Malaysians travelling to UK do not need electronic travel authorisation yet

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians travelling to the United Kingdom are not required to obtain electronic travel authorisation (ETA) yet, says the British High Commission.

A spokesman from the British High Commission said the ETA is being rolled out in stages, starting with Qatar in November this year, followed by other Gulf countries in February next year.

"The UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) at the UK Home Office, which handles all matters relating to UK visas, will announce the implementation date for the rest of the world in due course.

"Until then, travellers from Malaysia do not require an ETA to travel to the UK," the spokesman told The Star.

The British High Commission said that the ETA is not the same a visa but is electronically linked with one's passport and is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period.

"Similar schemes to boost border security have already been introduced by the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand," said the British High Commission.

Presently, tourists from Malaysia do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom for a period of up to six months. - Star