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Do I need a visa to visit Malaysia?

Feb 19, 2022 • 5 min read

Entering the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur © Patrick Foto / Getty Images

Malaysia has a reputation as the easy country for travel in Southeast Asia, and that certainly applies to the visa situation. Citizens of many countries are granted visa-free entry on arrival, meaning there’s no complicated paperwork standing between you and Malaysia’s beaches, jungles and food markets. 

Even better, the relaxed visa situation makes for easy detours to neighboring Singapore , Indonesia , Brunei and Thailand , though you’ll need to check the latest Covid restrictions before you travel. Here’s everything you need to know about visas for Malaysia. 

Can I travel to Malaysia without a visa? 

In normal circumstances, nationals of most countries in Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan (and many other countries) can visit Malaysia without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. This applies to entries by air, land and sea. 

In practice, 90-day stays are usually given as the default if you arrive in Malaysia by air, but if you enter by land or by sea, you may be given a 30-day entry stamp unless you specifically ask for a longer permit. It’s worth doing this, as extending your stay may not be possible once the stamp is issued. 

On arrival, your passport will be stamped and you’ll need to fill out an arrival/departure card; just make sure your passport is valid for six months from the date of entry. Technically, the authorities can ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay and a ticket for onward travel from Malaysia, but this is not usually requested. 

Some countries are granted a shorter stay in Malaysia

Citizens of Russia and many neighboring countries are granted a stay of one month on arrival, and similar rules apply to nationals of many countries in Africa and Central and South America. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a visa. 

Note that citizens of Israel can only enter Malaysia with written permission from Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs , which rules out easy overland trips from Thailand to Singapore.

What are the visa requirements for Malaysia? 

If your home country is not on the visa-free travel list, or you’re planning a long stay, you’ll need to apply for a visa. However, be aware that the only visas valid for more than 90 days are the multi-entry visas reserved for business travelers.

Different rules apply to different countries. Tourist E-Visas lasting up to 30 days are issued to citizens of Serbia & Montenegro, China, India, and many other nations in South Asia and Africa. See the Immigration Department of Malaysia website for details of how to apply and a full list of approved countries. 

Other nationals will need to apply for a visa the old-fashioned way at a Malaysian embassy or consulate in their home country. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs has a full list of Malaysian missions overseas; contact your local embassy for advice on the application process. 

Business and transit visas for Malaysia

For business trips, it’s usually fine to enter the country as if you were a tourist, but you are not permitted to work for any Malaysian company. Business travelers can also apply for long-duration multiple-entry visas, but the application process is complex – Malaysian embassies can provide details. 

Transit visas are also available, but as so many people can enter Malaysia without a visa, they’re rarely needed.   

What are the rules for travel to East Malaysia? 

Sabah and Sarawak – the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo – retain a certain degree of control over their borders. Even if you arrive from Peninsular Malaysia, you must go through passport control and have your passport stamped. This also applies when traveling between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei, and when traveling to the federal district of Pulau Labuan. 

When entering Sabah or Sarawak from another part of Malaysia, your new visa stamp will be valid only for the remainder of the period you were granted when you first entered Malaysia. If Malaysian Borneo is your first port of call in Malaysia, you’ll get the full, uninterrupted 30 or 90 days. 

Extending a Malaysia visa 

While the entry procedures for Malaysia can seem very relaxed, it’s important not to overstay your visa or the visa-free entry period. If you do, you can be detained, fined, deported, and blacklisted – it’s no laughing matter. 

In the past, it has been possible to extend a 30-day entry up to 90 days through the Immigration Department of Malaysia , but don’t rely on this being possible with the pandemic muddying the waters. Extending a 90-day stay is out of the question. 

The good news is that it is possible to prolong your stay in Malaysia by hopping across the border to a neighboring country. When you re-enter, you’ll be granted a new 30- or 90- day entry stamp on arrival. There’s rarely a problem if you do this once or twice, but the authorities may take a dim view if you repeat the so-called “visa run” too many times. 

On the peninsula, the easiest place to leave and re-enter Malaysia is Johor Bahru ; local buses buzz across the causeway to Singapore day and night. The other easy option is Pulau Langkawi , which has ferries to Satun (year-round) and Ko Lipe (November to May) in Thailand. 

Alternatively, consider crossing the Thai border by train at Padang Besar, or take the ferry to Sumatra in Indonesia from Melaka or Johor Bahru. In East Malaysia, you can cross by bus or boat into Kalimantan in Indonesia, or make the easy hop into Brunei by bus from either Miri or Kota Kinabalu , or by boat from Pulau Labuan. 

