Do Malaysians Need A Visa To The UK? ETA Rules And Entry Requirements

Malaysian passport holders usually do not need a UK visitor visa for short visits to the UK. But since the UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, Malaysians now need a UK ETA before travelling for eligible short visits.

An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, lets eligible travellers visit the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, business, short-term study, and certain permitted activities. GOV.UK currently lists the ETA fee as £20.

The important difference is this: an ETA is not a visa, but you still need it before travelling. It gives you permission to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry. UK border officers still make the final decision when you arrive.

If you are preparing a multi-country trip, use Outbound Visa’s Free Visa Tools to organize your passport, visa, ETA, travel dates, and entry documents before departure.

Do Malaysians Need A UK Visa?

For most short visits, no Malaysians usually do not need a standard UK visitor visa.

Instead, Malaysians need a UK ETA if they are travelling for eligible short-stay purposes. The High Commission of Malaysia in London announced that Malaysians travelling to the UK are required to present an ETA from 8 January 2025.

This means Malaysians can usually travel to the UK without applying for a full visitor visa first, as long as the trip fits the permitted visitor activities and stay limit.

The safest rule: if you are only visiting the UK short-term, you likely need an ETA. If you plan to work, study long-term, marry, settle, or stay longer, you likely need a visa.

What Is A UK ETA?

A UK ETA is a digital travel permission for people who do not normally need a visa for short visits.

It is linked to your passport and allows travel to the UK for eligible purposes. The Home Office says an ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

If you get a new passport, you will need a new ETA. This is because the ETA is linked to the passport used in the application.

You normally need an ETA if you are travelling to the UK for:

• Tourism

• Visiting Family Or Friends

• Short Business Activities

• Short-Term Study

• Certain Permitted Paid Engagements

• Transit Through UK Border Control

Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies. GOV.UK confirms that an ETA does not guarantee entry and that other websites may charge more, so applicants should be careful with unofficial services.

What Changed In 2026?

The ETA requirement for Malaysians started earlier, but 2026 is important because the UK began stricter enforcement of digital permission to travel.

The UK government announced that from 25 February 2026, non-visa nationals who try to enter the UK without an ETA may be barred under the new rules.

This matters for Malaysian travellers because airlines and carriers may check your ETA before boarding. If you do not have the correct travel permission, you may be stopped before you even reach the UK border.

So before flying, check that:

• Your ETA is approved

• Your ETA is linked to the passport you will use

• Your passport details are correct

• Your travel purpose fits ETA visitor rules

• You are not trying to use ETA for work, long-term study, or settlement

How Long Can Malaysians Stay In The UK With ETA?

Malaysians travelling with a valid ETA can usually visit the UK for up to 6 months for eligible visitor purposes.

But this does not mean you should treat the UK like a place to live through repeated visits.

Border officers may ask questions if your travel pattern suggests that you are spending more time in the UK than outside it, working remotely without permission, or using visitor entry for a purpose that needs a visa.

ETA is for short visits, not long-term residence.

When Do Malaysians Need A UK Visa Instead Of ETA?

Malaysians need a UK visa if the trip does not fit normal visitor rules.

You may need a visa if you plan to:

• Work For A UK Employer

• Take A Long-Term Course

• Stay Longer Than 6 Months

• Join A Partner Or Family Member Long-Term

• Get Married Or Form A Civil Partnership In The UK

• Move To The UK

• Do Paid Work Not Allowed Under Visitor Rules

• Apply For A Skilled Worker, Student, Family, Or Settlement Route

For example, if you are going to London for a 10-day holiday, ETA may be enough. But if you are going to the UK for a full university programme, a job offer, family settlement, or long-term stay, you need the correct visa route, not just ETA.

If your UK case is more complex, such as previous refusal, long stay, family route, work plan, or unclear purpose, Visa Concierge can help you review the right route before applying.

Documents Malaysians Should Prepare Before Travelling To The UK

Even with an ETA, you should still carry documents that explain your trip clearly.

Prepare:

• Valid Malaysian Passport

• Approved UK ETA

• Return Or Onward Ticket

• Hotel Booking Or Host Address

• Travel Itinerary

• Proof Of Funds

• Employment Or Student Proof, If Helpful

• Invitation Letter, If Visiting Family Or Friends

• Business Invitation, If Attending Meetings

• Travel Insurance, Strongly Recommended

Visa-free or ETA travel does not mean border officers cannot ask questions. You should be ready to show that your visit is temporary, affordable, and consistent with visitor rules.

Example 1: Malaysian Tourist Visiting London For 10 Days

A Malaysian passport holder travelling to London for 10 days for sightseeing usually does not need a standard visitor visa.

They should prepare:

• Approved UK ETA

• Passport used for the ETA application

• Return ticket to Malaysia

• Hotel booking

• Simple itinerary

• Proof of funds

• Travel insurance

In this case, ETA is usually the main pre-travel permission needed.

