Updated: 8 July 2026.
⚠️ Important 2026 update : MDAC is mandatory and FREE — beware copycat sites, and China/India visa-free entry extended
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory for all foreign visitors arriving by air, land or sea, submitted online within 3 days before arrival. It is completely FREE on the official Malaysian Immigration Department portal — beware of copycat/scam third-party websites charging a fee for this free service. Travelers using the "MDAC-Autogate" e-gates at major checkpoints get processed in as little as ~20 seconds. Only Singaporean citizens, Malaysian permanent residents, and diplomatic passport holders are exempt from the MDAC. Separately, the 30-day visa-free entry facility for Chinese and Indian nationals has been extended through 31 December 2026.
Effective: MDAC in effect since December 2023; China/India visa-free facility extended through 31 December 2026.
Source: Immigration Department of Malaysia (imi.gov.my) / MDAC official portal (imigresen-online.imi.gov.my)
Many nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free for 14-90 days. Chinese and Indian nationals benefit from a 30-day visa-free entry facility extended through 31 December 2026. For those still requiring a visa, an eVisa can be obtained online.
Malaysia eVisa →FREE. Digital arrival card required for all foreign travelers entering Malaysia by air, land or sea. Only Singaporean citizens, Malaysian permanent residents and diplomatic passport holders are exempt. Beware of copycat sites charging a fee — the official MDAC is free. "MDAC-Autogate" e-gates reduce processing to ~20 seconds.
When: Submit within 3 days before arrival
Register Now →Planning a trip to Malaysia? This 2026 guide explains the visa rules, costs and entry requirements for Malaysia, plus the practical travel details you need before you go. Below you will find the key facts at a glance, followed by visa categories, required documents and a step-by-step application guide.
Malaysia : Country Information
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Currency: Ringgit (MYR)
- Official language: Malay
- Main airports: Kuala Lumpur Intl (KUL), Kota Kinabalu (BKI), Penang (PEN)
| Key Facts : Malaysia | |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ MDAC | Mandatory : Submit within 3 days before arrival. Register here |
| Visa-free stay | 30-90 days (most nationalities) |
| Visa-free (China/India) | 30 days, extended through 31 December 2026 |
| eVisa Available | Yes (for some nationalities) |
| eVisa Fee | MYR 200 (~USD $44) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days |
| Passport Validity | At least 6 months beyond intended stay |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur |
| Currency | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) |
| Main Airports | KUL (Kuala Lumpur KLIA), PEN (Penang), BKI (Kota Kinabalu), KCH (Kuching) |
Introduction
Malaysia is a multicultural Southeast Asian nation known for its rainforests, Bornean wildlife, the Petronas Twin Towers, stunning Langkawi islands and diverse cuisine (nasi lemak, roti canai, char kway teow). Main airports are Kuala Lumpur International (KUL/KLIA), Kuala Lumpur KLIA2 (KUL), Penang (PEN) and Kota Kinabalu (BKI). The Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) manages entry and visas.
Malaysia is one of the most visa-liberal countries in Asia: citizens of most Western countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, most ASEAN nations and many others receive 30-90 days visa-free entry. Malaysia uses a Social Visit Pass system for visitors.
Tourist & Short Stay
Most nationalities receive a Social Visit Pass (eVP) of 30, 60, or 90 days stamped at the port of entry. USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU nations, Japan and most others receive 90 days automatically at immigration. ASEAN nationals receive 30-90 days depending on bilateral agreements. No prior application is needed for visa-free nationals.
For nationalities not covered by visa-free agreements, Malaysia offers an eVisa (online application) and Visa on Arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for certain nationalities. Chinese and Indian nationals benefit from a dedicated 30-day visa-free entry facility, extended through 31 December 2026, which has largely superseded the older eNTRI short-stay registration for tourism purposes.
Business Visa
Business visits are covered by the Social Visit Pass for most nationalities. For extended business stays or employment, a Professional Visit Pass or Employment Pass (issued by Immigration Malaysia) is required. The employer applies on the worker's behalf.
Work & Long-Stay
- Employment Pass (EP) : for skilled workers earning MYR 5,000+/month; categories 1-3 based on salary and contract duration.
- Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) : for high-performing professionals who have held an Employment Pass; allows indefinite stay without employer sponsorship and free to work for any Malaysian company.
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) : long-term residency visa for retirees and wealthy individuals; revised requirements since 2021 (offshore income ≥MYR 40,000/month, fixed deposit MYR 1M, minimum property purchase MYR 2M, etc.).