You may also like:  12 best things you have to do in Singapore The 15 best things to do in Malaysia: Mountains, marine life, and amazing apes 'Ghosts are a big part of life in Malaysia': healing one year after losing my parents to COVID

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Visitors to Malaysia must obtain a visa unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognised travel document of a foreigner indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government issues three types of visas to foreign nationals:

This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social visit. It is normally valid for a single entry and for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.

This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for business or government-to-government matters. It is normally valid for a period within three (3) months to twelve (12) months from the date of issue. Citizens of India and the People's Republic of China who wish to enter Malaysia for the purpose of a Social Visit are eligible to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa. The validity of the Multiple Entry Visa is one (1) year. Each entry is for 30 days only and the extension of stay is not allowed.

Conditions for the Multiple Entry Visa are:

• The applicant must show proof of sufficient funds for staying in Malaysia.
• The applicant must possess a valid and confirmed return ticket.
• Tour groups are not eligible to apply for Multiple Entry Visa.
• The Multiple Entry Visa costs RM100.00 for Indian citizens and RM30.00 for citizens of the People's Republic of China.

This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries. Foreign nationals on transit without leaving the airport premises and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight do not require a transit visa.

The Malaysian Immigration Department also allows online visa application to foreign nationals from certain countries through eVISA.

You can check for visa eligibility, requirements and fees by country, as well as eVISA eligibility and any other pertinent information by going to the website of the Malaysian Immigration Department at www.imi.gov.my

Nationals of the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE VISA FOR SOCIAL / BUSINESS VISIT not exceeding the length of stay as stated. For other purposes of visit, apart from social and business visits, and a longer stay, a visa is then required. Visa exceptions are given to nationals of African nations mentioned above who enter Malaysia as invitees or under sponsor by the Malaysian Government. In accordance to the period of invitation mentioned, proof is required to be shown upon entry to this country.

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Malaysia tourist visa: Visa types, requirements and application procedure

Updated: February 4, 2023

Malaysia tourist visa requirements are fairly easy to understand. Most nationalities are exempt from a tourist visa. Rest can obtain an eVisa or Visa on Arrival.

Currently, there are 5 different visa options available to enter Malaysia as a tourist.

• Visa Exemption: 167 nationalities are visa exempt for stays up to 90 days
• Visa on Arrival: 2 nationalities are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival for stays up to 15 days
• eVISA: 34 nationalities can obtain eVisa for stays up to 30 days
• Transit Without Visa (TWOA): 9 nationalities are eligible to obtain TWOA for 120 hours (5 days)
• Visa from the embassy: 35 nationalities require a pre-approved visa from the Malaysian embassy prior to arrival

Table of Contents

MALAYSIA TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

Minimum passport validity required to enter Malaysia as a tourist

The minimum passport validity required to enter Malaysia is 6 months.

VISA EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Saudi Arabia
• Sint Maarten
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

30-day entry

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vatican City

14-day entry

Visa on arrival eligible nationalities, 15-day, single-entry, evisa eligible nationalities, 30-day, single-entry.

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Congo Rep. of
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea – Bissau
• Ivory Coast

VISA REQUIRED nationalities

• Congo Dem. Rep.
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Guinea-Bissau
• North Korea

TRANSIT VISA EXEMPT nationalities

A Malaysia transit visa is NOT REQUIRED if

• You are NOT leaving the airport and
• Continuing to the next destination with the same flight/airline

TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA (TWOV) nationalities

120-hour (5-day), single-entry, visa requirement for cruise passengers.

A Malaysia visa is REQUIRED to disembark the cruise at Malaysian ports.

MALAYSIA VISA EXEMPTION

Malaysia has a liberal visa policy offering visa exemption to over 160+ nationalities. Most nationalities can stay up to 30 days without requiring a tourist visa. About one-third of these nationalities can stay up to 90 days without a visa. 

Entry permission

As a visa-exempt nationality, you can stay either 30 days or 90 days depending on your nationality.

Documents to carry

Apart from your passport, you must also carry the below documents in print or on your smartphone.

• Proof of return or onward travel (your return or onward flight/bus/train ticket)
• Proof of accommodation (a hotel reservation for the first few days)
• Proof of funds to sustain your trip (some cash or ATM/Credit cards)

If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, make sure to get proof of return ticket from an onward ticket agency such as onwardticket.com .

MALAYSIA VISA ON ARRIVAL

Malaysia Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to China and India passport holders arriving from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia or Brunei with a valid visa from those countries. 

Visa on Arrival is granted only for stays up to 15 days. There are some specific rules to follow for Malaysia Visa on Arrival.

Visa on Arrival can be obtained at the following international airports, land borders and seaports.

