Malaysia Visa
A Malaysia Visa is provided to individuals from foreign countries seeking entry into Malaysia, and who hail from visa-subject nations.
Malaysian Visas enable travel solely to Malaysia, subjecting holders to border inspections upon arrival. This implies that possessing a visa doesn’t guarantee entry into Malaysia for any purpose. It’s the Immigration Officer at the entry point who determines entry eligibility.
At the entry point, all foreign travelers receive a Pass from the Immigration Officer. Malaysia Passes, an endorsement in your passport, specify your authorized stay duration in the country. Even if a Malaysian visa isn’t required prior to travel, travelers still receive a Pass on their passport, subject to immigration checks at entry.
Thus, a Malaysia Visa serves merely as a preliminary requirement; actual entry depends on Immigration Officer approval.
Do I Need a Visa Before Traveling to Malaysia?
For individuals from non-exempt countries, obtaining a visa is mandatory before traveling to Malaysia.
However, several countries allow stays in Malaysia for specific periods without requiring a visa. Yet, if your intended stay surpasses the visa-free duration, a visa application becomes necessary.
For instance, citizens of European Union member states or the USA can stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa. But for stays exceeding 90 days, a Malaysia visa or the appropriate Pass related to your travel (such as work, study, family reunion, etc.) is required.
When Should I Apply for a Malaysian Visa?
You can apply for a Malaysian visa up to 1 month before your intended travel date.
How Do I Apply for a Malaysia Visa?
Foreign nationals can apply for a Malaysia visa through two methods: manual or online.
However, Malaysia offers online visa application only to a select group of countries. Most visa-subject nationals must apply at a Malaysian Representative Office Abroad or via an authorized visa application agency.
Who Can Submit a Malaysian Visa Application Online?
Certain foreign nationals are eligible to apply for a visa online through the Malaysia eVisa. Upon approval, applicants receive the eVisa online, which must be printed as it won’t be affixed to the passport.
Online visa applications are available for nationals of the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- China
- India
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Serbia
- Sri Lanka
Additionally, Indian and Chinese nationals can apply for the eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information).
For detailed information on the Malaysia visa online application, eligible individuals can refer here.
Steps for Malaysia Visa Application
To apply for a Malaysia visa, follow these steps:
- Locate a Malaysian Representative Office.
- Download the application form.
- Complete the required documents.
- Submit the application and documents.
- Await processing.
Locate a Malaysian Representative Office: Find a Malaysian Representative Office or visa application center in your country or nearest to your location.
Download the application form: Download the Malaysia Visa application form from the website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia, complete it electronically, print two copies, and sign them.
Complete the required documents: Along with the application form, provide several supporting documents, including passport copies, passport size pictures, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, invitation letter (if applicable), bank statements, and approval letter for Visa with Reference.
Submit the application: Submit the application form and documents at the Malaysian Representative Office or visa application office, either in person or by mail. Affix a passport photo to the application form and pay the Malaysia visa application fee.
Await processing: Processing times vary depending on the country and application method. Once approved, retrieve the passport with the affixed visa, allowing travel to Malaysia.
Note that while a visa may be issued, entry into Malaysia ultimately depends on the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. They will determine the duration of stay and issue the appropriate Pass, such as a Short Term Social Visit Pass for tourism purposes.
Processing Time for Malaysia Visa Application
Processing times vary based on country, application method, and documentation completeness:
- Online (eVisa): Up to 100 hours (four days).
- eNTRI: 48 to 72 hours.
- Manual: Typically 7-8 working days.
Is Travel Health Insurance Required?
While not mandatory, purchasing travel insurance for visits to Malaysia is advisable, particularly for extended stays or specific visa types like work, study, or retirement visas.
Difference Between Malaysia Visa and Pass
A Malaysia Visa allows entry into Malaysia, while a Pass specifies the purpose of travel. Passes are issued upon arrival or before application, indicating various purposes such as tourism, work, study, family reunification, etc.
Malaysia visas are further categorized into Malaysia Visa Without Reference and Visa With Reference, depending on whether prior authorization is required from Malaysian authorities.
Malaysia Visa On Arrival Eligibility
Indian and Chinese citizens meeting specific criteria are eligible for Malaysia Visa On Arrival (valid for up to seven days), provided they’re traveling directly from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand, possess a valid visa from one of those countries, and have sufficient funds and return flight tickets.
Multiple Entries with Malaysia Visa
Malaysian visas may allow single or multiple entries:
- Single Entry Visa: Valid for up to three months, allowing one entry.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for three to twelve months, permitting multiple entries with stays of up to 30 days per entry.
Extending a Single Entry Visa
Single entry visas and Social Visit Passes cannot be extended. In cases requiring longer stays, travelers must exit Malaysia and apply for the appropriate visa/pass. Extensions for Social Visit Passes may be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as illness or emergencies.
These guidelines aim to facilitate the visa application process and clarify entry regulations for travelers planning to visit Malaysia.