Cover image via WireNews
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Malaysians, along with visitors from 84 other countries who do not need a visa, will not be able to legally travel to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026
All visa-free visitors without an ETA or eVisa will be barred from boarding flights or entering the country, the UK government said in a statement earlier this week.
The ETA, a digital permit for short stays in the UK, is not a visa or air travel tax, as being levied by other countries. The ETA allows visitors to stay in the UK for up to six months, whether for tourism or to visit family.
The ETA is part of the UK government's "No Permission, No Travel" system, which now includes even visitors who take connecting flights and go through UK passport control.
British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt, though dual citizens are advised to carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid being denied boarding.
First launched in October 2023, the ETA was not strictly enforced during its initial rollout to allow travellers time to adjust
Mike Tapp, the UK's Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said the shift is part of a wider digital overhaul of the border system.
"ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and give us a fuller picture of immigration. ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience," he said.
Since its launch, over 13.3 million ETAs have been issued.
Who will need an ETA or eVisa?
Travellers from 85 countries who currently do not need a visa will require an ETA. This includes visitors from Malaysia, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and most of the European Union (EU).
Other nationalities affected include:
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Maldives
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Travellers connecting through London Heathrow or Manchester who do not pass through UK passport control will not need an ETA. However, those who enter the UK and go through passport control, even on a connecting flight, will need an ETA.
No Permission, No Travel.
Image via WireNewsHere's how to apply
Visitors can apply for an ETA through the official UK ETA app, available on iOS and Android, or via the UK government website.
Applicants need to provide contact information, passport details, and a valid photo. The application costs 16 pounds (RM88).
Most applications are processed automatically within minutes, though the government advises allowing up to three working days for cases requiring additional review.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first.