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA and KLIA2)
• Penang International Airport, Penang
• Langkawi International Airport, Kedah
• Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru
• Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport, Selangor
• Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah
• Kuching International Airport, Sarawak
• Miri International Airport, Sarawak

Land borders

• Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), Second Link, Johor Bahru
• Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine & Security (ICQS) Complex, Kedah
• Sungai Tujoh Immigration Cont rol Post, Sarawak
• Labuan International Ferry Terminal Immigration Control

Validity of Malaysia Visa on Arrival

Visa on Arrival is valid for 15 days, single entry only. 

How long can you stay in Malaysia with Visa on Arrival

Malaysia Visa on Arrival allows you to stay up to 15 days. 

Passport validity required for Visa on Arrival

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of obtaining Visa on Arrival.

Documents required

You must present the following documents.

• Original passport
• Valid visa from the arriving country (Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia or Brunei)
• Confirmed return or onward ticket
• Proof of financial ability of at least 500 MYR (must be in the form of cash or credit/debit card)

The Visa on Arrival fee is 200 MYR, payable only with a credit/debit card. 

MALAYSIA E-VISA

Malaysia eVISA application is online and you can apply from anywhere in the world. 

If you are applying from a country other than your country of passport, you must provide proof of residency in that country. The Malaysia eVISA portal tracks the IP address. Therefore the eVISA application knows where you are applying from and expects proof of residency from that country. 

If you reside in Singapore, Israel or North Korea, you cannot apply for Malaysia eVISA. You must apply for a Malaysian visa from your nearest Malaysian high commission. 

Also, you cannot apply for a Malaysia eVISA when you are already physically present in Malaysia. If you are already in Malaysia on an eVISA or any other type of visa, you must first exit Malaysia. Then you can apply for a fresh eVISA from your country of passport or legal residence. 

Malaysia eVISAs are single-entry only, valid for 3 months. Visa extensions are not allowed.

Word of caution on Malaysia eVISA Scams

There are fake websites posing as “official websites” and charging three or four times the visa fee. Do not fall prey to such scams. 

There is ONLY ONE OFFICIAL Malaysia eVISA website. The URL is below.

OFFICIAL Malaysia eVISA website: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp  

Validity of Malaysia eVISA

The validity of Malaysia eVISA is 3 months from the day of issue. You can stay in Malaysia for either 15 days or 30 days depending on your nationality.

When to apply for E-Visa

You can apply for your Malaysia eVISA up to 1 month in advance. The E-Visa processing takes 2 working days. But due to high demand, the processing is currently taking much longer than 2 working days. I highly recommend applying for your eVISA at least a month prior to your travel date.

Passport validity required for eVISA

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your expected date of arrival in Malaysia.

How long can you stay in Malaysia on eVISA

Stay granted on a Malaysia eVISA depends on the nationality. Refer to the below table for how long you can stay with an eVISA. 

eVISA application process

Malaysia eVISA is a simple application. Takes about 30 minutes to fill out and submit. The approval process takes about 2 working days. 

IMPORTANT After the approval, you must print your eVISA. A soft copy of eVISA on your phone is not accepted. The immigration officer will stamp the port and date of entry on your eVISA print. You may be asked to show this eVISA print with the stamp at the time of leaving the country. Therefore, carrying a print of your eVISA is very much necessary. 

You will need the following documents.

• Digital passport-size photo
• Passport ID/data page
• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
• Hotel bookings
• Other supporting documents (ex: proof of residence, etc.)

IMPORTANT Even though the eVISA portal accepts onward tickets to your next destination after Malaysia, the Malaysian embassy/consulate responsible for processing your eVISA will later ask for complete round-trip flight tickets. That means, flight tickets originating and ending in your home country or country of residence are required.

For example, if your home country or country of residence is India and your trip is India-Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand-India, you must upload all flight tickets starting from India and ending in India. If you submit just the inbound and outbound tickets (ex: Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand), you will be later asked to upload your full itinerary.

Photo requirements

The digital photograph must meet the following specifications.

• Must be 35mm x 50mm in dimensions
• Must be on a pure white background
• Must have been taken within the last 6 months 
• Full face must be in the center without any headgear or glasses
• Must be a professional passport photo taken in a studio
• Cellphone photos, selfies and cropped photos are not accepted

The eVISA fee is 50 MYR for India, 30 MYR for China and 20 MYR for all other nationalities. A detailed table with eVISA fee is below.

Apart from the eVISA fee, there is also a processing charge and service charge. 

• Processing charge: 105 MYR
• Service Charge: 0.8% of total transaction value

Processing time

Malaysia eVISA processing time is 2 working days. But due to the high amount of applications, processing times are often longer than 2 working days. I highly recommend applying at least a month in advance.

IMPORTANT In certain cases, the Malaysian embassy/consulate responsible for processing your application may demand additional documentation or an in-person or video interview, which might further delay your processing. 

