Malaysians will soon need to apply for advance permission before travelling to the United Kingdom.
Malaysia, along with 84 other visa-free countries, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to legally enter the UK starting 25 February 2026.
The announcement was made via the official websites of the UK government and Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the UK government, the move aims to digitise the immigration system and pave the way for a contactless UK border in the future.
So, what is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)? And how do you apply for it?
ETA was introduced in October 2023 but was not strictly enforced initially, as authorities allowed visitors time to adjust to the new regulation. However, the UK government will soon make ETA mandatory, even for travellers on connecting flights who pass through UK passport control.
An ETA allows you to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family, or certain other purposes for up to six months. It costs £16 (~RM88), but note that an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK.
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from this requirement.
The UK ETA application is available on Google Play Store and the App Store, and you’ll need your passport details, e-mail address, and a Debit or Credit card. You’ll get a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), usually within a day. The email will contain your 16-digit ETA reference number.
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Here’s what you CANNOT do with an ETA
According to the UK government, an ETA does not permit stays longer than six months. You are also not allowed to do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re engaged in a permitted paid engagement or event, or working under the Creative Worker visa concession.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said ETAs will improve the travel experience:
“Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.”
Simply put: no ETA, no travel. What do you think about this new requirement?