Example 2: Malaysian Visiting Family In Manchester

If you are visiting family or friends in the UK, ETA may be enough for a short visit.

But you should carry:

• Approved ETA

• Host invitation letter

• Host address and contact details

• Proof of relationship, if relevant

• Return ticket

• Proof that you can fund your stay

This helps explain your purpose of visit if you are asked at the border.

Example 3: Malaysian Student Going To A UK University

If you are going to the UK for a full degree or long-term course, ETA is not enough.

You will likely need a Student visa and supporting documents such as a CAS, financial proof, passport, and other required evidence.

Do not enter the UK on ETA if your real purpose is long-term study.

Example 4: Malaysian Travelling To The UK For Work

If you are going to work in the UK, you usually need the correct work visa.

ETA may allow some business visitor activities, such as meetings or conferences, but it does not allow normal employment.

If a UK company is hiring you, sponsoring you, or expecting you to perform work in the UK, check the correct visa route before travelling.

Common Mistakes Malaysian Travellers Should Avoid

The biggest mistake is thinking that “no visa” means “no travel permission.” For Malaysians, short UK visits usually require ETA, not a standard visa.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Forgetting To Apply For ETA Before Flying

• Applying With The Wrong Passport Number

• Using A New Passport With An ETA Linked To An Old Passport

• Assuming ETA Guarantees Entry

• Thinking ETA Allows Work

• Trying To Study Long-Term With ETA

• Not Carrying Return Ticket Or Accommodation Proof

• Using Unofficial ETA Websites That Charge Extra Fees

• Assuming UK Rules Are The Same As Schengen Rules

If you are comparing UK and Europe rules, remember that the UK is not part of the Schengen Area. UK ETA and Schengen ETIAS are separate systems.

Before Malaysians Travel To The UK

Before your flight, check:

• Your Malaysian Passport Is Valid

• Your ETA Is Approved

• Your ETA Matches The Passport You Will Use

• Your Travel Purpose Fits ETA Rules

• Your Stay Is Within The Allowed Visitor Period

• You Have A Return Or Onward Ticket

• You Have Accommodation Details

• You Have Enough Funds For The Trip

• You Are Not Planning To Work Or Stay Long-Term

• You Have Documents Ready In Case Border Officers Ask

If you are unsure whether your trip fits ETA rules, compare similar cases in the Outbound Visa Forum. For simple readiness checks, Smart VisaAssist can help you review your travel document checklist.

FAQ

Do Malaysians Need A Visa To Visit The UK?

Usually no. Malaysian passport holders generally do not need a standard visitor visa for short UK visits, but they need a UK ETA.

Do Malaysians Need ETA For The UK?

Yes. Malaysians are required to present an ETA for eligible UK travel. The requirement started from 8 January 2025 for Malaysian travellers.

How Much Is The UK ETA For Malaysians?

The UK ETA currently costs £20 according to GOV.UK.

How Long Can Malaysians Stay In The UK With ETA?

An ETA allows eligible travellers to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, business, short-term study, and certain other purposes.

Is UK ETA A Visa?

No. ETA is not a visa. It is digital travel authorisation for visa-free travellers.

Does UK ETA Guarantee Entry?

No. GOV.UK states that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Do Malaysian Children Need ETA?

Yes. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children.

Can Malaysians Work In The UK With ETA?

No. ETA does not allow normal work in the UK. If you plan to work, you need the correct UK work visa.

Do Malaysians Need A UK Visa For Long-Term Study?

Yes. Long-term study usually requires a Student visa or another suitable route.

What If My ETA Is Refused?

If your ETA is refused, you may need to apply for the appropriate UK visa instead. You should not travel without the correct permission.

Bottom Line

Malaysians usually do not need a standard UK visitor visa for short trips, but they do need a UK ETA.

ETA is required for eligible short visits such as tourism, visiting family, business meetings, short-term study, and some transit situations. It currently costs £20, is linked to your passport, and does not guarantee entry.

If your purpose is work, long-term study, marriage, family settlement, or staying longer than 6 months, do not rely on ETA. Apply for the correct UK visa instead.

Sources

GOV.UK — Get An Electronic Travel Authorisation To Visit The UK
https://www.gov.uk/eta

GOV.UK — Check If You Can Get An Electronic Travel Authorisation
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

GOV.UK — UK Enforces Digital Permission To Travel
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-enforces-digital-permission-to-travel

Home Office Media Blog — Electronic Travel Authorisation Factsheet, April 2026
https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-april-2026/

High Commission Of Malaysia, London — Travellers To The UK: ETA
https://www.kln.gov.my/web/gbr_london/home/-/asset_publisher/WvY7Dral6U7E/blog/travellers-to-the-uk-eta