Application tracking

You can track your Malaysia eVISA application within your dashboard on the Malaysia eVISA portal. You will also be notified of any changes in status via email. Your application can have any of the 6 statuses.

• NEW APPLICATION: Your eVISA application hasn’t been submitted yet
• IN PROGRESS: Your eVISA application is in process
• APPROVED: Your eVISA application has been approved
• REJECTED: Your eVISA application has been refused
• REQUEST DOCUMENT/DATA AMENDMENT: You must correct the information or upload additional documents
• REQUEST INTERVIEW: You must attend an in-person interview

Request Document/Data Amendment

If your Malaysia eVISA application requires any additional information or documentation, the Malaysian embassy/consulate will notify you of the list of additional documents needed. You will be given 5 days to upload the requested documents. 

Once you have uploaded all the requested documents, the processing time will be reset. It will take 2 more working days from that point onward for the processing of your visa.

In certain instances, the Malaysian embassy/consulate may request additional documents multiple times until the embassy/consulate is satisfied with your documents.  

Request Interview

If your eVisa application requires an additional proof, the Malaysian embassy/consulate will simply set up a “request for interview” appointment on your behalf.

This can be annoying as you have no choice in selecting your date/time for the in-person interview. I have seen only a handful of cases where was requested to appear in person for an interview at the embassy or consulate.

NOTE There is no option to change the date/time of the appointment. If you cannot make it to the appointment, I suggest applying for the visa again on the eVISA portal.

Priority visa service (optional, not applicable to all visa guides)

Unfortunately, there is no priority visa processing. The visa process usually takes 2 working days. It can take much longer in some instances. So apply at least one month prior to your trip.

Customer service (optional, not applicable to all visa guides)

You can use the live chat support on Malaysia eVISA portal to ask any questions or inquire about the status of your visa application. The chat agents are available 24×7. 

MALAYSIA TOURIST VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

Validity of malaysia tourist visa.

The validity of a Malaysia tourist visa is 3 months for a single entry and 6 months for a multiple entry visa.

How long can you stay in Malaysia on a tourist visa

You can stay up to 30 days in Malaysia on a tourist visa. Passport holders from the African continent can only stay up to 14 days. 

Passport validity required for tourist visa

Blank pages needed in the passport for tourist visa.

You must have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the tourist visa. One page for the visa sticker and one page for entry and exit stamps.

• Completed Malaysia visa application form ( download here )
• 2 photocopies of the passport bio page
• 2 passport-size photos (3.5cm X 5cm)
• Round trip flight tickets (return ticket must be within 30 days of arrival)
• Bank statement
• Invitation letter (if any)
• Payment of visa fee
• Yellow fever vaccination if applicable ( these countries require a yellow fever vaccination)

The photo must meet the following requirements.

• Must be of size 3.5cm X 5cm
• Must be in color with white background
• Must be the latest, taken in the last 6 months

The visa fee is anywhere from 6 MYR (about $1.5 USD) to 50 MYR (about $12 USD) depending on the country of your passport.

Please refer to the Malaysia Immigration Portal for the current visa fee for your nationality. 

The tourist visa processing time is about 3-5 working days.

TWOV (TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA) TRANSIT PASS

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) is for those passengers that are transiting via Malaysia but would like to leave the airport and enter Malaysia for a limited amount of time.

TWOV is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA1 and KLIA 2) only. TWOV is NOT available at any other airport, land border or seaport in Malaysia.

Issuing of TWOV transit pass is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the airport.

TWOV is available to the following nationalities only.

• GROUP 1: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
• GROUP 2: Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam

TWOV requirements for GROUP 1: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

• Must hold a single/multiple-entry visa or residence permit from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan or the USA
• Must enter and exit KLIA1 or KLIA2 with Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia and Malindo Air only
• Must hold a confirmed (with e-ticket number) flight ticket to your country of passport or to a third country within 120 hours

TWOV requirements for GROUP 2: Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam

• Can enter KLIA1/KLIA2 with any airline but must exit KLIA1/KLIA2 with Malaysian Airlines or Air Asia only

NOTE If you are transiting via Malaysia and not leaving the airport, then you do not need a TWOV transit pass. TWOV transit pass is necessary only if you plan to leave the airport.  

Validity of TWOV transit pass

The validity of Malaysia TWOV transit pass is 120 hours (5 days) from the date and time of issue at the port of entry in Malaysia. 

How long can you stay in Malaysia on a TWOV transit pass

You can stay up to 120 hours (5 days) in Malaysia on a TWOV transit pass. Extensions are not allowed.

Passport validity required for TWOV transit pass

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Malaysia

• A valid single/multiple-entry visa or a residence permit from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan or the USA ( *this requirement is applicable to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka nationals only )
• A confirmed (with e-ticket number) flight ticket to your country of passport or to a third country within 120 hours
• Proof of financial ability of 500 MYR in the form of cash or credit/debit cards 

TWOV transit pass is issued FREE of cost to all eligible passport holders. 

