Malaysia Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Malaysia

Are you unsure if you need a visa for your trip to Malaysia? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this guide, you'll find clear information on whether a visa is necessary for your travel, the type of visa that matches your needs, and how to go about the application process.

What’s a Malaysia Tourist eVisa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Malaysia Tourist eVisa for?

Citizens of over 30 countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and more.

To check if you're eligible for a Malaysia Tourist eVisa, you can use the iVisa Checker Tool.

Who’s not eligible for a Malaysia Tourist eVisa?

• Travelers who already hold a valid Malaysian visa.

• Nationals from countries that have a visa-free entry arrangement with Malaysia.

• Certain passport holders like diplomatic or official passport holders, depending on their country’s agreements with Malaysia.

What’s the purpose of the Malaysia Tourist eVisa?

Short-term travel related to tourism. This includes activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending cultural events. It's not intended for long-term stays, employment, or study.

How long can you stay with a Malaysia Tourist eVisa?

The Single entry eVisa is valid for 180 days after issued and allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. The multiple-entry option is valid for up to a year, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit.

What’s a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card and who’s it for?

Who’s the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for?

Non-Malaysian citizens arriving at international checkpoints in Malaysia.

Who’s not eligible for a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

• Citizens of Singapore.

• Holders of diplomatic and official passports.

• Malaysia permanent residents and long-term pass holders.

• Visitors in possession of specific travel documents such as the Brunei Darussalam General Certificate of Identity, the Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveler Facility, the Thailand Border Pass, and the Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document.

What’s the purpose of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

The card is designed to facilitate entry into Malaysia by streamlining the immigration process. It assists in health monitoring and quick contact in case of emergencies.

How long can you stay with a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

The stay duration is not determined by the Digital Arrival Card; it’s subject to the visa or entry permit conditions for each traveler.

What’s a Malaysia Business Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Malaysia Business Visa for?

International professionals and entrepreneurs visiting Malaysia for business purposes.

What’s the purpose of the Malaysia Business Visa?

To facilitate business-related visits, allowing individuals to conduct activities such as negotiations, contractual discussions, and participation in business events or conferences.

How long can you stay with a Malaysia Business Visa?

The duration of stay is usually determined based on the specifics of the visit but typically ranges from 30 to 90 days. Visa validity can vary, often ranging from a single entry for a short-term visit to multiple entries.

What’s a Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card and who’s it for?

Who’s the Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card for?

Passport holders from an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economy with an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) that has the "MYS" code on the back.

There are over 20 APEC member economies, including Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and more.

What’s the purpose of the Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card?

The APEC Business Travel Card is designed to facilitate the entry and exit of business travelers among the member economies. To be eligible to apply for an ABTC, you must hold a valid passport from an APEC economy and prove that you engage in regular business travel throughout the APEC region.

How long can you stay with a Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card?

The card is typically valid for three years, and you can stay in Malaysia for up to 60 days each time.

What’s a Malaysia eNTRI and who’s it for?

Who’s the Malaysia eNTRI for?

The Malaysia eNTRI is designed for Chinese nationals as part of a visa waiver program aimed at facilitating short-term visits for tourism purposes.

What’s the purpose of the Malaysia eNTRI?

To streamline the entry process into Malaysia for tourism, making it easier and quicker for eligible travelers to enter the country.

How long can you stay with a Malaysia eNTRI?

Travelers can stay in Malaysia for a maximum of 15 days with an eNTRI, with no extensions allowed for this period.

What’s a Malaysia Visa on Arrival and who’s it for?

Who’s the Malaysia Visa on Arrival for?

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Malaysia is specifically for Indian and Chinese nationals. This option is available to those traveling to Malaysia directly from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand, provided they already have a valid visa from one of these countries.

What’s the purpose of the Malaysia Visa on Arrival?

The VOA facilitates short visits for tourism or transit.

How long can you stay with a Malaysia Visa on Arrival?

You can stay in Malaysia for up to 7 days. This duration is fixed and cannot be extended. If your travel plans require more than a 7-day stay, it's necessary to apply for a different type of visa.

What’s a Malaysia Transit Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Malaysia Transit Visa for?

Travelers from countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Malaysia.

What’s the purpose of the Malaysia Transit Visa?

