lifestyle

Here's How To Apply For An Electronic Travel Authority If You're Going To Australia

It permits multiple entries and has a maximum validity of 12 months.

Cover image via Smartmockups (Edited by SAYS) & Tourism Western Australia (Facebook)

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Planning a trip to Australia?

Every foreign visitor to the Land Down Under needs to have a current visa, and the most practical choice for Malaysians is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

This visa is perfect for people who want to travel at their own speed because it permits multiple entries and has a maximum validity of 12 months.

Securing your ETA and making advance plans will allow you to completely enjoy the amazing adventures that lie ahead in Australia.

Australia is a breathtaking destination that offers majestic landscapes, awe-inspiring wilderness, and boundless natural adventures.

Image via Tourism Western Australia (Facebook)

Here are the steps to apply for an ETA:

1. Apply Early: Submit your ETA application at least four weeks before your trip. Verify the validity of your passport by checking that it is still valid for at least six months after the date you plan to arrive in Australia.

2. Use the App: The only way to apply for an ETA is through the Australian ETA app. You can find it at homeaffairs.gov.au under the Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority section. Or you can download it via Google Play or the Apple App Store.

3. Check Your Email: After applying, check your email (including junk/spam folders) for your ETA notification. It may take up to 12 hours to receive a response.

4. Reapply if Necessary: If you need to reapply for an ETA, do so through the app.

5. Follow-Up: If you receive a request for more information, click the link in the email to submit an online form through ImmiAccount. If you don't have an ImmiAccount, create one.

6. Group Applications: If you're travelling with family or friends, use the Group ID feature in the ETA application form.

7. Complete Your Application: Click "next" to finish the application. If required, attach Form 1554 (ETA request) and any supporting documents to your ImmiAccount.

8. Provide Additional Information: If your application cannot be processed, follow the instructions in the email you receive. Complete the ETA form in ImmiAccount and submit the necessary documents.

Leave the everyday behind and escape the well-known and well-trodden paths to reconnect with something unspoilt — even a little wild — in Australia.

Image via Tourism Western Australia (Facebook)

These are the supporting documents you'll need for your ETA application:

1. Identification
- Copy of your passport biodata page (with your details and photo)
- Copy of your national ID card (front and back)

2. Purpose of Visit
- Explain why you're visiting Australia, including your planned activities and stay
- Provide evidence like accommodation bookings or flight tickets (don't finalise these until your visa is approved)

3. Family Information
- List your immediate family members (names, birth dates, relationships)
- List any travel companions (names, birth dates, relationships)

4. Contacts in Australia
- Provide names and birth dates of family or friends in Australia. Indicate if they are Australian citizens or residents. If not, explain their visa status.

5. Financial Evidence
- Recent bank statements showing your salary for the last three months

6. Proof of Employment or Commitments
- If employed: A letter from your employer confirming your annual salary and approved leave
- If self-employed: Business registration documents and recent financial records (such as recent bank statements and tax statements)
- If not employed: Proof from someone who supports you, showing your relationship

If you're still planning which part of Australia to visit, consider adding Western Australia to your itinerary

Located in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park (Nyinggulu) near Exmouth, Turquoise Bay was the only Australian beach to make the top 10 in The World's 50 Best Beaches list, and was also voted the best beach in Australia.

Image via Tourism Western Australia (Facebook)

With its vibrant cities and a wealth of cultural events, Western Australia promises an amazing vacation experience for Malaysian tourists.

Here are some exciting things you could do there that would make for an unforgettable holiday:

- Discover Perth: The energetic capital is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and stunning natural landscapes. Don't miss Kings Park, which offers expansive views of the sparkling Swan River and the downtown skyline.

- See Rottnest Island: This idyllic island is only a short ferry trip from Perth or Fremantle and is well-known for its cute quokkas. Take a bike rental and discover the quaint coves and beaches of the island.

- Explore the Coral Coast: The Coral Coast is home to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and provides top-notch diving and snorkelling opportunities. Swim with the colourful aquatic life, which includes the magnificent and gentle whale sharks.

- Travel through the Outback: Experience the vibrant colours of Esperance (Kepa Kurl) and its surroundings. Marvel at the stunning beauty of Lucky Bay, renowned for having some of the whitest beaches you'll ever encounter, where kangaroos can be seen lounging along the shoreline.

What are you waiting for, your adventure awaits!

To make sure you understand the ETA application procedure, you can watch informative online video instructions before submitting an application.

For more information on available visas, go to the immigration website of the Australian Government.

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