What is a UK ETA for Malaysian Citizens?

The United Kingdom electronic travel authorization (UK ETA) is a new entry requirement for Malaysian citizens traveling to the UK for short stays in the form of a digital permit. Starting from January 8th, 2025, Malaysian passport holders will need to obtain an ETA before traveling from Malaysia to the UK.

The UK ETA was initially introduced in October 2023 to improve security measures, digitize the UK border, and provide a more efficient entry process for travelers from certain visa-exempt countries. The ETA system is gradually being rolled out for visitors from different countries, with 49 countries being added to the January 8th phase of the rollout with applications opening on November 27th, 2024.

An approved ETA allows Malaysian visitors to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit for specific purposes, including:

  • Tourism activities.
  • Visiting family or friends.
  • Specific short-term business activities.
  • Enrolling in short-term courses or study programs.
  • Creative Worker Visa Concession: Malaysians in creative professions can stay for up to 3 months under this concession.
  • Permitted paid engagements that do not require a full work visa.
  • Transit through the UK on the way to another destination, including travelers not passing through UK border control.

Following the January 8th rollout, the UK has extended the ETA requirement to European travelers. Citizens of 34 European countries will require an ETA from March 5th, 2025.

Malaysian Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

Malaysian citizens are important contributors to the UK travel industry and in 2023, approximately 156,000 visits were made to the UK from Malaysia, generating a total expenditure of £179 million, with an average of £1,151 per visit.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Malaysian Citizens

The introduction of the UK ETA system provides a new way for Malaysian citizens to enter the UK. The key benefits of the ETA for Malaysian citizens include:

Quick and easy application process

The UK ETA application is designed to be simple and efficient, making it easier for Malaysian citizens to travel to the UK by applying online in a matter of a few minutes. This helps to streamline the entry process significantly compared to traditional visa applications.

Cost-effective entry permit

The ETA for the UK is an affordable way for Malaysian citizens to gain entry to the UK. This makes short-term visits for tourism, business, or family visits more accessible.

Flexible multiple-visit permissions

The UK ETA allows Malaysian travelers multiple entries within its validity period of 2 years, which means they can enter and exit the UK as needed for different trips without reapplying each time. This flexibility is ideal for frequent travelers and those with family or business ties in the UK.

Security and peace of mind

By requiring an ETA, the UK can improve border security and pre-screen travelers before they arrive. For Malaysian citizens, this translates to an added level of security and the reassurance of a pre-approved status when traveling.

Quicker entry at UK borders

With an ETA already approved, Malaysian travelers can benefit from faster processing at UK border checkpoints. This can result in reduced waiting times and a more seamless experience upon arrival.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Malaysian Citizens

There are specific eligibility criteria for the UK ETA that you must comply with, including:

1

Citizen of Malaysia

Only Malaysian passport holders and citizens from eligible countries can apply for the UK ETA. Dual nationals should apply using their Malaysian passport, as the ETA is linked to the specific passport used in the application.

2

Stays of no more than six months

The UK ETA is designed for short-term visits only. Malaysian citizens applying for the ETA must intend to stay in the UK for a maximum of six months. For longer stays, a different type of visa to the UK from Malaysia may be required.

3

Valid travel documents

To apply, Malaysian citizens need a valid Malaysian passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry to the UK.

4

Valid purpose of visit

Malaysian citizens must be traveling for purposes allowed under the ETA, such as tourism, family visits, short-term business activities, or transit through the UK.

5

Clean criminal record

To be eligible for a UK ETA, applicants generally need to confirm they do not have a criminal record, particularly for serious offenses. This requirement helps ensure that visitors are not deemed a security risk and aligns with the UK’s border safety measures.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA is designed to allow multiple visits to the UK. Once approved, the UK ETA for Malaysian citizens is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

The UK ETA’s multi-entry provision allows Malaysian travelers the freedom to enter and exit the UK multiple times within the ETA’s two-year validity. Each visit is limited to a maximum stay of six months, depending on the purpose of the visit, and travelers must comply with this requirement for each individual entry.

