Do I Need a Visa to Go to Malaysia? Complete 2026 Guide

Visa-Free Entry to Malaysia: Countries and Duration

Malaysia allows visa-free entry to citizens of many countries; the permitted length of stay depends on your nationality. Below are the commonly applied visa-free durations—confirm your exact allowance using the official Immigration Department tool (link at the end of this section).

Countries with 90-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following countries generally can enter Malaysia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days (typical examples — always verify for your passport):

Countries with 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

The following nationalities commonly have visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Note: bilateral arrangements change occasionally—double-check before travel.

Countries with 14-Day Visa-Free Entry

A smaller set of travelers are granted shorter visa-free stays (14 days):

• Iran
• Myanmar
• Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permits (regardless of nationality)

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Required for Most Travelers

Before entering Malaysia, most travelers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online. The MDAC replaced the paper arrival card and is a mandatory digital pre-arrival form for many nationalities; travelers are generally advised to submit it within three days before arrival—confirm the exact submission window on the official portal before you travel.

Who Needs to Submit the MDAC?

Most non-Malaysian visitors must submit the MDAC before arrival. Exemptions commonly include:

• Citizens of Singapore
• Diplomatic and official passport holders (regardless of nationality)
• Malaysian citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders
• Holders of a Bruneian General Certificate of Identity (GCI)
• Users of the Brunei–Malaysia Frequent Travel Facility
• Holders of a border pass issued by Thailand
• Holders of an Indonesian cross-border travel document (PLB)

Basic Entry Requirements for All Visitors to Malaysia

Regardless of your nationality or visa status, all visitors to Malaysia must meet these basic entry requirements. Below is a concise checklist you can use when preparing to travel.

Passport Validity and Blank Pages

Malaysia generally requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This is strictly enforced at immigration checkpoints; if your passport expires within six months, renew it before travel. Also ensure you have at least one blank page for stamping—airlines sometimes check this at check-in.

What Counts as Proof of Onward Travel?

Acceptable evidence includes a return flight itinerary, onward flight to a third country, or confirmed bus/boat tickets. If you hold an open-ended travel plan, carry an itinerary or booking confirmation showing onward movement to avoid problems at immigration.

Sufficient Funds — Practical Guidance

Malaysian immigration does not publish a fixed minimum for “sufficient funds.” As practical guidance (non-binding), consider the following per-person daily estimates when preparing documentation:

• Budget/backpacker: allow USD 20–40 per day
• Mid-range traveler: allow USD 50–120 per day
• Family/longer stays: prepare bank statements showing higher balances or credit access

Carry a combination of a credit/debit card, recent bank statement (last 3 months), and some local currency or USD for easier verification.

Common Questions

• What if my passport expires in 5 months? Do not travel. Renew your passport—Malaysia requires at least six months’ validity.
• Are e-stamps or digital entry changing the blank-page rule? Some entry points use e-stamping but many airlines and some immigration checks still expect a physical blank page—keep at least one blank page to avoid issues.
• Do permanent residents need to submit the arrival card? Malaysian Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders are typically exempt from MDAC, but confirm your status before travel.

Countries That Require a Visa for Malaysia

Many nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling to Malaysia. If your country isn’t listed in the visa‑free sections above, you will likely need to apply for a visa at a Malaysian embassy or via the official eVisa portal. Always confirm the specific visa requirements for your passport on the official government sites before you book travel.

Notable Countries Requiring Visas

The following list highlights notable countries whose citizens commonly need to apply for a visa in advance (this is not exhaustive—see official resources):

Special Cases and Restrictions

• Israel: Israeli citizens require special approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs before travel—check with the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission for current procedures.
• North Korea: Travel by North Korean passport holders to Malaysia is subject to strict restrictions; visas and travel permissions are tightly controlled.
• Western Sahara: Entry rules for Western Sahara passport holders may be limited—some travelers are only permitted to enter by air; verify with authorities.

