Malaysia Visa Guide

How Malaysia's entry rules work

What you need depends mainly on the passport you hold. Broadly, some nationalities can enter without a visa for a short stay, some can apply online for an electronic visa (eVisa) before travelling, and others must apply through a Malaysian embassy or consulate. A visa on arrival has been offered to selected nationalities in limited circumstances, so do not count on it unless official sources confirm it applies to you.

The length of stay also varies. At the time of writing, tourist stays for Indian passport holders have typically been limited to 30 days, but check the period that applies to your passport before planning a longer trip.

Indian passport holders

Arrangements for Indian citizens have changed several times in recent years. At some points Indian travellers have needed an eVisa before flying; at others they have been able to make short tourist visits without a visa under time-limited policies. Because these policies have end dates and can be extended, changed or withdrawn, an old blog post or a friend's trip last year may no longer be a reliable guide.

Check the official position for your exact travel dates before paying for anything non-refundable. If an eVisa is required, apply only through the official government portal, reached from the Immigration Department website, and be wary of look-alike sites that add their own charges.

Indian residents of Singapore and other countries

Your passport, not where you live, usually decides your requirement. An Indian citizen living in Singapore should follow the rules for Indian passport holders, not those for Singapore citizens, who have generally been able to make short visits without a visa. Singapore also has its own separate entry rules if you plan a combined Singapore trip.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

Most foreign visitors are currently asked to complete a digital arrival card online before landing, commonly known as the MDAC. Who must submit it, who is exempt and when to complete it are set by the Immigration Department, so check its website shortly before you travel and keep the confirmation on your phone.

Document checklist

Exact requirements vary, but travellers are commonly asked for the following, whether in a visa application, at airline check-in or at immigration.

• A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages
• A recent passport-size photograph on a plain background, plus a digital copy
• Confirmed return or onward flight tickets
• Hotel bookings or other proof of accommodation
• Proof of funds, such as recent bank statements
• Your visa or entry approval and arrival card confirmation, printed and on your phone
• Travel insurance details, which are strongly recommended

Children need their own passport and, where required, their own approval. If a child is travelling with one parent or with relatives, it is sensible to carry a consent letter from the absent parent and a copy of the birth certificate.

Practical tips before you book

• Apply early, leaving a comfortable margin before your departure date.
• Make sure the name on every application and booking matches your passport exactly.
• Keep copies of your passport, approvals and bookings in email or cloud storage.
• Check your airline's document rules too, as airlines can refuse boarding if paperwork is missing.

Still choosing dates? See the best time to visit Malaysia and our Malaysia trip cost guide.

How we help

Most of our Malaysia tour packages include visa assistance: a document checklist for your dates, a look over your paperwork before you submit it, and the hotel and flight confirmations an application may ask for. The decision on any visa or entry always rests with the Malaysian authorities.