Planning a trip from Malaysia to the United Kingdom is always exciting, whether you’re heading to London for business, exploring the Scottish Highlands for a holiday, or visiting family and friends.
For Malaysian citizens, one of the biggest changes in recent travel history is the introduction of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This digital permit has replaced the old, complex visa waiver process, making short-term trips simpler. But whenever a new system rolls out, the first question everyone asks is: “How much does a UK ETA cost for Malaysians?”
The good news is the UK ETA fee is relatively low, especially when compared to a full visa. However, understanding the total UK ETA price—which involves the mandatory government fee, currency conversion, and the optional, but highly valuable, service fee—is crucial for budgeting your journey.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the financial aspects of the ETA application, ensuring you have all the facts to secure your UK travel document without any nasty surprises.
The UK ETA Fee: What Every Malaysian Needs to Know
The most important number to know is the baseline government fee. This is the mandatory charge set by the UK Home Office that every single applicant must pay, regardless of which platform they use to apply.
The Current Rate (in GBP)
the UK ETA fee is: £26 (twenty six British Pounds)
This fee is standardized for all eligible nationalities, including Malaysian citizens, and applies to all parts of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). This relatively low application cost structure is designed to be highly accessible and promote travel.
Currency Conversion: From GBP to RM
While the UK ETA cost is fixed at £26, you will be paying in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) if you apply from Malaysia, or using a ringgit-denominated card.
It is important to remember that the exact RM equivalent will fluctuate daily based on the current currency exchange rate.
| Currency | Fixed Amount | Approximate RM Equivalent (For Illustration Only) |
| British Pounds (GBP) | £26.00 | RM 147.00 |
Pro Tip: Always check the real-time exchange rate on the day you plan to submit your application. Be aware that your bank or credit card provider may also charge a small foreign transaction fee, which will slightly increase the final total.
Is the Fee Per Person or Per Application?
This is a frequently asked question and a critical point for families and group travelers.
The cost of UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is charged per person.
This means that every single traveler on your Malaysian passport, regardless of age—including infants and children—must submit a separate application and pay the full £26 fee. There are no discounted family rates.
- Example: A family of four (two adults, two children) will pay 4×£26=£104 for the mandatory fee.
Understanding the Full Cost: Government Fee vs. Service Fee
When searching online for the UK ETA price for Malaysian citizens, you will see different pricing models. This is because many applicants choose to use a professional service, like ours at UKETA, for a seamless experience. This is where the difference between the government fee and the service fee comes in.
The Cost Breakdown When Applying with UKETA
When you apply through a third-party service, your total payment consists of two parts:
- The UK ETA Fee (£26): This is the mandatory UK visa waiver charges paid to the British government for processing your application.
- The Professional Service Fee: This is the charge for the assistance, error-checking, 24/7 support, and expedited processing provided by the service platform.
The benefit of using a service platform is a streamlined process and built-in security features that significantly reduce the chances of a costly error or rejection due to incorrect details.
| Fee Type | Description | Purpose |
| UK Government Fee | The fixed, mandatory ETA processing fee. | Payment to the UK Home Office for application review. |
| UKETA Service Fee | Variable cost based on processing speed chosen. | Covers expert review, document verification, 24/7 support, and simplified payment. |
| Total Final Cost | Government Fee + Service Fee (Paid in RM) | The full Malaysian UK ETA application fee you pay. |
The Value of Peace of Mind (Why the Service Fee Pays Off)
Choosing to pay the service fee isn’t just about convenience; it’s about risk mitigation and efficiency. The ETA is a digital document, and its application process can be confusing for a first-timer. Key advantages include:
- Error Prevention: Our specialists manually review every application before submission. A tiny error—like a transposed passport number or an incorrect date—can lead to an application rejection, meaning you lose the government fee and have to start (and pay) again. Our service acts as a safety net.
- 24/7 Customer Support: If you face any issues with your application, payment, or documents, our dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist you immediately.
- Simplified Payment: You can pay the total cost conveniently in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) without dealing with fluctuating exchange rates or bank foreign transaction fees.
