Expert: Roberto Gomes - 11/8/2005

Question
I applied for and acquired an electronic visa at the airport the last time I visited
Australia in February 2005.  I plan on going back to Australia later this month and I understand my visa is still good.  The problem though is that when the airport people ask for my passport and visa, I'm not sure what to present them after handing over my passport.  I went to the ETA Australia site to get the status onscreen so I can print it out, but they ask for a "reference number" which I'm sure I didn't get.  The only paper trail I got in return for applying for the visa earlier this year was the receipt for my credit card.  When I go to the airport later in November, should I just tell them I have an electronic visa and let them figure out how to verify it?  But if they want something they can hold and read, I'm not sure what else to do aside from talking to them about my last visit.  (To make things more clear, I've never seen an actual visa)  Please tell me what steps I need to take in order to ensure a smoother trip from the check-in to the departure gate.  I thank you for your help.  

Answer
Dear Augusto,

The reference number was given when you applied for your visa. If you have misplaced your reference number you cannot use the system to check on your ETA status. According to the site instructions you will need to contact your travel agent or airline office and they can make the enquiry for you to check if your visa is still good.

Airlines have access to the ETA database through their reservation systems. They will make an enquiry to determine your visa status when you check in for your flight.

Hope this helps.
Best regards,
R. Gomes