Most countries now require foreign visitors to obtain an electronic entry permit before their arrival.
Travellers to Britain should be aware that they will now need to fill out a special entry permit.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs the equivalent of £10 (RM57.20). You will need to apply for it at least three working days in advance.
It is not only Britain that requires such advance registration – many countries require travellers to fill out an online form before they depart and show it on arrival.
So, which other countries have these forms and why?
The United States is one well-known example, and requires most travellers to answer an extensive list of questions in the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to obtain an entry permit. Those without one may not even board the aircraft.
(Malaysian citizens need to apply for a visa to enter the US; countries under the US’ Visa Waiver Programme can use the ESTA.)
The US uses this pre-registration system primarily to ensure that travellers do not pose a security risk. The British government is making a similar argument.
The situation varies depending on where you come from but you are likely to need an electronic entry permit for at least a dozen countries. They include Australia (ETA), New Zealand (NZeTA) and Canada (ETA). But check the individual requirements for where you are from.
South Korea’s K-ETA will be obligatory for most by the end of 2025.
Bear in mind that alongside the ETA, Australia also has an eVisitor visa, which is free of charge, unlike the ETA. You can check the options with just a few clicks on the Australian government’s Visa Finder website.
Meanwhile the European Union is planning to introduce a travel permit for holidaymakers from countries that do not require a visa, such as the US. It plans to launch the system, called ETIAS, at the end of 2026.
You can usually fill in the entry permit or visa forms online via official websites. — Photos: Pixabay
Is an entry permit a guarantee of entry?
No. The final decision lies with the border officials at passport control. But if you filled out the application correctly, generally there should not be any problems.
What is the difference between an entry permit and a visa?
Usually, the application process for an entry permit is less complicated and involves less lead time. But a visa usually lets you stay longer than an ETA. Often you need a visa if you want to work in the country.
So, as a traveller you are advised to check which documentation you need for your planned trip well in advance. Check the Foreign Ministry travel advice for the country in question, as usually they will describe the entry regulations in great detail.
What’s a visa on arrival?
A visa on arrival is a special type of visa issued when you come to your destination country. These are sometimes free of charge and usually valid for tourist stays. Often, but not always, it will also cover business trips.
Depending on where you are from, you may wind up getting a visa on arrival in countries such as the Maldives, Egypt, Qatar and Nepal.
But bear in mind that sometimes the visa on arrival is only available at certain border crossings and international airports in a destination country, as is the case in Namibia. In some cases, holidaymakers can apply online in advance.
Anything else I need to consider?
Whether you’re looking for an ETA or visa on arrival, sometimes, the devil is in the details. Some require you to put in precise information about your trip such as which hotel are you staying in, and how long are you staying.
You might also have to check your passport is valid for a certain amount of time.
In the US, transit travellers – such as those with a stopover at a US airport – need an ESTA, though they do not need one in Britain. So the main thing is make sure you are well informed about where you are heading and in good time.
Weeks or even months before your flight, be sure to check what kind of travel documents you would need to bring along, whether physically or digitally. — Photos: Pixabay
Where do holidaymakers need a full visa?
Countries that require an ETA or a visa on arrival in addition to a passport are considered visa-free and this definition currently includes 189 countries, according to the Passport Index published by the consulting firm Henley & Partners.
But countries with stricter visa requirements include India and Cuba – though it depends on where you are from.
For Cuba, you may be able to enter with a tourist card until June 2025, as an alternative to a visa. You can buy this from some airlines at the airport, online from commercial providers and some tour operators.
Tourist cards and visas will not be issued at the border, according to travel advice for Cuba. – dpa
