many nationalities but requires them to obtain an eTA before flying.
How much does an ETA cost?
ETA costs vary by country. Canada's eTA costs CAD $7, Australia's ETA is AUD $20, the UK ETA costs GBP 10, and New Zealand's NZeTA costs NZD $17-$23. These are significantly cheaper than most traditional visa fees.