KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 — From January 8, Malaysians travelling to or transiting through the United Kingdom must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), a move set to streamline entry for short-term visitors.
In a statement, the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur said the ETA is a digital travel permission for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have UK immigration status prior to travelling.
It added that an ETA costs £10 (RM56.66) and permits multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever sooner.
“The UK is now rolling out the ETA to the rest of the world including Malaysia. The introduction of 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,” it said.
The High Commission said the ETA is not a UK visa, and Malaysians who are going to live in the UK for over six months (to study or to work) are still required to apply for a visa; but those with a valid UK visa do not need an ETA.
Malaysian travellers can apply for the ETA in advance from November 27 on the UK ETA app and on the website.
The High Commission said the application is quick and simple, and applicants usually receive responses within three working days, but may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app.
“All applications are managed by UK Visas & Immigration. The British High Commission is not involved in the application and approval process,” it said.
— Bernama
