KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians travelling to or transiting via the UK will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) starting Jan 8, next year.
In a statement, the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, said the ETA is a digital permission to travel for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays or do not already have a UK immigration status before travelling.
It said the ETA had been introduced in stages to a few countries since November last year and is now being rolled out worldwide, 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," read the statement.
The British High Commission said an ETA is not a visa.
As such, Malaysians who will live in the UK for over six month, either for study or work, for instance, are still required to apply for a visa.
Individuals with a valid UK visa, however, do not need an ETA, it said.
It said an ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at one time over two years or until the holder's passport expires – whichever is sooner.
"Malaysian travellers can apply in advance from Nov 27 onwards, with the easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the 'UK ETA app'.
"People can also apply on the GOV.UK website if they do not have access to a smartphone.
"The application process is quick and simple; and applicants usually get a decision within three working days but may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app," it said.
It also said applications are managed by the UK Visas and Immigration and that the British High Commission is not involved in the application and approval process.