There’s A New Visa Process For Malaysians Visiting Selected EU Countries Starting 2021

Klook Team

Last updated 18 Mar 2024

Travelling to EU is still visa-free for now!

Starting 2021, all Malaysian travellers are expected to have a valid ETIAS visa when travelling to selected EU countries. Keep reading to find out what this new travel requirement is all about and how it affects you.

What is the ETIAS visa?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (or ETIAS for short) is a new programme created by the European Union to strengthen the border and improve the screening of travellers to Europe’s Schengen zone.

This ETIAS program only applies to citizens from countries that are currently enjoying visa-free access to the EU. From January 2021 onwards, Malaysians would need the ETIAS visa to travel freely between the 26 countries around the Schengen zone in the EU.

This new ETIAS visa is only for short-term stays of up to 90 days and once your application has been successfully approved, it is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.

How do I apply for the visa?

If you’re worried about the hassle of applying for the visa, no fret! It’s just an online authorisation which takes no time at all. Before applying, you need to make sure that you meet the following ETIAS basic requirements:

Is a Malaysian citizen
Has a valid passport with three months remaining (from arrival date)
Has an email address (to receive the ETIAS visa)
Has a credit or debit card (for ETIAS visa payment)

Simply fill up a basic online ETIAS application which takes about 10 minutes then make your payment. The approval process will take only a couple of days, so look out for an e-mail informing you if your visa is approved or rejected.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to always keep a valid ID on you during your visit to Europe!

How much does the ETIAS visa cost?

Before you worry about the visa costing a bomb, the ETIAS application costs only €7 (= RM33)! While every traveller including infants and elders will be required to present a valid ETIAS visa before entering the Schengen zone in EU, some are exempted from paying the fee.

Those exempted from paying the ETIAS fee are as follows:

Travellers under the age of 18
Travellers over the age of 60
Family members of EU citizens
Students or researchers travelling for academic purposes

Which country requires the ETIAS visa?

The ETIAS visa will be needed to enter a total of 26 countries in the Schengen zone. Within the Schengen zone, 22 are members of the European Union while the remaining 4 belong to the European Free Trade Association.

This is the list of the countries which require the ETIAS visa:

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

When do I have to start applying for the ETIAS visa?

The new regulation will only kick in from January 2021 onwards. Once it has been implemented, travellers are advised to apply for ETIAS at least three days before boarding their flight. Make sure to also print out a copy of your ETIAS document and have it at hand for immigration.

Start your visa-free Europe trip now!

No better time than now to kickstart the Euro-trip of your dreams before the new visa regulation takes place. Plus, the slight dip in the Euro currency is certainly working in our favour! If you’re not sure when to take your leave, follow the Klook guide to long weekends and extended holidays for the best strategy.

France

Seducing visitors from all over the world with its dramatic landscapes, dreamy bistros, sensational wine and artisan fragrances, it’s hard to deny the allure of France. Whether you’re dying to visit the romantic city of Paris, the charming and historical city of Loire Valley, the laidback French Riviera and more, get ready to fall hard in love with this magical country.

Italy

Italy needs no further introduction when it comes to irresistible food and picturesque destinations! Treat yourself to a shopping spree in Milan, visit the extraordinary city of Venice, experience history no books can offer in Rome, or fall in love with the sprawling hills of Florence!

Greece

When it comes to honeymoon destinations, Greece easily makes it to the top of the list. With its unparalleled beauty, it deserves to be shared with everyone and not just couples in love! Discover the magic of the stunning Santorini, lounge by the beach at Mykonos or take a trip to the ancient city of Athens.

Germany

Home to more enchanting castles than you can keep count, if you’re looking to live out your prince or princess dreams, Germany is as good as it gets! When you’re not chasing after your fairytales, a trip to Germany isn’t complete without a visit to the Berlin Wall or having the smoothest pint in Munich.

Spain

Vibrant and passionate, there will never be a dull moment with a visit to Spain. Blow your mind with the stunning architectural masterpiece, Park Guell, in Barcelona and wander the lively streets of Madrid. Of course, when in Spain, don’t forget to treat yourself to plenty of delicious tapas!

Europe essentials

Stay connected throughout your trip in Europe with a 3G WiFi Device or 4G WiFi Device with a convenient KLIA/KLIA2 airport pick up. Travel between the countries in Europe with ease using a Europe Rail Pass for easy travels and the best value for your money!

Get RM100 off your holiday in London

With the Klook Great Europe Adventure Sale happening right now, this is definitely the best time to go to London.

From now until 30 September 2019, enjoy RM100 off your entire basket (with a minimum spend of RM1,000) with the purchase of any Europe activities on Klook when you key in the promo code “GREATEU100”.

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