Walking On A Dream: Your Easy Guide to Visa Applications for Malaysians Travelling to Western Australia
Leave the everyday behind and escape the well-known and well-trodden paths to reconnect with something unspoilt — even a little wild — in Western Australia. This breathtaking destination offers majestic landscapes, awe-inspiring wilderness, and boundless natural adventures. With its vibrant cities and a wealth of cultural events, Western Australia (WA) promises an amazing vacation experience for Malaysian tourists.
Before you can bask in the sun on pristine beaches or explore the untamed outback, securing the proper visa is essential. Together, we’ll streamline the visa application process and showcase the incredible adventures that await you in this wondrous land.
Understanding Malaysian Travellers’ Visa Options
Every foreign visitor to Western Australia needs to have a current visa. 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.
How to Request Your ETA
1. Apply Early: Submit your ETA application at least four weeks before your trip.
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.
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 traveling 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.
Supporting Documents for Your ETA Application
1. Identification:
a. Copy of your passport biodata page (with your details and photo).
b. Copy of your national ID card (front and back).
2. Purpose of Visit:
a. Explain why you’re visiting Australia, including your planned activities and stay.
b. Provide evidence like accommodation bookings or flight tickets (don’t finalize these until your visa is approved).
3. Family Information:
a. List your immediate family members (names, birth dates, relationships).
b. List any travel companions (names, birth dates, relationships).
4. Contacts in Australia:
a. Provide names and birth dates of family or friends in Australia.
b. Indicate if they are Australian citizens or residents. If not, explain their visa status.
5. Financial Evidence:
a. Recent bank statements showing your salary for the last three months.
6. Proof of Employment or Commitments:
a. If employed: A letter from your employer confirming your annual salary and approved leave.
b. If self-employed: Business registration documents and recent financial records (such as recent bank statements and tax statements).
c. If not employed: Proof from someone who supports you, showing your relationship.
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.
Get the ETA App here: The app streamlines the application procedure and is available for free on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Watch Video instructions: To make sure you understand the application procedure, watch the informative online video instructions before submitting an application.
Helpful Resources: In the event that you run into problems with the app, you can apply through Immiaccount or ask for assistance from representatives of the travel sector.
Quick Processing Tip: Verify your information again before submitting your application if you’re organising a last-minute vacation.
After obtaining your visa, it’s time to start exploring the wonders that Western Australia has to offer:
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!
Travelling to Western Australia as a Malaysian tourist is an exciting possibility. Securing your ETA and making advance plans will allow you to completely enjoy the amazing adventures that lie ahead. Western Australia offers experiences that will last a lifetime, from natural wonders to urban excursions. Prepare for an incredible journey! Download the ETA app on Google Play or the Apple Store now!
Go to the immigration website of the Australian Government for further details on available visas. Happy travels!
ABOUT TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA (TOURISM WA)
Tourism WA is the WA Government agency responsible for promoting Western Australia as an incredible holiday and events destination. Our role is to inspire more people to visit WA from Australia and around the world.
We do this by marketing the state to the world through innovative campaigns; developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, arts, cultural and business events; working with government and the tourism industry to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences for our visitors; and by informing and empowering the WA tourism industry through sharing key insights and global trends, building stakeholder relationships and providing leadership to the sector.
For more information visit tourism.wa.gov.au.
-Tourism Western Australia