Malaysians Travelling To UK Must Apply For ETAs Starting January 2025
By April 2025, all visitors from visa-exempt countries to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Malaysians travelling to or transiting through the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) starting 8 January next year
According to the New Straits Times, the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur said the ETA is a digital permission for short-stay visitors who currently do not need a visa or have UK immigration status prior to travelling.
It said that by April 2025, all visitors from visa-exempt countries to the UK will need an ETA to enter the country.
"The introduction of the ETA is in line with the approach many other countries (like the US and Australia) have already taken to strengthen border security.
"It will contribute towards delivering a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year," said the British High Commission.
Image via Reuters/Malay Mail
The ETA has been introduced in stages to different countries worldwide since November 2023.
Malaysians will be able to apply for an ETA starting from 27 November 2024, for travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
The British High Commission said the application process on the GOV.UK website is quick and simple, and applicants usually get a decision within three working days. They may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app.
The ETA costs 10 pounds (approximately RM56) and lasts for two years (or until the holder's passport expires), during which visitors can travel to the UK as many times as they want for stays of up to six months at a time.
If the holder gets a new passport, they'll need to obtain a new ETA.
Image via Home Office (Facebook)
More information about ETA eligibility is available on the UK government website.
Japan also plans to implement a travel authorisation system for tourists from visa-exempt countries by 2030:
Beware of non-official websites selling fraudulent ETAs before travelling to the country:
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