How To Apply For An Australia ETA

Introduction

Are you planning a trip to Australia? If so, it’s important to understand the process of obtaining an Australia ETA. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically-stored document that serves as an electronic visa. It allows eligible travelers to enter Australia for tourism or business purposes. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to apply for an Australia ETA visa in 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this article will ensure a smooth and successful application process.

About The Australia ETA

The Australian ETA, or Electronic Travel Authority, is an electronically-stored document of authority linked to your passport number. It is an electronic visa that Malaysian passport holders are required to obtain in order to enter Australia.

What is the Australia ETA for?

The Australia ETA allows visitors to:

• Explore all parts of Australia for tourism or business purposes.
• Travel multiple times within a year or for the life of the passport (whichever is shorter).
• Stay in Australia for up to 3 months per visit.

Australia ETA Visa Requirements

To successfully apply for an Australia ETA, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is eligible and has a validity extending beyond your planned stay in Australia.
   
2. Active Email Address: You will receive your visa confirmation via email, so make sure you have a functioning email account.
   
3. Mobile Phone with NFC Reader: You will need to scan your passport chip as part of the application process. Fortunately, most modern phones are equipped with NFC capabilities.
   
4. Debit or Credit Card: The ETA visa application fee must be paid online, so ensure that you have a valid debit or credit card for payment.
   
5. Health and Character Requirements: Foreign visitors must meet certain health and character standards. Make sure you fulfill these requirements before applying for the ETA visa.

Steps To Apply For An Australia ETA

To apply for an Australian ETA visa, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Check passport validity

Before applying for an ETA, ensure that your passport is eligible and valid. Australia does not enforce the common 6-month passport validity rule. However, it is recommended to renew your passport if it has less than 6 months remaining before expiration.

2. Download the Australian ETA mobile app

Currently, the Australia ETA application is exclusively available through the Australian ETA mobile app. You can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This convenient mobile app allows eligible passport holders to apply with ease using their mobile devices.

3. Scan your passport

Prepare your passport and scan the biodata page that includes essential personal details such as your name, date of birth, and passport number. Utilizing your mobile device with NFC capability, simply place the device on top of the passport to scan the embedded chip.

4. Take a photo of yourself

Within the app, take a clear and and well-illuminated photograph of yourself, as this image serves the purpose of verifying your identity during the application process. It is crucial to ensure that the photo is clear and accurately represents your appearance.

5. Apply for a new ETA

After registering as a new applicant on the app, proceed to apply for a new ETA. Provide the requested information, including your desired ETA type, current location, and details regarding any past criminal convictions or domestic violence offenses. Additionally, provide your contact details in Australia.

6. Pay the service fee

As part of the Australia ETA application process, there is a service fee of AUD20 that needs to be paid. To facilitate a convenient payment experience, you have the option to utilize Apple Pay, debit cards, or credit cards for making the payment.

7. Submit your application

Once you have completed the payment, submit your ETA application. In most cases, you will receive an email notification regarding the status of your application within 48 hours. If your application requires additional information, you will be provided with a web form to provide the necessary details.

Additional Tips For Applying For An ETA

To ensure a smooth application process for an Australia ETA visa, consider the following tips:

• Apply early: Although most ETA applications are approved within 48 hours, some may require further information, which can delay the process. Applying well in advance, at least two months before your intended travel date, allows sufficient time for processing.
  
• Finalize other travel arrangements after obtaining ETA: The ETA approval process cannot be expedited unless there is a compelling emergency reason. Therefore, it is advisable to finalize other travel arrangements, such as flights, accommodation, and activities, after successfully obtaining your visa grant.
  
• Prepare necessary documents before application: To expedite your application, gather all the necessary documents and information required, such as your passport, contact details during your stay in Australia, and supporting documents for further processing, if needed.
  
• Supporting documents: In case supporting documents are required, follow the link contain in the email. Prepare the following documents and attach ETA request for further processing – Form 1544
  
  • Information about the reason of your visit to Australia (you intended stay and activities). Provide evidence of travel arrangements such as accommodation bookings, and flight tickets. You should not finalise such arrangements until you receive your Australian ETA.
  • Provide a list of your immediate family members including full names, date of birth and relationship. Immediate family members include partners, children, parents and siblings. Download form
  • A list of other traveling companions including full names, date of birth and relationship.
  • A list of family, friends and contacts in Australia (including full name and date of birth). Indicate if they are Australian citizens or permanent residents. If not, indicate their visa status and reason for their stay in Australia
  • Bank statements showing at least the previous three months salary payments.
  • Evidence of your employment and/or commitments that demonstrate your reasons to return home. These may include:
    • Employer statement indicating your annual salary and approved leave
    • For self employed, business registration documents and financial records for the business including recent bank statement and tax statements.
    • Other evidence of incentives to return such as ongoing education or other commitments (home loan, car loan, etc) in your home country.
  • If you are not employed, please provide evidence of the persons who support you including your relationship with that person
    
• Apply as a group together on the same app: Each passport holder must submit a separate application, but you can apply as a group using the same app on a single mobile device. This speeds up the payment process as you can pay for all the submitted applications simultaneously.

FAQs About Applying for an Australia ETA

Conclusion

Applying for an Australia ETA visa is a straightforward process when you follow the step-by-step guide provided in this comprehensive article. Remember to check your passport validity, download the Australia ETA mobile app, and provide accurate information and supporting documents during the application. With your Australia ETA visa in hand, you can look forward to an unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of Australia.