The UK Home Office has announced that from the 25th onwards, travelers from 85 countries, including Malaysians, must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure, or they will be denied entry.
According to the UK ETA scheme, all foreign travelers who can enter the UK without a visa must pre-purchase electronic travel authorization online, at a cost of £16 (about RM84) per person.
This scheme was launched in 2023 and will be expanded to European travelers in April 2025. However, it was not strictly enforced previously, but from 25 February onwards, all foreign travelers to the UK must have an ETA to enter.
Holders of UK or Irish passports, or those with permission to reside, work, or study in the UK, do not need to apply for an ETA.
The UK Home Office stated that airlines will refuse boarding to passengers who do not have an ETA, eVisa, or other valid documents.