- Faster Processing: While the final decision rests with the UK government, we ensure your application is submitted flawlessly and quickly, often resulting in quicker approval.
This additional cost is often seen as a worthy investment for guaranteed peace of mind and hassle-free preparation for your trip.
Payment Logistics: Accepted Methods and Security
Once you are ready to apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, the payment step is the final hurdle before your application is submitted for processing.
Accepted Payment Methods for Malaysian Applicants
Whether you use the official government portal or our platform, the payment methods are generally the same:
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Debit Card
- Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
We make the process simple by integrating secure payment gateways that accept all major methods, allowing you to complete your application swiftly. You will receive instant payment confirmation and a receipt for your records.
Protecting Your Financial Details
When submitting an online ETA application from Malaysia, the security of your payment and personal data is paramount. We utilize top-notch security protocols, including SSL encryption, to ensure your information is safe. Your financial data is handled by secure payment processors and is never stored on our servers.
Critical Cost Questions: Refunds, Rejections, and Renewals
To be a truly smart traveler, you need to understand the financial rules that apply after you pay the UK ETA fee Malaysia.
Is the UK ETA Application Fee Refundable?
This is perhaps the most important question for managing financial risk.
The UK ETA fee (£26) is generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted. This rule applies even if the application is refused. The fee covers the administrative and security costs of processing your file, not the successful issuance of the permit.
Our Service Refund Policy: Because we believe in the quality of our application review, our service fee has a more generous policy. We want you to feel confident. We often offer a refund on the service fee if an application is rejected due to unforeseen issues, providing a layer of protection that the government portal does not. Always check the specific refund and cancellation terms before payment.
What is the ETA Validity Period for the Price?
The UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your Malaysian passport expires, whichever comes first.
This means the single application fee covers multiple entries into the UK over that two-year period, with each stay limited to a maximum of six months. When you look at the cost over two years, the ETA represents excellent value for frequent travelers.
Re-Application: When Do You Pay Again?
You will need to pay the full ETA fee and submit a new application if:
- Your ETA expires (after two years).
- Your Passport Expires: The ETA is digitally linked to the passport you used during the application. If you get a new passport, the old ETA immediately becomes invalid, and you must apply for a new one.
- Your Previous Application Was Rejected: If you wish to reapply, you must pay the full fee again. (If your application was refused, you may need to apply for a full UK visa instead.)
Final Takeaway: The Smartest Way to Pay the UK ETA Cost
For Malaysian travelers, the UK ETA represents a huge improvement in convenience and cost-effectiveness over older visa methods. The baseline UK ETA fee of £26 is an incredibly low entry point for the UK.
By understanding the difference between the fixed government fee and the professional service fee, you can choose the path that best suits your needs: direct application or the stress-free, error-checked service provided by UKETA.
Ready to take the guesswork out of the application process?
Start Your UK ETA Application Now (Quick & Easy)
FAQ Section (Optimized for Featured Snippets)
1. How much is the total UK ETA cost for one person from Malaysia?
The UK ETA fee is £26 per person. If you use a professional service, the total cost will include this mandatory fee plus a service fee (charged for assistance, document review, and 24/7 support), which will be provided in a clear price breakdown on the application platform.
2. Does a child with a Malaysian passport need to pay the full UK ETA cost?
Yes. The UK ETA application fee is mandatory for all travelers, regardless of age. Every individual, including infants and children listed on a Malaysian passport, must have their own ETA and pay the full £26 fee.
3. Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation application fee refundable if I am denied?
The ETA processing fee of £26 is generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted to the UK Home Office, even if the application is refused. Some third-party service providers may, however, refund their separate service fee.
4. How long does the approved UK ETA last for the application price?
Once approved, the UK ETA is valid for two years or until your Malaysian passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the UK, each lasting up to six months, all covered by the single, initial application cost.
5. Can I pay for the UK ETA in Malaysian Ringgit (RM)?
Yes. Although the official fee is set in British Pounds (£), when applying through a secure platform like UKETA, you can conveniently complete the UK travel document payment in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) using your local credit or debit card.
