Australia Visa for Malaysians: Do you need an ETA or Visitor Visa?

Australia is a top destination for Malaysian citizens, offering breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique cultural experiences, and having the right visa is essential. This guide will help you decide between an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and a Visitor Visa, ensuring you have all the information you need for a smooth application.

Do Malaysian citizens need an ETA or Visitor Visa for Australia?

Malaysian citizens have two main options for visiting Australia: the Australia ETA and the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

The ETA is a convenient online option, ideal for short-term stays for tourism or business. While Malaysians are eligible for the ETA, approvals can sometimes be inconsistent. We recommend applying for the ETA through our service, which increases your chances of success. However, if your purpose is more than tourism or business, such as studying or working, you’ll need to apply for a different visa, like the Visitor Visa.

The Visitor Visa is a more comprehensive option that allows longer stays, but it involves a more detailed application process, including potential biometric data submission and interviews. This visa is suited for extended visits, including family visits or short-term business activities.

Difficulty rating comparison

The Australia ETA is a straightforward option for Malaysian travelers. With a low difficulty rating of 14/100, it requires answering just 12 questions and submitting 4 documents, all online. This makes the ETA a quick and easy choice for short-term visits.

iVisa insight: Despite Malaysians needing to answer more questions than other nationalities during the Australia ETA process, 87% of applicants using our service receive their visas without issues.

On the other hand, the Australia Visitor Visa is more complex, with a difficulty rating of 35/100. It involves answering 43 questions and providing 4 documents, with the possibility of needing an in-person appointment for biometrics or health exams. This visa is suitable for longer or more involved trips but requires more time and effort to obtain.

Australia ETA requirements for Malaysian citizens

To apply for the Australia ETA, you’ll need:

• Valid Malaysian passport

• Personal details and travel itinerary

• Email address

• Credit or debit card for payment

How to apply for an Australia ETA

Applying for the Australia ETA is simple on our website or mobile app Here’s how:

1. Complete the online application on our website or through the iVisa app. Provide your travel details and personal information.

2. Double-check your details to ensure accuracy, then proceed with the payment.

3. Submit your application and wait for your visa confirmation.

"The ETA application was quick and easy with iVisa. I had my visa in just a few days, and the process was hassle-free. Highly recommend their service!" - Aisha M., frequent flyer, Kuala Lumpur.

Australia Visitor Visa requirements for Malaysian citizens

For the Australia Visitor Visa, the following documents are required:

• Valid Malaysian passport

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Travel itinerary and purpose

• Health exam results (if required)

• Biometric data (if required)

• Bank statements for the last 3 months

• Proof of accommodation

• Family Composition Form 54

• Proof of employment

• Consent to grant an Australian Visitor Visa to a child under the age of 18

How to apply for an Australia Visitor Visa

The application process for the Visitor Visa involves a few more steps:

1. Complete the online visa application on our platform, entering your personal information and travel details.

2. Review and submit the application, making sure all details are accurate.

3. Prepare for additional steps, such as a phone interview, biometric data submission, or health exams if required.

4. Attend any required appointments as directed by the Australian authorities.

5. Wait for the visa decision and track your application status through our platform.

Why we recommend the ETA

At iVisa, we currently offer only the Australia ETA for Malaysian travelers, and here’s why it’s the best choice:

• Higher approval rate: Over 87% of our ETA applications are approved, compared to the government’s approval rate of about 81%.

• Simpler process: The ETA is entirely online, requiring only 12 questions and 4 documents, making it quick and straightforward compared to the more detailed Visitor Visa.

• No in-person requirements: Unlike the Visitor Visa, the ETA doesn’t require biometric data, health exams, or any in-person appointments, saving you time and effort.

For most Malaysian travelers, the ETA is the superior choice—offering speed, simplicity, and a high likelihood of approval, especially with our expert support.

Other visa options for Malaysian travelers

If the Australia ETA or Visitor Visa doesn’t suit your travel needs, consider these other visa options:

• Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500): For those planning to study in Australia for more than three months. You must be accepted into an Australian educational institution before applying.

• Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Ideal for skilled workers who are invited based on occupation, English proficiency, and other factors. This visa allows you to live and work permanently in Australia.

• Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462): Designed for travelers aged 18 to 30 who wish to work and holiday in Australia. It’s a temporary visa that combines work opportunities with travel.

These visas have different requirements and application processes, so make sure to choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

Contact us

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to Australia and the Australia Visa application. Contact us any time via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.