Travelers from 48 countries, including Malaysia, can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK as of today, January 8.
The UK government claims that an ETA enables visitors to enter the country for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study without a visa.
The ETA, which is digitally connected to a traveler's passport, is valid for two years and permits multiple entries.
The holder will need to get a new ETA if they get a new passport.
Applications must be done online or using the official government UK ETA app on the Apple Store or Google Play, and they cost 10 pounds (about RM60).
The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur stated last year that ETAs would contribute to a more efficient, digital immigration system, enabling people to cross the UK border more swiftly and safely.
All you need to apply is your passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address.
Travelers, don't need to provide trip information, and the application should just take ten minutes to complete.
Super swift indeed.
However, The UK government did also inform that while the ETA provides pre-clearance, final entry into the UK is subject to approval by border control, which means, be prepared!