Malaysia eVisa System: Online Application Process

Malaysia’s eVisa provides a simple online option for eligible nationals to apply for entry without visiting an embassy. Check eligibility carefully—rules, eligible nationalities, processing times and fees can change.

Countries Eligible for eVisa

Citizens of the following countries are commonly listed among those eligible for a Malaysia eVisa. This list is representative—check the official eVisa portal for the authoritative list for your passport:

eVisa Application Process — Step by Step

eVisa Details and Common Restrictions

• Validity: eVisas are frequently valid for travel within 3 months from the date of issue—confirm the exact validity when you apply.
• Entry type: Many eVisas are single-entry; certain nationalities (for example, Indian nationals) may have multiple‑entry options—verify on the portal.
• Duration of stay: Typical eVisa stays are 15 or 30 days depending on visa type and nationality—confirm the allowed stay before travel.
• Application restrictions: Some nationalities cannot apply from certain locations (historically Israel, Malaysia and North Korea have seen specific restrictions)—check the portal for current country-based restrictions.
• Port of entry: Approved eVisas are usually valid at any official Malaysian entry point, but confirm if any exceptions exist for your visa type.

Special Visa Categories: Business, Student, and Work

If you’re traveling to Malaysia for reasons beyond tourism, you’ll need a visa or pass that matches your activity. This section explains the most common long‑term and business entry routes—business travel via APEC, Student Passes, Employment Passes, and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program—so you know what to prepare.

Business Visa and APEC Business Travel Card

For short business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations—but not employment), travelers may need a business visa or can enter using an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) if they are from a participating economy.

Student Visa (Student Pass)

If you plan to study in Malaysia, you must obtain a Student Pass. The process is usually managed by the Malaysian educational institution, which secures approval from the Immigration Department on your behalf.

Employment Pass (Work Permit)

To work legally in Malaysia, foreign nationals generally require an Employment Pass sponsored by a Malaysian employer. Pass category, duration, and eligibility depend largely on salary, skill level, and job type.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program

The MM2H program offers a long‑stay, multiple‑entry visa for eligible applicants who meet financial and other requirements. The program has been revised since its suspension during the COVID‑19 pandemic; new financial thresholds and criteria were introduced when it relaunched.

Transit Through Malaysia: Visa Requirements

If you’re transiting through Malaysia en route to another destination, the entry requirements differ from those for normal arrival. Review these rules carefully—airline check-in staff and immigration officials enforce them strictly.

Transit Without a Visa — Typical Rules

Many travelers who are not visa‑exempt may still transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) without a visa under strict conditions. Typical requirements include:

• Remaining in the international transit area and not clearing immigration
• Holding confirmed onward tickets for a flight departing within 24 hours
• Not needing to switch between terminals that require you to clear immigration (check terminal transfer rules before travel)

Example: If your international itinerary connects at KLIA and your connecting flight departs within 24 hours and stays within the transit zone, you usually do not need a Malaysian visa. Confirm with your airline at check‑in.

When You Need a Transit Visa

You must obtain a transit visa before travel if any of the following apply:

• Your transit exceeds 24 hours
• You plan to leave the transit area (e.g., to collect luggage or stay overnight outside the airport)
• You need to switch terminals and the transfer requires clearing immigration (or there is no airside transfer provision)

Extending Your Stay in Malaysia

If you want to stay longer than your original permitted period (visa or visa‑free stay), you may be able to apply for an extension through the Immigration Department. Extensions are discretionary and rules differ by nationality and visa type.

Visa Extension Process — Practical Steps

Important Extension Considerations

• Extensions are granted at immigration officers’ discretion and are not guaranteed.
• Tourist extension periods are typically small (often 30 days) but vary—confirm what you can request for your nationality.
• Brunei and Singapore nationals may have specific processes available on arrival—check local guidance.
• If you apply late or overstay, you risk fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans—contact the Immigration Department immediately if you anticipate an overstay.

