The UK ETA Malaysia requirement is essential for Malaysian travelers heading to the UK. This UK ETA guide explains who needs it, when to apply, and what it allows you to do while in the UK.
Do Malaysian citizens need a visa for the UK?
Malaysian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK, but they must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling.
UK ETA for Malaysian citizens explained
The UK ETA is a mandatory digital travel permit for Malaysian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study (up to 6 months). It is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
While Malaysians do not need a traditional visa for short stays, the ETA is required for all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Malaysia.
Who needs UK ETA?
Who needs UK ETA? | Who does NOT need UK ETA? |
Malaysians visiting for tourism, family visits, or vacation (up to 6 months) | Malaysians already holding a UK visa |
Business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or permitted paid engagements | Malaysians with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme |
Short-term study (courses up to 6 months) | Malaysians holding a British or Irish passport |
Transit through a UK airport, passing through border control | Malaysians living in Ireland and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man |
Malaysians making multiple trips within 2 years of ETA validity | Malaysians transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control (Check with your airline) |
What you can and cannot do with UK ETA
What you can do | What you cannot do |
Stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, or short-term study | Stay longer than 6 months |
Transit through UK airports, passing through border control | Work for a UK company or be self-employed (unless part of a permitted paid engagement) |
Enter the UK multiple times within the 2-year ETA validity | Claim public funds (e.g., benefits) |
Get married or register a civil partnership (requires a Marriage Visitor visa) |
A UK ETA allows short visits for tourism, business meetings, short-term study, and certain work engagements, but it does not permit long-term stays, employment, or settlement.
For those seeking extended stays or specific permissions, other visa options include the UK Visit Visa for longer tourist or business visits, the UK E-Visa for digital processing, the UK Settlement Visa for residency, the UK Sponsorship License for employers hiring foreign workers, and the UK Student Visa for education. Additionally, individuals may apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa to work independently or a Spouse Visa to join a UK-based partner.
How to apply for UK ETA Malaysia
For Malaysians applying for a UK ETA, Any Visa offers:
Accurate application support to avoid delays or rejections
Expert legal guidance for travelers with past visa refusals or criminal records
Fast-tracked solutions for urgent travel needs
Personalized assistance for business travelers, professionals, and families to ensure a smooth entry into the UK
Requirements for a UK ETA application:
A valid Malaysian passport
A payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.)
A recent photo (uploaded or taken via the app)
An email address to receive your ETA approval
You can check all the United Kingdom ETA requirements here.
Processing time & validity
Processing time: Most applications are approved within 3 working days
Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires
What happens after you apply?
Once approved, the ETA is linked electronically to your passport—no need to print it. At the UK Border, Malaysian Citizens Can:
Use an ePassport gate (if eligible)
See a Border Force officer for entry clearance
Having an ETA does not guarantee entry—border officers may still ask questions before allowing you into the UK.
Eligible UK ETA countries
Do I need ETA for the UK? Check with out tool or use the list of nationalities eligible to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when traveling to the UK. The UK ETA countries list includes countries and territories whose citizens can apply now, as well as those who will require an ETA for travel on or after April 2, 2025.
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Austria
Bahamas (The)
Bahrain
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Federated States of Micronesia
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao Special Administrative Region
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mexico
Monaco
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Seychelles
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Vatican City
