Known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and modern cities, Malaysia attracts travelers from all over the world. Before you visit this pearl of Southeast Asia, find out how to prepare for a trip in 2024, what documents are required and whether you need a tourist visa to Malaysia.
Entry rules and list of documents to Malaysia
To travel to Malaysia, you need to have the following documents with you:
• International passport. The document must be valid for at least six months at the time of crossing the border.
• Visa. Many foreign nationals can visit Malaysia for a short period of time without the need to obtain a visa, but others must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Malaysia.
• A return ticket and sufficient funds. Upon entry, return tickets may be checked, as well as the availability of funds (the amount is not specified).
• Travel insurance.
• Digital MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card). To enter Malaysia, tourists need to fill out the MDAC online 3 days before arrival on the website. The form includes full name, passport details, e-mail, place of registration, date of arrival and departure, mode of transport, and country of departure. After filling it out, a confirmation is sent to the specified mail, which must be saved in PDF format and shown to the border guard at the time of entry.
Visa to Malaysia: who needs it and how to get it
Whether you need a visa to enter Malaysia depends on your citizenship. For most foreign nationals, including those from the EU, the US, Canada, Taiwan, the UK, and many other countries, a visa is not required. Travelers from these countries only need a valid passport with a validity of at least six months. The permitted period of stay in Malaysia can be 90 days, 30 days, or 14 days (depending on your nationality).
All other foreigners need to obtain a visa before traveling to Malaysia. It can be obtained in two ways:
- online, e-visa (this option is only available to citizens of China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Serbia, Pakistan and Montenegro); or
- through a diplomatic mission of Malaysia (embassy, consulate, visa center).
To find out more about whether you need a visa to Malaysia, how to obtain it, or how long you can stay in the country without needing a visa, enter your citizenship in the special search engine on the page.
A Malaysian tourist visa (including an e-Visa) is valid for a maximum of 3 months and is intended for single entry. However, you can stay in Malaysia for a maximum of 30 days. The immigration officer at the point of entry will decide how long you can stay in the country.
The process of applying for a tourist visa:
If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Malaysia, here is a brief overview of the application process.
E-Visa.
1. Go to the e-visa application website and register on the portal by filling in the required details. This includes your passport number, full name, nationality, and address.
2. Fill out the visa application. Start by uploading the biographical data page of your passport and your visa photo. Enter all the required information about your passport, your stay in Malaysia, and your local address. Along with this, upload other relevant documents that include your plane tickets, proof of residence, previous visa issued in your passport, and any other documents if necessary.
3. Before submitting your application, please check that the information you have entered is correct.
4. After you have completed these steps, pay the visa fee on the portal.
5. Once you have your application details, you can track its status.
6. Download your e-Visa. You will receive an email notification regarding the status of your visa. Print your visa to have it with you at the checkpoint.
Additional documents to be submitted:
When applying for an e-Visa to Malaysia, be sure to include the following documents:
• 2 copies of the biographical data page of your passport.
• Booking confirmation: This includes a confirmed hotel reservation and return ticket.
• Bank statements: You must provide proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Malaysia.
• Letter of invitation: This is only required if you are staying with friends or family.
Tourist (sticker) visa through the Malaysian Embassy
1. Prepare an application and other documents for a visa to Malaysia:
• Valid passport with a validity period of at least six months.
• Completed visa application form (available online or at the embassy/consulate. Print it out and sign it).
• Passport-size photographs.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Malaysia.
• Confirmed round-trip airline tickets.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or letter of invitation from your host in Malaysia).
• Travel itinerary describing your plans in Malaysia.
2. Schedule an appointment. Contact the nearest Malaysian embassy or representative office for information on the procedure and time of the appointment.
3. Attend the appointment to obtain a visa to Malaysia. Submit copies of the application form and all required documents.
4. Pay the Malaysian visa fee, which depends on your nationality.
5. Wait for your application to be processed. In case of a positive decision, obtain a visa at the embassy or other representative office of Malaysia where you submitted your documents.
Visa processing time for Malaysia
The usual processing time for a Malaysian visa (sticker) application can take from 5 to 7 business days, depending on the Malaysian embassy or consulate you apply to. Malaysia e-Visa applications are usually processed and issued within 2 business days. It is important to note that processing time may be delayed due to urgent circumstances, so it is always recommended to apply in advance of your planned travel date to avoid delays.
Important information for traveling to Malaysia
1. Health requirements. Depending on your country of origin and travel history, vaccinations, such as yellow fever, may be required. Check with Malaysian authorities or your doctor for up-to-date health recommendations.
2. Upon arrival in Malaysia, you must pass through border control where immigration authorities will decide whether to allow you to enter. If you are allowed to enter, you will receive a Social Visit Pass card. Every foreign national entering Malaysia must have this pass, regardless of whether they need a visa or not.
3. The pass indicates the number of days you are allowed to stay. Under no circumstances should you overstay your pass.