• For visitors who have a layover in Malaysia that’s longer than 24 hours and need to legally stay in the country for the duration of their transit.

• For travelers who need to go through immigration for their next flight or need to switch terminals at an airport other than Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

How long can you stay with a Malaysia Transit Visa?

A transit Visa typically covers the duration of your layover until your next outbound flight from Malaysia.

What are the Malaysian long-term visa options and who are they for?

Malaysia offers a variety of long-term visa options that cater to different groups, including professionals seeking employment, students pursuing education, retirees, and families looking to join their loved ones. Here's a brief overview of some of the more popular ones:

• Employment Pass: For individuals who have received job offers from Malaysian companies. It's valid for up to two years and can be renewed.

• Student Pass: Issued to international students enrolled in registered educational institutions in Malaysia for the duration of their course.

• Long-Term Social Visit Pass: For foreign spouses and children of Malaysian citizens or permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Malaysia for a longer period.

• Dependent Pass: Issued to the dependents of foreign nationals holding a valid Employment Pass, allowing families to live together in Malaysia.

• Residence Pass: A more permanent option that allows foreigners to live in Malaysia for an extended period, typically up to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal.

• Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program: Aimed at retirees and individuals wishing to live in Malaysia on a long-term basis, offering them a renewable long-term visa.

Currently, we don’t handle applications for long-term visas. For more details on how to apply for them, you should visit the Malaysia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Staying healthy in Malaysia: Here’s what you need to know

Malaysia is known for its commendable healthcare system, which includes both public and private care facilities. Whether you're visiting or planning to reside in Malaysia, understanding how to look after your health is crucial.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

• Ensure you're up to date with routine vaccinations such as chickenpox, DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), flu, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, and shingles before traveling.

• Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B are advised for all travelers who haven't received them.

• If you're going to spend a lot of time outdoors or are planning a lengthy stay, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine might be necessary. Typhoid vaccination is suggested for visits to smaller towns or rural regions. Rabies vaccination is advised for those likely to be in close contact with animals.

• A certificate for yellow fever vaccination is needed if traveling from a country where yellow fever is prevalent.

• Stay informed about Malaysia's COVID-19 guidelines, including any requirements for quarantine, testing, or vaccination proof, by consulting your airline or the Malaysia Ministry of Health website.

Medical facilities

• Malaysia offers superior healthcare, particularly in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. The country operates a dual healthcare system that includes public and private sectors.

• The public sector is heavily subsidized and serves the majority of the population but often has longer wait times. The private sector is noted for its prompt service and high quality, making it a popular choice among expatriates.

• Pharmacies are widely available in cities and larger towns, stocked with a broad range of medications. Many medicines can be obtained over the counter, but it's always advisable to have a prescription for specialized medications.

Health insurance

Having health insurance during your stay is strongly recommended.

Healthcare, especially in private facilities, can be expensive. Ensure your insurance plan covers major health expenses, including medical evacuation if necessary.

Verify with your insurer that your policy offers extensive coverage, particularly for:

• Reimbursement for trip cancellations, delays, or interruptions.

• Expenses for medical treatments and medical evacuation.

• Compensation for lost baggage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Malaysia

Be mindful of these health considerations when visiting Malaysia:

1. Tropical climate: Malaysia's heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, particularly for those unaccustomed to such weather. Staying hydrated and limiting physical activity during the hottest parts of the day can help.

2. Marine safety: Beware of box jellyfish stings along the coasts of Langkawi and Sabah. Also, steer clear of sea urchins, stonefish, and other harmful marine creatures.

3. Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue fever and malaria are concerns, especially in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Taking malaria prophylaxis and employing mosquito prevention strategies are recommended for these areas.

Medication for personal use

When bringing medication into Malaysia, it would be wise to follow these guidelines:

• Declare all medications: Declaration is required for all prescription and controlled drugs upon entry.

• Keep original packaging: Medications should be kept in their original packaging, clearly labeled with the prescription.

• Carry a prescription or doctor's note: Carry a valid prescription or a doctor's letter detailing the need for your medication.

• Check for restrictions: Make sure your medications are not restricted or prohibited in Malaysia. Some substances face strict controls. The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) offers detailed information on medication regulations.

• Limit quantity: Only bring the amount of medication needed for your stay to avoid any issues.