KUALA LUMPUR — Starting today, Malaysians will require the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom.
Malaysia is among 48 countries that require the ETA to enter the UK which was announced last September, aimed at enhancing border security.
The ETA applies to visits of less than six months for tourism, business, short-term studies, and permitted paid engagements.
The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur previously clarified that the ETA is not a visa but a digital permission to travel.
It will cost £10 (RM56) and allow multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
If a new passport is issued within the two-year period, a new ETA application is required.
Those staying in the UK for longer than six months will still need a visa.
The ETA has been introduced to a few countries in stages since November 2023.
Other countries for which the ETA takes effect today include the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Travellers can apply in advance of their travel to the UK through the ‘UK ETA app’ and on the GOV.UK website.
The website’s FAQ states that applicants will usually get a decision within three working days but a result could also take longer than that.
It also states that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK and travellers still needs to see a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate. – January 8, 2025