Malaysia's Tourist and Short-Term Visas: Everything You Need to Know

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event 14 October 2024
category Travel
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A Guide to Malaysia's Tourist and Short-Term Visas. Source: 

 

Planning a short trip to Malaysia? Whether you're visiting for a relaxing vacation, medical treatment, or other personal reasons, understanding the visa requirements is essential for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Let's explore the different types of short-term visas available and the application steps you need to follow before traveling to Malaysia.

 

Visa Options for Short-term Visitors

 

  1. Visa-free Entry

Citizens from many countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and most EU nations, can enter Malaysia without a visa for short stays.

Here are some quick details about this policy:

    • U.S. Citizens: No visa needed for social, business, or academic visits (except for employment) for stays under a month.

    • U.K. and Most EU Citizens: Visa-free entry for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on your nationality. Check this for specific details.

    • Australian Citizens: Australian citizens can enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia for stays of up to three (3) months. However, to take advantage of this benefit, your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of your arrival, and you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

 

  1. Visa-on-Arrival (VOA)

Citizens of China and India can enjoy Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) facilities when entering Malaysia from specific countries and through designated entry points. Here are the conditions:

    1. Visitors must arrive in Malaysia from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or Brunei, with a valid visa from one of these countries.

    2. The VOA is available at the following airports and land and sea borders:

 

Air Route

    • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

    • Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2)

    • Bayan Lepas International Airport, Pulau Pinang

    • Sultan Ismail, Senai Airport, Johor

    • Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah

    • Kuching International Airport, Sarawak

    • Langkawi International Airport, Kedah

    • Miri Airport, Sarawak

    • Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Selangor

 

Land Route

    • Tuas (Singapore)- Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (Second Link)(Malaysia) 

    • Immigration Control Post, Sungai Tujoh, Sarawak

    • Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah

 

Sea Route

Immigration Control Post, Labuan International Terminal Ferry ONLY

      1. The visitor needs to pay a VOA fee of RM200.00

      2. Visitors must demonstrate that they have at least USD500 cash (or equivalent in Ringgit Malaysia) to cover their expenses during their stay.

      3. A confirmed return ticket is required.

      4. Visitors with a VOA are allowed to stay in Malaysia for a maximum of 15 days. Strict enforcement action will be taken against individuals who overstay beyond the allowed duration, in accordance with the Immigration Act and Regulations.

For more information, visit

    1. eVisa

are electronic visas that offer a more convenient and efficient way to obtain a visa for Malaysia compared to traditional paper visas. You can apply for an e-visa online, often resulting in faster processing times.

While e-visas and regular visas share similar eligibility criteria (like passport validity, funds, and purpose of visit), the online application process and quicker turnaround make e-visas a popular choice for travelers.

    • General eVisa

General eVisas are the most common type of e-visa and are suitable for various purposes, such as tourism, business, or short-term visits. This visa permits stays of up to 30 days and is issued for single entry.

For more information about this visa, please refer to .

    • Medical eVisa

Unlike general eVisas, eVisas for Medical are designed specifically for healthcare purposes. You'll need an appointment letter from a Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) member and may require additional medical documents as proof. However, medical eVisas generally follow the same processing time as general eVisas. Consult the Malaysian Immigration Department or your local Malaysian embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.

For more information about this visa, please refer to .

 

Applying for Tourist Visas (if required)

While many nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free, it's still essential to check the specific requirements for your country and purpose of your visit, as they can change without notice.

  1. Check Requirements: Visit the or consult with your local Malaysian embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.

  1. Gather Documents: Prepare the following documents:

    • Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival.

    • Completed visa application form.

    • Proof of a confirmed return or onward ticket.

    • Bank statement or traveler's check to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Malaysia.

    • Recent passport-sized photographs as per the specified requirements.

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply for your visa at the nearest Malaysian consulate or online through the . Pay the visa fees, which typically range from USD 20-50.

  1. Wait for Processing
    Expect the visa application process to take approximately 2 to 7 business days for consulate applications and 48 hours for e-visas.

 

NOTE: 

    • A Visa Without Reference is required for general tourism purposes. 

    • For specific types of tourist visas, such as those for students, employment seekers, dependents, or professionals on a visit pass, a Visa With Reference may be required. Additional proofs or documents might be needed in these cases.

For more details about visa application process and requirements, visit this

 

Conclusion

Understanding Malaysia’s visa procedures is essential for any traveler. Whether you qualify for visa-free entry, need a VOA, or plan to apply for an eVisa, having the right information and documents will help ensure a hassle-free experience. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the Malaysian Immigration Department’s official website. Enjoy your visit to Malaysia!

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