The Malaysia visa policy establishes visa requirements for foreign citizens who wish to enter Malaysia.
Currently, per the visa policy of Malaysia, a number of countries have visa-free access to Malaysia for short-term trips, while citizens of other countries need to obtain a Malaysia visa or entry permit they are eligible for.
Non-visa-exempt nationals must get a Malaysia eVisa, eNTRI, a visa on arrival, or a regular visa.
The Malaysia eVisa and eNTRI have the most effortless application process as it takes place entirely online. Both are single-entry, but the permitted stay with an electronic visa to Malaysia is 90 days, while Malaysian eNTRI allows only a 15-day visit.
Malaysian eVisa can be received by citizens of over 30 countries. The eNTRI to Malaysia is issued only to Indian and Chinese nationals who are also eligible for an electronic visa and a visa on arrival – a visa that is obtained directly at the entry point.
Citizens who cannot get a Malaysia visa online or upon arrival have to go to the Malaysian embassy for a regular visa.
The visa policy of Malaysia is mandatory information to know for every traveler. However, note that a Malaysian visa is not the only document requested upon arrival, so it is of great importance to study the rest of the Malaysian entry requirements.
Before May 2011, the Malaysian government did not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, and Israeli nationals were not allowed to visit Malaysia.
Now Israeli citizens are able to travel to Malaysia provided they hold special approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the visa policy of Malaysia, nationals of all other countries are free to visit Malaysia if they meet the general Malaysia entry requirements.
Many citizens have visa-free access to Malaysia, while others need to apply for a Malaysia eVisa, eNTRI, a visa on arrival, or a regular visa.
Besides visa restrictions, all foreigners willing to be allowed into Malaysia are obliged to follow other Malaysia entry requirements.
Every visitor to Malaysia must have a recognized international passport valid for 6 months from the date of arrival containing at least 1 unused page for entry/departure endorsements.
It is also required to present a fixed return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds of at least USD 100 per every day of intended stay in Malaysia.
On August 1, 2022, Malaysia reduced its COVID-19 restrictions. Now foreigners can enter Malaysia, regardless of their vaccination status and without the need to present a negative PCR test. However, passengers experiencing fever or other symptoms, or who have been to China within the last 14 days must take a Covid-19 RTK test at the airport.
East Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, maintain semi-autonomous immigration controls and may have additional requirements in place. For example, travelers from China must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and a Covid-19 RTK test with a negative result taken at least 48 hours before departure.
Persons coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must present a vaccination certificate against this disease. However, yellow fever vaccination is not required for those only transiting through yellow fever belt countries without leaving the transit zones.
This is the list of documents requested by immigration officers at the Malaysian entry points:
Note that this information is for guide purposes only. Please verify with the official sources of Malaysian authorities to get the most recent precautions.
Depending on nationality, a traveler may be eligible for an electronic visa, a visa on arrival, eNTRI, or a regular visa to Malaysia.
Malaysia eVisa is an electronic visa that can be obtained through an online application process.
In order to apply for an eVisa to Malaysia online, it is needed to complete several easy steps. After completing the form and covering the fees, an applicant must regularly check the inbox – approval will be sent to the email address.
Malaysia eVisa is a single-entry visa allowing its holders to stay in Malaysia for tourism for up to 90 days.
The Malaysian eNTRI is Electronic Travel Registration & Information service that permits Indian and Chinese nationals to travel to Malaysia on a direct flight from India, Brunei, Singapore, or Thailand airports.
The eNTRI to Malaysia has an online application procedure and allows one visit to Malaysia for up to 15 days.
A visa on arrival is a visa that can be obtained directly at the entry point instead of applying in advance. Still, this application method has certain disadvantages, such as wasting much time in lines and having the risk of visa refusal.
Malaysian visas on arrival are available for citizens of India and China entering from Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia at the listed checkpoints:
Citizens of some countries are eligible only for a regular visa that can be obtained directly at the Malaysian embassy or consulate.
It requires more effort than the previously mentioned methods: an applicant must make an appointment, visit the office in person, and have a visa interview.
It is recommended to prepare for the interview with a consular officer and collect all the necessary documentation to omit issues and delays.
Check the list of eligible countries to know which Malaysia visa application method is required for your country of citizenship:
Electronic visa
eNTRI
Visa on arrival
Regular visa
Visa-free access
Malaysia does not apply any special entry rules for underage travelers. That means minors can enter Malaysia with the same set of documents as adults.
Keep in mind that a children’s passport remains valid for a shorter period of time than the one for adults, so it may require renewal before travel.
The Malaysia visa application for children must be submitted by the children’s parents or legal guardians. Additionally, it is necessary to attach the child’s birth certificate to the visa application form.
Non-visa-exempt citizens can transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) without a Malaysian visa if they stay within a transit airport zone for no longer than 24 hours.
It is not allowed to switch between the main terminal and KLIA2, as these are separate airports, and you will be required to present a valid Malaysia visa when going through immigration.
Citizens of certain countries without visa-free access can enjoy a free transit pass instead. Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and Nepal nationals may stay for up to 120 hours when transiting through KLIA, provided their onward flight is operated by either Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines.
Holders of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan passports can have visa-free transit under the same conditions if they have a visa/residence permit issued by Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or the United States, and are departing to or arriving from the mentioned countries.
Most countries have visa-free entry to Malaysia. However, citizens of other countries must obtain a Malaysia visa to travel to the country. See the visa policy of Malaysia to learn the requirements for your nationality.
Travelers, depending on their nationality, can obtain a Malaysian eVisa, eNTRI, visa on arrival, or regular visa. Check the list of eligible countries to know which application method is requested for your country.
A Malaysia visa on arrival can be obtained by Chinese and Indian citizens arriving directly from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand.
All visitors to Malaysia must hold a valid passport, a return/onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. Citizens of non-visa-exempt countries must also have a Malaysia visa, while those traveling from yellow fever belt countries must present a yellow fever vaccination proof.
You do not need a transit visa to Malaysia if you stay for up to a maximum of 24 hours and won't leave the KLIA airport. Citizens of some countries may stay for up to 120 hours without a visa upon meeting certain conditions.
As there are no additional entry rules implemented, children should meet the general Malaysia entry requirements. The Malaysia visa application form must be completed by the parent or guardian of the minor and include a child's birth certificate.