- DE Rantau (Digital Nomad) : Malaysia launched DE Rantau in 2022 for digital nomads with tech-related employment; valid 3-12 months.
Student Pass
International students need a Student Pass issued by Immigration Malaysia. The university applies on the student's behalf after admission. Required: offer letter, health check, and financial proof. Student passes are typically valid for the duration of the study program.
Airport Transit
Most travelers can transit through Kuala Lumpur KLIA without a visa if remaining in the international zone. Some nationalities need a transit visa. Check the current list at imi.gov.my.
Required Documents (eVisa)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-sized digital photo
- Return or onward flight bookings
- Proof of accommodation
- Bank statement (proof of funds)
- eVisa fee payment (MYR 200)
Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Social Visit (visa-free) | Free |
| eVisa (eligible nationalities) | MYR 200 (~USD $44) |
| Visa-free entry (China, India) — extended through 31 Dec 2026 | Free |
How to Apply
- Check if you need a visa at imi.gov.my
- For eVisa: apply at evisa.imi.gov.my
- Chinese and Indian nationals: visa-free entry for 30 days requires no prior application (facility extended through 31 December 2026); MDAC registration is still required for all foreign travelers
- For visa-free: simply arrive with valid passport and qualifying travel documents
Official Links
Who Is Visa-Exempt?
Citizens of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, EU member states, most ASEAN nations, and many others receive visa-free entry for 30-90 days. Full list at imi.gov.my.
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
📋 Complete Visa Categories for Malaysia
Malaysia offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | 90 days | Free | 160+ nationalities (30-90 days depending on country) |
| eVISA | 30 days | MYR 120-460 | For nationalities requiring visa (China, India, etc.) |
| Visa-Free (China/India) | 30 days | Free | China and India nationals; extended through 31 December 2026 |
| Social Visit Pass | 90 days | Varies | Tourism, family visit |
| Employment Pass (EP) | 2-5 years | MYR 120-1000 | Employer sponsorship, minimum salary MYR 3,000 |
| MM2H (My Second Home) | 5-10 years | MYR 500-5000 | Age 35+, financial requirements, fixed deposit |
| Student Pass | Duration | MYR 120-500 | EMGS approval, university acceptance |
| Malaysia Digital (DE Rantau) | 1-2 years | MYR 1,000 | Digital nomad, MYR 24,000/year income |
| Transit | 120 hours | Free | TWOV for many nationalities |
Fees and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify at the official immigration authority.
⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Malaysia Visas
Processing times vary by visa type, nationality, and time of year. Apply well in advance of travel.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Standard Fee | Expedited | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVISA | 3-5 days | MYR 120-460 | N/A | N/A |
| Visa-Free (China/India) | N/A (no application) | Free | N/A | N/A |
| EP | 1-3 months | MYR 120-1000 | N/A | N/A |
| MM2H | 3-6 months | MYR 500-5000 | N/A | N/A |
🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Malaysia
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic area. Medical exam required for Employment Pass and MM2H: chest X-ray, blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B, VDRL). Foreign workers must register with FOMEMA. MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) mandatory for all foreign arrivals - free online form (Singaporean citizens, Malaysian permanent residents and diplomatic passport holders exempt); beware of copycat sites charging a fee.
🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Malaysia
Social Visit Pass 90-day stay generally not extendable for visa-exempt nationals. Employment Pass renewal through employer 3 months before expiry. MM2H renewable. Overstay: compound fine MYR 500+, detention at immigration depot, whipping (caning) possible for illegal workers, 5-year entry ban. Malaysia takes overstay very seriously.
❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Malaysia
Common reasons: suspicious travel patterns, inadequate funds, previous immigration violations, blacklisted. No formal appeal for entry refusal. eVISA rejections can be contested through VLN Global. Reapplication possible after 3 months.
How to get the Malaysia visa?
- Check whether you need a visa. Confirm your nationality's requirement for Malaysia in the table above (visa-free, eVisa, visa on arrival or consular visa).
- Choose the right visa type for your trip : tourism, business, transit, work or study.
- Prepare your documents: a passport valid at least 6 months, a recent photo, proof of accommodation and onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Apply online (eVisa) or at the nearest Malaysia embassy/consulate, and pay the visa fee.
- Receive your visa and print or save the approval before you travel to Malaysia.
For the exact fee, processing time and document list for your nationality, see the dedicated requirements and fees guides linked on this page.
Updated: 8 July 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Malaysia immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.