Malaysia is among 63 countries that are currently visa-exempt to enter most European nations.

However, from 2024, visitors must obtain travel authorisation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be linked to their passports.

According to the EU’s official ETIAS website, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport’s expiry. Upon the passport’s expiry, travellers must obtain a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

“With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days, in any 180-day period.

“However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions,” it said.

Applications may be filled through the EU’s ETIAS website or the system’s mobile app, with each application costing €7.

The EU said most applications will be processed within minutes, but some may take up to four days for a decision.

“Please note that this could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview.

“This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey,” it said.

ETIAS travel authorisation will be required from 2024 to enter Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Further details may be found on the EU’s official ETIAS website.