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering malaysia by air.

If you are obtaining Visa on Arrival or Transit Without Visa (TWOV), head to Visa on Arrival (VOA) section. You must produce all the required documentation and fee in order to obtain your VOA or TWOV. 

If you are visa-exempt or hold an eVisa or a visa from the embassy, head straight to the immigration and customs. Present your eVisa print along with your original passport. 

You may be asked what you plan to do in Malaysia, how many days you plan to stay, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward flight ticket and hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, make sure to get proof of return ticket from an onward ticket agency such as onwardticket.com .

Leaving Malaysia by air

You will go through passport control on exit. Exit formalities are fairly quick but make sure to account for a bit of extra time for this. No questions will be asked unless you have overstayed your visa.

Malaysia tourist visa requirements are easy to understand. Though there are many types of visas, the requirements for each of them are very clear. Most nationalities are exempt from visas. Rest can obtain eVisa or Visa on Arrival. 

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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How To Apply For and Renew Your Visa in Malaysia

Culture Trip explores the Malaysian visa essentials, including everything a visitor needs to know about the visas for tourists, expats and entrepreneurs.

An overview of the malaysian visa.

Getting a Malaysian visa is straightforward. Most nationalities don’t need to apply in advance and will get a 90-day free visa at the airport or land border crossing with Singapore or Thailand. Millions travel to the country that promotes itself as one of the top Muslim-friendly destinations in the world. And as of 2018, there are 160 nationalities who enjoy visa-free access for either 90, 30 or 14 days. Chinese and Indian nationals need to apply for an e-Visa, while tech start-ups can benefit from one to five-year visa-free passes.

Applying for the right visa

Malaysian tourist visa

Compared to other Southeast Asian visas, the Malaysian visa is more liberal and convenient for international visitors. The only requirement for most nationalities is a valid passport that means the following:

No arrival or departure cards No invitation letters No fees

Immigration officers stamp a 90-day single entry into passports. Tourists need to scan their fingerprints as they pass through passport control.

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With a thriving expat community, the second most common type of Malaysian visa for foreign nationals is the work visa .

Employers need to fill in the necessary paperwork and process the visa, rather than their employees. Work visas typically last from six months to five years.

All that’s required is a passport that is valid for at least 18 months and, of course, empty pages.

For those with a job offer, the company will provide guidance on the process before arriving in Malaysia. If not, a work permit can be processed from a tourist visa.

Other visas

Some visitors, including Chinese, Indian and Sri Lankan nationals, might need to apply for an e-Visa .

The few countries’ residents who aren’t eligible for visa-free access, such as Chinese, Burmese, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens, may get a 120-hour transit pass. An outbound ticket on either AirAsia or Malaysian Airlines is required to qualify for this pass.

Malaysia doesn’t recognise Israel’s sovereignty. Israeli passport holders need special permission from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs. Dual nationals should use their other passport.

Retirees who meet specific requirements might also want to consider Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) .

Important things to keep in mind

The East Malaysia stamp

Sabah and Sarawak stamp passports in and out, which doesn’t affect the original Malaysian visa. Every passport holder with a valid entry stamp into Malaysia can visit Sabah and Sarawak. Those flying directly to East Malaysia will get a stamp which acts as the Malaysian visa.

Techies are welcome

As Malaysia aims to become an Asian tech hub, the country attracts entrepreneurs with the relatively new Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme . New entrepreneurs can apply for a one-year pass starting at approximately 2,650 Malaysian ringgits (£515), while established business owners might choose the five-year visa-free access to Malaysia , costing around 5,300 ringgits (£1,030). The process claims to take less than six weeks. Applicants need to meet specific requirements. It’s unclear whether this type of visa would suit freelancing digital nomads or those looking to start a business in Malaysia .

The dreaded outbound ticket

While some airlines insist on an outbound flight, and technically it is required, immigration officers typically don’t ask for proof of outward travel. Flights into Malaysia from Southeast Asia rarely ask at check-in. For those who want to travel overland to Singapore, an advance ticket isn’t required.

Malaysia time

If someone says 2pm, they really mean 3pm in Malaysia, as things usually take longer than expected. Tourists need to consider this if they have a tight connection; lines at immigration sometimes seem to take forever. Those applying for a work permit should have enough money for unexpected delays.

