Traveling to Malaysia
Over 25 million people visited Malaysia in 2019, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Depending on your nationality and purpose for traveling to Malaysia, Malaysia visas are issued either as single or multiple entry and are valid for 3 or 12 months respectively from the date of issuance, permitting you to stay no more than 30 consecutive days for each entry. Extensions are not allowed.
The Malaysia eVisa is offered as a single-entry visa valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, and extensions are not allowed. Travelers wanting to stay beyond their allowed duration of stay period or enter more than once, must be eligible to apply for a multiple entry visa that permits a longer duration of stay, such as for work, educational, or medical purposes.
Malaysia visa types
Malaysia offers the following visa types based on your nationality and purpose for traveling to Malaysia:
- Single Entry Visa: also known as Malaysia tourist visa, this visa is issued as single entry for tourism and other short-term purposes and is valid for 3 months from visa issue date.
- Multiple Entry Visa: for business, educational, medical, and government activities requiring longer stay durations, this visa is issued as multiple entry and allows a 30-day maximum stay within a 3-month or 1-year validity period, non-extendable.
- Transit Visa: issued to travelers who will leave the Malaysia airport immigration area for short-term transit purposes on their way to another country. Same flight journeys do not require a transit visa.
Malaysia visa requirements
The following general requirements are required for all visas. Certain visa types may have additional requirements depending on the type of visa, applicant’s nationality, or intended frequency of travel.
Malaysia Sticker Visa:
Application form
Completed and signed IMM.47 application form
Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months before travel date
Passport copy
A photocopy of the biometric passport page
Personal photos
Two standard passport photos, taken within the last 6 months
Ticket
Confirmed roundtrip or onward ticket with travel dates
Accommodation
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
Financial means
A copy of the applicant’s most recent bank statement
Employment proof
Employment letter or proof of revenue
Malaysia eVisa:
Personal photos
A standard passport photo, taken within the last 6 months
Passport copy
Copy of passport biometric page
Ticket
Confirmed round trip or onward ticket
Documents for minors
Birth certificates for minors
Please note that applicants may be asked to supply additional documents, such as an invitation letter by a local host or further financial proof.
Malaysia visa application
Once the required documents above have been gathered, applicants can apply for a Malaysia sticker visa at their nearest Malaysia embassy or representation office. Or, if eligible, can apply for a Malaysia eVisa.
Malaysia Sticker visa
- Prepare Malaysia visa application
• Gather all required documents
• Download the application form relevant to your visa type
• Fill out the Malaysia visa application form
• Print out and sign the application form - Schedule an appointment
• Contact the Malaysia embassy or representation office nearest you for appointment scheduling procedures and times
- Attend your Malaysia visa appointment
• Submit application form copies and all required documents
• Pay Malaysia visa fees - Wait for Malaysia visa decision
• If approved, pick up your Malaysia visa from the Malaysia embassy or representation office where you applied
Malaysia e-Visa
- Complete the Malaysia tourist visa application form online
• Register on the visa portal as a “New User” or log in as a “Returning User”
• Select your tourist visa type (tourism, business-related, medical)
• Fill out the application form for your visa type - Submit the application form and scanned copies of the required documents
- Pay the application fee online
- Receive your approved Malaysia eVisa to the email address you provided.
Print an A4 size copy of your approved Malaysia eVisa.
It is important that you print out your Malaysia eVisa, as a hard copy will be required at all Malaysia points of entry. Digital copies of your eVisa will be refused.
Where to apply for Malaysia visa
Malaysia sticker visas must be applied for at the nearest Malaysia embassy or representation office in your country of residence. Malaysia eVisa can ONLY be applied for through the official site malaysiavisa.imi.gov.
Malaysia visa processing time
The normal processing time for Malaysia sticker visas may take between 5 to 7 business days, depending on the Malaysian embassy or representation office you are applying at. Malaysia e-Visas are usually processed and issued in 2 business days. It is important to note that processing times may be delayed due to exigent circumstances, and it is always advisable to apply well before your intended travel dates.
