You’ve scanned your passport, uploaded your photo, and are ready to finalize your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Then, you hit the “Pay” button and it fails.
For many Malaysian travelers, this is the most frustrating part of the application. While the process is digital, local banking security features often block the international transaction, leaving you confused about whether the issue is your card or the system.
This guide clarifies exactly which payment methods work for the UK ETA in Malaysia, the real cost in Ringgit (MYR), and the specific steps to unlock your debit or credit card for this international purchase.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted for UK ETA?
The UK Home Office uses a strict payment gateway that only accepts specific international standards. You cannot use local Malaysian payment gateways.
Accepted Methods:
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (Amex).
- Debit Cards: Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit Card.
- Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay.
NOT Accepted:
- FPX Online Banking (Maybank2u, CIMB Clicks direct transfer).
- E-Wallets (Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GrabPay, ShopeePay).
- Cash or Cheque.
- PayPal (Directly).
UK ETA Cost: Standard vs. Urgent Services
While the base government fee, navigating the application portal, handling cross-border payments, and ensuring your photo meets strict biometric standards can be tricky.
Our service packages (Regular and Urgent) simplify this process, covering the government fee and ensuring your application is error-free before submission.
The Real Cost: GBP to MYR Conversion
The table below breaks down exactly what you will pay in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) based on the current 2026 exchange rate of roughly £1 = RM 5.50.
| Package Type | GBP Cost | Est. MYR Base | Processing Time | Best For |
| Regular | £26.00 | ~RM 143.00 | 3 Working Days | Standard travelers planning ahead. |
| Urgent | £49.00 | ~RM 269.50 | 12 Working Hours | Last-minute flights or emergency |
💡 Pro Tip: Always keep a buffer of at least RM 160 in your account for the Regular package (or RM 300 for Urgent). If you only have the exact exchange amount, the transaction may fail due to “insufficient funds” once the bank adds its cross-border processing fee.
Why Your Payment Might Fail (And How to Fix It)
If your card is rejected, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the card is valid, but your bank has blocked the transaction for security.
The #1 Culprit: “Overseas Spend” is Disabled
Most Malaysian banks (Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank) disable international transactions by default to prevent fraud. You must manually enable this feature before you pay.
How to Enable International Transactions:
| Bank | Method | Steps |
| Maybank | MAE App | Cards > Select Debit Card > Toggle “Overseas Debit” to ON. |
| CIMB | CIMB Octo / Clicks | Services > Manage Card > Overseas Spending & Withdrawal > Activate. |
| Public Bank | PB engage | Settings > Card Settings > Overseas Purchase > Enable. |
| RHB | Online Banking | Card Settings > Overseas Withdrawal/Purchase > Update Status. |
3D Secure and OTP Issues
The UK ETA system uses “3D Secure” technology. After entering your card details, you should receive a One-Time Password (OTP) or MSOS Code via SMS.
- Ensure your phone has a signal to receive the SMS.
- If you are already overseas, ensure you have roaming enabled to receive the OTP from your Malaysian bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I pay UK ETA with a debit card?
Yes. You can use any Malaysian Visa or Mastercard debit card. However, you must ensure you have sufficient funds and that “Overseas Spend” is enabled in your bank settings.
Can I pay for someone else’s UK ETA using my card?
Yes. The name on the credit or debit card does not need to match the applicant’s name. You can pay for family members or friends using your card, provided you have the card owner’s permission and can authenticate the transaction (OTP).
Is the UK ETA fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The £26 fee covers the processing cost of your application, not the outcome. If your ETA is refused, you will not receive a refund. You will need to pay a new fee if you decide to apply for a standard visa.
Why was I charged but received no email confirmation?
Check your spam folder first. If the money has been deducted but you have no email after 24 hours, the payment may be “pending” (held by the bank but not claimed by the UK Home Office). In this case, the funds usually reverse automatically within 5-7 working days. If not, contact uketa.com.my for guidance on checking your status.
Need Help?
Navigating international payment gateways can be tricky. If you are facing persistent payment failures or need assistance reviewing your application before submission, uketa.com.my is here to help. We simplify the process specifically for Malaysian travelers to ensure your journey to the UK starts smoothly.