Other ways to enter Malaysia

Because of the generous nature of the Malaysian visa, tourists have several ways to enter the country. Most long-haul flights arrive at KLIA, while regional ones often fly into KLIA2. Regular buses connect Johor and Singapore and into Thailand from northern Malaysia. Ferries pass between Malaysia’s Langkawi and Thailand’s Phuket. It’s possible to fly directly into Malaysian Borneo , bypassing West Malaysia as well as taking a boat from the Philippines to Sandakan. Culture Trip recommends adventurous tourists visit Brunei from either Sabah or Sarawak.

A digital nomad hotspot

Malaysia attracts a growing number of digital nomads who base themselves in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi. While the idea of working online is still a bit of a grey area, it’s unclear if this type of work violates visa conditions. However, most workers are employed by their home country where they pay an income tax.

If you’re planning an extended trip, check out Culture Trip’s guides to Singapore , Thailand and Borneo .

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in miri, malaysia, for every traveller.

The Best Hotels in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

Food & Drink

Borneo food: top dishes to try when you visit.

Guides & Tips

The borneo sun bear: where to find the world's smallest bear.

The Best Hotels to Book in Ipoh, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

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The Best Hotels to Book in Sabah, Malaysia

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Visiting the borneo rainforest: all you need to know.

What Are the Best Resorts in Malaysia?

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Thailand offers 60-day visa-free entry for Malaysian travellers

Saturday, 01 Jun 2024

Related News

Visa-free extension a boon for Malaysian crafts

‘permanent visa-free travel could further strengthen ties’, visa-free extension for chinese visitors a boost for bilateral growth.

BANGKOK: Thailand has announced new measures to facilitate tourism, allowing Malaysian tourists to enter without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival, with a stay of up to 60 days.

Thailand government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that the cabinet has approved several visa facilitation measures to boost tourism. These include visa exemptions, expanding the visa-on-arrival lists, and introducing a new visa category.

Effective June 1, visitors from 93 countries, up from the previous 57, can enter Thailand without visa requirements for stays of up to 60 days. Additionally, the list of countries eligible for visa on arrival will increase to 31 from 19.

For digital nomads seeking long-term stays and remote work in Thailand, visa validity will be extended from 60 days to five years, with each stay up to 180 days.

Other measures include allowing foreign university students to stay for one year after graduation and relaxing insurance requirements for long-stay foreign retirees.

Malaysia is among the 93 countries listed by Thailand's Foreign Ministry, along with Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thailand, the country has welcomed over 14.32 million tourists as of last week and aims to attract at least 35 million foreign arrivals in 2024. - Bernama

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Tags / Keywords: visa-free , allows , Thailand government , Malaysia , Chai Wacharonke , travellers

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The High Commission of India does not accept visa applications at its premises, except those requesting for grant of (i) Gratis visas to Non–Malaysian Foreign Visa applicants holding official and diplomatic passports. (Malaysian nationals holding official and diplomatic passports are exempted from requirement of visa.) (ii) Gratis visas for the invitees from the Government of India/State Government bodies and (iii) Issuing of visas on Emergency basis. Those requesting for grant of gratis visas on official and diplomatic passports and on emergency basis are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through  online application link . For the additional form please click here. After completing and submitting successfully the online visa application form, the printout of the form along with prescribed support documents is to be submitted at  ; High Commission of India,   ,  ,  Kuala  Lumpur , & Fax: Website:  indianhighcommission.com.my     from 9.30 am to 12 noon on all  working days. Emergency visa services are available only on working days.

  Visa fees for Malaysian Nationals are as given below:

Note: In addition to visa fee mentioned above, RM 8 as ICWF charges and RM 1.56 outsourcing agency's service charge by M/S IVS are chargeable.    

• Gratis Visa: Gratis visa to be issued to nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia and South Africa. In respect of Seychelles nationals, all types of visas except for work/employment may be issued on gratis basis.  

Only Business, Tourist and Transit visas are to be issued on gratis basis to the nationals of Argentina . Only Tourist visas are to be issued on gratis basis to the nationals of Uruguay. Normal visa fee is applicable for all other type of visas in respect of these nationals. 

• Visa Free Countries : Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require visa to enter India. However, Nepali nationals require visa if they enter India from China, which is to be granted Gratis. 
• Visa Fee for Pakistani Nationals : Pakistani nationals to be charged fee of Rs. 100 for an Indian visa of all types. 
• Restricted/Protected Area Permit: RM 143 for issuing restricted/protected area permit. No fees for the nationals of those being given gratis visa, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistani nationals. 
• Gratis Business & Employment Visas for LDC Applicants : Business & Employment Visas (where applicable) to the applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to be issued on gratis basis. However, the service of the outsourcing company, wherever applicable, and the ICWF fee will continue to be charged from the business and employment visa applicants as well. A list of 48 LDCs at Table IX..  
• Special Visa Fee Categories:  
• Singaporean Nationals: The charges for Tourist visa (Multiple entry) and valid up to six months in respect of Singapore nationals will berm RM 120. However, fee for all other types of visas will be same as applicable for Table I. 
• Japanese Nationals: A fee of RM 13 for transit visa and RM 44 for all other types of visa to be charged. 
• Nigerian Nationals: A uniform fee of RM 1120 to be charged for all types of visas valid for any duration from the nationals of Nigeria. 
• USA Nationals : A fee of RM 456 to be charged for Tourist visa only for the maximum period up to 10 years Fee for 10 years validity Business visa issued to US nationals will be RM 1128 as well as for 5 years. However, fee for all other types of visas will be same as applicable for other countries mentioned at Table I above. Visa application fee of RM 90 should be charged from US nationals in addition to visa fee, except for tourist visa which is inclusive of Visa application fees. 

