Eligibility of ETIAS

  • Malaysia will be among the first to implement the ETIAS system.
  • In 2025, Malaysian citizens will have the ability to apply for ETIAS.
  • An online application system for ETIAS will be beneficial for Malaysian citizens.

Other Requirements of ETIAS

  • The ETIAS can be applied online by citizens of Malaysia.
  • ETIAS can be used for entry to Europe via air, sea, or land.
  • An e-passport that is machine readable is a requirement for travellers.
  • The ETIAS system is only applicable for short-term trips, whether for tourism, business, transit, or medical reasons.
  • ETIAS will be provided without charge for applicants who are either under 18 or over 70 years of age.

As of 2025, Malaysian citizens will be mandated to apply for an ETIAS before entering participating European countries. This applies to short-term visits, which are defined as stays of less than 90 days, for the purpose of general tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment.

The ETIAS program, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a new measure being introduced by the European Union to strengthen security and protect citizens from potential terrorist threats. 

The implementation of the ETIAS program is an important step toward ensuring the safety and security of European citizens. By pre-screening travellers, authorities will be able to identify and prevent individuals with a history of criminal or terrorist activity from entering the EU. This will help to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks and other security incidents, making the EU a safer place for all citizens.

Additionally, ETIAS will also help to streamline the border control process, by allowing authorities to electronically check travellers’ information before they arrive. This will reduce the need for lengthy manual checks, making the border control process more efficient and less time-consuming for both authorities and travellers. Furthermore, ETIAS will also help to improve the overall travel experience for visitors, by simplifying the entry process and reducing the risk of delays or complications at the border.

The European Union has been working on the development of the ETIAS program since its approval in 2016. The goal of this program is to create a comprehensive system that will screen travellers arriving from certain countries, including Malaysia, in order to identify and prevent individuals with a history of criminal or terrorist activity from entering the EU. The program required four years to develop, as it integrated with existing immigration databases and security data to create a seamless new screening tool.

As of 2025, citizens of Malaysia will need to complete an ETIAS application before boarding any means of transportation to Europe. This applies to all travellers, including those who will only be transiting through Europe on their way to other destinations.

Malaysian citizens planning to travel to Europe for more than 90 days, or for purposes other than tourism, business, transit, or medical visits will need to apply for a Schengen visa. Information on the visa application process can be found by visiting https://etias.co.uk/ and using the homepage assessment.

It is recommended that Malaysian citizens submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their departure date. More information on the ETIAS requirements can be found on the ETIAS requirements page or in the ETIAS FAQ’s. To avoid any delays or potential ETIAS rejections, it is advised to review the application requirements and guidelines prior to starting the application process to ensure that all necessary documents and information are gathered and that the application is completed correctly. This will help to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

As of 2025, only full Malaysian citizens will be eligible to apply for an ETIAS. Those who hold a passport or travel document with a different status may need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead. Travellers need to know that ETIAS and Schengen Visa are two different types of travel permits, with different requirements and processing times and it is important to understand the distinction between them. Before planning a trip to Europe, it is crucial to check the specific requirements for the type of visa or permit needed for your travel plans and apply for the appropriate one. 

Additionally, it is recommended to start the application process well in advance of your planned departure date to avoid any delays or the risk of being denied. This is especially true for the Schengen visa, which can have a longer processing time compared to the ETIAS.

For Malaysian citizens, the ETIAS application process is typically quick, with authorisations often being granted within minutes. The authorisation will be sent via email as a PDF document and will not require any physical documents as it will be stored electronically in the European Immigration system, linked to the passport details provided.

No need to worry about printing out or carrying physical documents, as the ETIAS is stored electronically, linked to the passport information in the European Immigration system. This allows for a hassle-free and efficient travel experience for Malaysian citizens.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • The validity of ETIAS is for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance.
  • The ETIAS permit allows for multiple entries into Europe for up to 90 days per visit.
  • Quickly approved and sent electronically.
  • The ETIAS application can be completed on a variety of devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • It is recommended to submit the ETIAS application at least 96 hours before the planned departure date.
  • Travellers can still apply for a full visitor visa if their ETIAS application is denied.
  • The decision of entry to Europe rests with the border security personnel of the country of arrival and an ETIAS alone is not a guarantee of entry.