UK ETA Requirements for Malaysian Nationals

Malaysian nationals applying for the UK ETA must prepare and submit specific documents to complete their application, including:

Passport

Applicants must have a valid Malaysian passport with at least six months’ validity remaining from the intended date of entry to the UK. The ETA will be electronically linked to the passport used in the application.

Passport

Personal Photo

A recent digital photo is required as part of the application. This photo should meet the UK visa photo standards, including being a clear, color photo of the applicant’s face against a plain background, with no accessories or head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons.

Personal Photo

Payment Method

A valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, is necessary to pay the ETA processing fee.

Payment Method

Email Address

Applicants need a current and accessible email address. Once the ETA is approved, a confirmation will be sent via email. Applicants should ensure they can access this email account to receive updates and save relevant documentation.

Email Address

Applying for a UK ETA for Malaysian Citizens

The UK ETA application process is fully digitized and is designed to be quick and easy. Follow the step-by-step guide below to help you complete your application:

1

Fill out the application form

Begin by accessing the UK ETA online application form. The form will require essential personal information and passport details. Carefully fill out all required fields, as any inaccuracies could delay the processing of your application or result in your application being rejected.

2

Attach the required documents

Upload a digital copy of your passport and a recent personal photo. These attachments should meet specific size and format guidelines, which are provided on the application form.

3

Pay the application fee

After completing the form and attaching the required documents, proceed to pay the application fee. You can use a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to complete this step.

4

Submit the application

Before submitting, carefully review all sections of the application to ensure accuracy. Errors or incomplete sections may lead to processing delays or rejection. Once you have confirmed that all information is correct, submit your application for processing.

5

Receive your ETA

Upon approval, your UK ETA will be sent to the email address provided in the application. If the application is rejected, you will also receive a notification by email with possible next steps or reasons for rejection. Be sure to keep the approval email and any reference numbers accessible for your travel records.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for Malaysian Citizens

The UK ETA is typically processed within 3 working days. Applicants should consider applying well in advance of their planned travel dates to allow for any unforeseen delays, though the process is generally quick. The fee for a UK ETA is £70. This amount includes both the official government fees and our professional service fees

Traveling to the UK with an ETA: Key Details

When traveling to the UK with an ETA, there are some key details to be aware of, including:

  • Connection between the ETA and your passportThe UK ETA is electronically linked to the passport used in the application. This means that the passport you submit for the ETA application must be the one you use when traveling to the UK. If you hold multiple passports, be sure to use the correct one for both the application and your travel to avoid any discrepancies.
  • Travel and entry processUpon arrival in the UK, travelers with an approved ETA will go through the standard border control checks. These include:
    • Passport inspection: The border officer will scan your passport to verify your ETA status.
    • Biometric checks: Depending on the UK immigration system at the airport, you may need to undergo biometric data collection (e.g., fingerprints or facial recognition).
    • Travel purpose: Be prepared to explain the reason for your visit (e.g., tourism, business, family visit), as this could be questioned by the immigration officer.
  • Traveling within the UKThere are no internal border controls in the UK, so once you pass through entry at your arrival airport, you can travel to other parts of the UK (e.g., England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) without further checks.

FAQs

The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It allows eligible travelers to enter the UK for short stays (up to 6 months) for specific purposes. It is linked to your passport and can be used for multiple visits within the two-year validity period.

If you are a Malaysian citizen, you will need to obtain an ETA if you are traveling to the UK after January 8th, 2025. If you are traveling before this date, you will not need to apply for an ETA.

No, Malaysian citizens do not need a visa to enter the UK for short stays, but starting January 8th, 2025, they will need an ETA. However, if they plan to visit the UK for longer than six months or want to engage in specific non-ETA-allowed activities, they will need to apply for the relevant UK visa from Malaysia instead.

If your application is rejected, you will receive an email notification with the reason for the rejection. Depending on the issue, you may be able to correct and reapply for a new ETA. If the rejection is due to security or other serious reasons, you may need to apply for an appropriate standard UK visa for Malaysian citizens instead.

The UK ETA allows stays up to 6 months and this cannot be extended. If you wish to stay in for longer, you would need to apply for a visa that allows an extended stay in the UK.

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