Note: In addition to visa fee mentioned above, RM 1.56 outsourcing agency's service charge by M/S IVS are chargeable.    

BUSINESS VISA FEES FOR NATIONALS OF FOLLOWING COUNTRIES:

Note: In addition to visa fee mentioned above, RM 1.56 outsourcing agency's service charge by M/S IVS are chargeable.  

EMPLOYMENT VISA FEES FOR NATIONALS OF FOLLOWING COUNTRIES: 

Note: In addition to visa fee mentioned above, RM 1.56 outsourcing agency’s service charge by M/S IVS are chargeable.  

 Visa fees for Sri Lankan nationals are as given below:

Visa fees (Service Charges) for Russian nationals are as given below:

Visa fees for UK nationals are as given below:

Note: In addition to visa fee mentioned above, RM 1.56 outsourcing agency’s service charge by M/S IVS are chargeable.

Visa fees (Service Charges) for Ukrainian Nationals are as given below:

Visa fees (Service Charges) for Mozambique Nationals are as given below:

Note: In addition to visa fee mentioned above, RM 1.56 outsourcing agency’s service charge by M/S IVS are chargeable.   

Visa fees list of least Developed Countries (LDCs) are as given below

All visa applications should be accompanied by copy of personal particular page of the passport. Non-Malaysian applicants are required to submit copy of their last two years of Malaysian employment pass or visit pass or dependent pass while applying for visas.

Foreigners or a foreign team for shooting of feature film or television/cinema and reality TV show/commercial TV show/ commercial TV serials. Proposals regarding the shooting of a feature film or television/ cinema and reality TV show/ commercial TV serials will be processed in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, who will process the request and take decision within a specific time frame of maximum period of 60 days.

Foreigners being given Film Visa should adhere to the norms and regulations of foreigner’s guidelines during their stay in the country and visit only the areas permitted for their visit. They should not visit any restricted/ protected area or prohibited place without prior permission of the competent authority.

Money transaction for shooting of film should be done as per RBI guidelines.

The visa would be project specific i.e. film specific.

The international cast and crew coming to India on a Film Visa for the film shoot shall be employed by the Foreign Company seeking permission to shoot the film in India and the said company shall take the responsibility for the cast and crew coming to India for filming. The foreigners coming on Film Visa will have to register himself/ herself with the FRRO/ FRO concerned irrespective of the duration of the Film Visa/ stay of the foreigner in India.

Considering the fact that the cast and crew may be coming from a country which is not the same as that of the Foreign Production Company which is producing the film, the Indian Mission/Post  of that respective country will issue the Film Visa to the concerned person.

For shooting of documentary film/ advertisement film in India by a foreigner, the procedure for "Journalist Visa" will be applicable.

Duration of visa Up to one year

• The intern visa will be granted after completion of graduation/ post graduation. The gap between the completion of graduation/ post graduation and the commencement of the internship should not exceed one year.
• Intern visa will not be issued for internship in certain strategic sectors.
• Conversion of the Intern visa into Employment visa or any other types of visa will not be permitted.
• Earnings from internship of the foreign nationals with Indian companies/ Educational Institutions/ NGOs will be subject to the Indian Income Tax Regulations.

Duration of visa The period of visa would be restricted to the duration of the internship programme or one year, whichever is less.

