PETALING JAYA: Malaysians reacted with dismay to the announcement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for entry into the United Kingdom starting Wednesday (Jan 8).
Many wondered if Malaysia should also impose such fees for travellers coming into the country, as other nations are also said to be considering a similar move.
A Facebook user, who goes by the handle Zarah MY, said "expensive travel admission fees are appearing all around the world."
"It's the end of visa-free travel as we know it," she wrote.
"I am embarrassed to be British! This is just a money maker because we are broke," lamented Daniel Waite.
"Maybe Malaysia and other Commonwealth countries should charge the Brits the same," wrote Christopher Wong.
Malaysia is among the 48 countries whose citizens require an ETA to enter the United Kingdom.
According to the UK government website, each ETA application costs £10 (RM56) and allows multiple entries into the country for two years. There are no refunds.
Everyone travelling to the United Kingdom needs an ETA, including babies and children.
However, those with a visa or permission to live, work or study in UK do not need an ETA.
Other countries that require ETAs to enter the UK include Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
