Whether or not you need a visa for Malaysia depends on 3 factors:
- Your nationality
- Why you are visiting
- How long you will stay
This article explains each of these 3 points in detail to help you understand Malaysia’s visa policy. You’ll also find a guide to the Malaysia visa application which is now available online.
Are you from a visa-exempt country?
Passport holders from several nations can visit Malaysia for a limited time without applying for a visa.
Citizens of 63 counties including all EU states, the US, and Canada can stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days. A 30-day visa exemption is granted to travellers from 98 jurisdictions amongst them Indonesia, Morocco, and Russia.
Check to see if your country of citizenship is on the visa-exempt list. If not, you’ll need a visa.
Fortunately, getting a visa for Malaysia is quick and simple for many travellers. If you have a passport from one of the 10 countries eligible for an eVisa, you can apply online in minutes.
Why are you visiting Malaysia?
To take advantage of Malaysia’s visa-free policy, you should be visiting on vacation. Similarly, the eVisa for Malaysia is suitable for tourist activities.
To legally take up employment in Malaysia, you need a work visa. The hiring company should request a Malaysia Employment Pass on your behalf.
Student passes are available to foreigners who wish to study at an educational institution in Malaysia, you’ll need one to study in the country.
How long do you want to stay in Malaysia?
How long you plan to stay is another important consideration. Even if you’re from an exempt country, you’ll need a visa to stay for longer than your visa-free allowance in Malaysia .
For non-exempt travellers, how long you wish to stay is also significant. The duration of the visit is an important factor in determining the type of Malaysian visa or permit you should apply for. Travellers eligible for the eVisa can stay for up to 30 days.
Find out if you can apply online
Based on your answers to the 3 questions above, you should now know whether you need a visa. If you do need one, the next step is to check whether you can apply online.
Citizens of the following 10 countries are eligible to apply for the Malaysia eVisa:
- Bhutan
- Bangladesh
- China
- India
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Serbia
- Sri Lanka
All you need to do is complete the simple online application form, pay, and apply. Malaysia eVisa processing is fast, you’ll receive your approved visa in 1 to 3 business days.
If you need a visa but aren’t able to apply online, you’ll have to get the permit through a Malaysian Embassy. Bear in mind that embassy visa applications are more complex and take longer to process.
Should I apply for an eVisa or eNTRI for Malaysia?
There are 2 different types of online travel permits for Malaysia. The eVisa, mentioned above, and the eNTRI.
The Electronic Travel Registration & Information (eNTRI) is an online registration system for passport holders from India and the People’s Republic of China.
The eNTRI was introduced to make it easier for citizens of India and China to visit Malaysia. With this electronic travel authorization, visitors can stay in Malaysia for up to 15 days.
If you’re Indian or Chinese, have a closer look at each permit and decide which one works best according to your plans.
Note that the eNTRI is not available to Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR passport holders.
Visa rules for transiting through Malaysia
Most non-visa-exempt travelers can transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia without a visa provided they remain airside.
Transit passengers who need to go through immigration, whether to collect luggage or transfer between terminals KLIA and KLIA2, must meet the entry requirements and get a visa.
Transit passengers who are eligible for the Malaysia eVisa can apply online.
Malaysia’s visa requirements are subject to change at short notice. Entry to Malaysia is restricted due to COVID-19. Travellers must check the latest information before making any arrangements.