------------------------------ ------

Tourist Visa is granted to a Foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight-seeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives. No other activity is permissible on a Tourist Visa. The Mission would be issuing six months validity multiple entry Tourist visa for eligible visa applicants including Malaysian nationals. The Tourist visa will be issued with the conditions that “each stay should not exceed 45 days”. The Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. Applicant should submit 2 colour photographs (Size 2” X 2”) with white background,Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy) ,application form duly filled and original passport. Business Visa:

The Business Visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture, wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India.  The applicant should be a person of assured financial standing and has the expertise in the field of the intended business.  It is not granted for petty trading.  For more information on Business visa click on the link The Business Visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner, provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than two years. Documents required for Business Visa: Local company letter and company registration, Invitation letter from India and the company registration along with forms, two colour photos in white background ( Size 2” X 2”),Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy). Student Visa:

Original Passport, with duly filled-in visa application form as per the  student visa guidelines . Two colour photos in white background ( Size 2” X 2”), Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy) .  Entry Visa:

Entry Visa is granted to person’s spouses and dependent family members of a foreign national coming to India on long term visas like Employment and Research etc.  It is also granted to Persons of Indian Origin, his/her spouse and dependent children subject to production of proof of the PIO status, marriage certificate (in respect of spouse) and birth certificate (in respect of children). Spouses of an OCI/PIO card holders and dependent children can also apply for Entry Visa subject to production of necessary proof.Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy) Supporting documents:

For those married to Indian nationals, Original Indian Passport of Spouse along with a photocopy, marriage certificate and photocopy. For children of either parent being an Indian passport holder, children’s birth certificate, one of the parents’ Indian passport original and photocopy.Two colour photos in white background ( Size 2” X 2”),Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy) .  Employment Visa:

The Employment visa is granted to foreigners desiring to come to India for the purpose of employment.  The applicant should be a skilled and qualified professional or person who is being engaged or appointed by a company, organization, industry or undertaking, etc. in India on contract or employment basis at a senior level, skilled position such as technical expert, senior executive, or in a managerial position. For more information on Employment visa click on the link The Employment Visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner, provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than two years. Employment contract for the company in which they will be working, Indian company registration, academic certificate, application forms. Two colour photos in white background ( Size 2” X 2”),Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy) . 

Journalist Visa

ALL foreign journalists, regardless of the purpose of their visit, should apply for a "J" (journalist) visa, for up to three months' stay in India. "Journalists" for this purpose would include a professional journalist, columnist, cartoonist, editor, photographer, film producer or director (other than that of commercial films), a representative of a radio and/or television organization, travel writer/travel promotion photographer etc or any professional journalist/owner working for an association or a company engaged in the production or broadcast of audio visual news or current affairs programmes through the print, electronic or any other electronic form. All such applicants are required to apply along with a letter from their organization describing clearly the job title of the applicant and the nature of their work and whether they are travelling on work or as tourists.Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy) .

Foreign journalists seeking to work in Indian media organizations

Journalists or intern journalists who intend to travel to India to work in Indian media organizations should apply for Employment ‘E’ visas.

Foreign media assigned to India/to be based in India on long /permanent assignments

Correspondents/Journalists of foreign newspapers, news agencies, going to India as resident representatives should apply for a single entry ‘J’ visa valid for initial stay of three months in India. A letter from the organization which the applicant is going to represent should also be provided clearly stating the status of the applicant (whether permanent full time employee or not) and name of the person whom the applicant is going to replace in India office of the organization. Such a journalist is required to contact OSD(PR)/XP division in the Ministry of External Affairs upon first arrival in India. No change of employer is permitted while the journalist is still in India. In case the foreign journalist intends to change his/her employer, he/she is required to return to the country of origin and re-apply for issue of fresh "J" visa.

Visa application for Journalism courses:

Applications for full time courses in journalism in educational institutes/universities recognized by Government of India should apply for student visas.

Documentary related work

Prior authorization of the Indian Government is mandatory for any audiovisual reporting/ shooting of documentary films in India, regardless of their subject, category or duration.

NOTE: Visa fee once paid is non-refundable irrespective of the outcome of the visa application and duration granted. The validity of the visa begins from the date of issue by the High Commission of India and not from the date of travel on your application form.

To produce confirmed air ticket for onward journey along with form and two colour photos in white background (Size 2” X 2”).  Conference Visa: Letter of invitation from the organizer of the conference, nomination letter from Malaysian organisation along with form and two colour photos in white background (Size 2” X 2”), Malaysian identity card (photo copy ) , flight ticket ( photo copy) .  Note:

• Visa fee and service fee are non-refundable. 
• The Mission would be issuing six months validity multiple entry Tourist visa for eligible visa applicants including Malaysian nationals. The Tourist visa will be issued with the conditions that “each stay should not exceed 45 days”.
• Non-Malaysian Foreigners have to produce copy of Passport, including the Malaysian visa page proving two years continuous residency in Malaysia along with the application.
• The validity of Indian visa starts from the date of issue and not from the date of travel to India.
• Applicants should apply for appropriate category of visa. Tourist visa holders found to be travelling for other purposes such as business, study or medical treatment are liable to be cancelled.
• If you have any specific questions related to Visa services, please click  here . 
• To refer to guidelines for foreigners visiting India please click  here . 
• For information on e-Tourist Visa please click  here  
• For baggage rules information please click  -->here --> 
• Online Reg for Indian Citizenship
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