Going Down Under Gets Easier

Visa-less travel to Australia from the U.S. is in the works, according to the Australian Tourist Commission. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) will replace the current visa procedures for travel to Australia by the end of this year, officials hope.

The ETA can be issued in seconds by travel agents and airlines linked by computer reservation systems with the Australian government. In that case, authority to travel to Australia will be as easy as obtaining an airline ticket.