Health Requirements for Entry to Malaysia

Certain health requirements may apply when entering Malaysia, especially if you are arriving from countries with specific infectious disease risks. Below are the common health measures and practical steps to prepare before travel.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

If you are arriving from, or have recently transited through, a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission, Malaysia requires you to present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (Yellow Card). The list below includes commonly listed Yellow Fever risk countries—always confirm the authoritative list with the Ministry of Health or Immigration before travel.

This list is illustrative; it includes many African and South American countries. If you have visited a Yellow Fever risk country within the period specified by Malaysian authorities (typically within the previous 6 days, but confirm current rules), get vaccinated in advance and carry the signed certificate to present upon arrival.

COVID-19 and Other Health Entry Measures

As of mid‑2026, Malaysia no longer enforces broad blanket COVID‑19 entry restrictions, but health entry rules can change quickly in response to outbreaks. Some travelers from high‑risk origins or with specific symptoms may be subject to health screening, testing, or isolation requirements. Always verify the latest COVID‑19-related or other disease-specific requirements (testing, proof of recovery or vaccination) close to your travel date.

Other Recommended Vaccinations and Travel Health Tips

• Consider routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) and travel vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid depending on your itinerary.
• Carry medication and prescriptions in original packaging and a doctor’s note if necessary.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and COVID‑19–related costs where possible.

Special Considerations and Exceptions

There are several important exceptions and special rules in Malaysia’s immigration system that travelers should know about. Below are the practical implications and next steps if any of these situations apply to you.

Dual Nationality Considerations

Malaysia does not generally recognise dual nationality for Malaysian citizens. If you hold Malaysian citizenship alongside another nationality, you must use your Malaysian passport to enter and exit Malaysia. If local authorities determine you hold another nationality, there may be administrative consequences—so travel on the Malaysian passport when entering or leaving Malaysia and carry both documents if requested.

Entry to Eastern Sabah (Practical Safety Notes)

Eastern Sabah (the eastern districts of the state of Sabah) is subject to enhanced security measures in certain coastal and island areas. Practical points to follow:

• Carry your passport when traveling to or from Eastern Sabah; immigration checks are common even on domestic flights and ferries.
• Follow local advisories — in some coastal areas there are curfew or restricted‑access periods. Check updates from the Malaysian authorities or your embassy before traveling to areas like Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, and Beluran.
• Exercise increased caution in remote coastal and island districts. Use licensed tour operators for boat trips and ask your accommodation about recent local safety guidance.

Visa Violations and Overstays — What to Expect

Malaysia treats visa violations seriously. If you overstay or breach the terms of your permit, the Immigration Department may impose fines, detain, deport, or bar you from re‑entry depending on the severity and circumstances.

• If you realise you will overstay, contact the Immigration Department immediately to request guidance or apply for an extension (contact details are in the Resources section).
• If you are detained or served with an order, seek consular assistance from your home country’s embassy or consulate in Malaysia.
• Keep copies of travel documents, entry stamps, extension application receipts, and any communication with immigration — they help if you need to resolve a dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malaysia Visa Requirements

Official Resources and Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about Malaysia visa requirements, consult these official resources. Bookmark the official pages and avoid paying third-party sites for free government services.

Conclusion: Planning Your Trip to Malaysia

Understanding Malaysia visa requirements is an essential first step in planning your journey to this diverse and beautiful Southeast Asian nation. Whether you’re exploring the modern skyline of Kuala Lumpur, relaxing on the beaches of Langkawi, or trekking through the ancient rainforests of Borneo, confirming visa and health rules for your country will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip.

Before you travel, complete these essential pre‑travel steps: submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card if required, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond arrival, confirm whether you need a visa or eVisa for your nationality, and prepare proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Also verify any vaccine requirements (for example Yellow Fever) based on recent travel history.

Visa and entry rules can change. For authoritative, up‑to‑date guidance refer to the Malaysian government and Immigration Department pages (links in the Resources section). If you have doubts about your status upon arrival, contact the Immigration Department or your nearest embassy/consulate for assistance.