Malaysia Visa

A Complete Guide to Obtaining a Visa for Malaysia

Foreign nationals seeking entry into Malaysia often require a Malaysia Visa, a pre-entry requirement that grants permission to stay. However, it’s crucial to note that holding a visa doesn’t guarantee entry; the Immigration Officer at the entry point makes the final decision.

To enter Malaysia, you do not need a visa if you are coming for business or tourism for 90 days or less. Immigration officials will place an entry stamp, known as a social visit pass (visa), in your passport authorizing a stay of up to 90 days. Travelers may apply to the Malaysian Immigration Department for extensions, which may or may not be granted. You must exit Malaysia using the same passport that you used to enter. If this passport is replaced for any reason before you depart Malaysia, you must apply with Immigration to obtain a “special pass” (exit permit) in your new passport prior to departing.

For longer stays, you can apply for an e-Visa, which is valid for a single journey to Malaysia for purposes of tourism and commercial trips for the maximum of 30 days. The e-Visa can be applied for online through the Malaysian Immigration Department’s website.

To enter Malaysia, your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Permission to enter and remain in Malaysia is under the authority of the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Eligibility

For individuals from non-exempt countries, obtaining a Malaysia Visa is mandatory. While some countries enjoy visa-free stays for a specific duration, exceeding this period necessitates a visa application. Citizens of the European Union and the USA, for instance, can stay for up to 90 days without a visa but require one for longer stays.

To check if you need a Malaysia Visa, consult the official list or explore visa-free travel options for Malaysian passport holders.

Visa Application: When and How?

Applying for a Malaysia Visa can be done up to one month before the intended travel date. Two application methods exist: manual and online. The online option, available for select countries, involves the Malaysia eVisa. Eligible countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Serbia, and Sri Lanka.

Steps

Find a Malaysian Representative Office:

- Locate the nearest office in your country.

Download the Application Form:

- Access the form online, complete it electronically, and print two signed copies.

Document Preparation:

- Gather necessary documents, including passport copies, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, invitation letter (if staying with friends/family), and bank statements.

Submit Application:

- Submit the application and documents to the Malaysian Representative Office or visa application center, in person or by mail.

Processing and Payment:

- Pay the visa fee, affix a photo to the application, and wait for processing. Online applicants can track their process, with eVisa and eNTRI having shorter processing times.

Read How to Move to Malaysia

Malaysian eVisa

The Malaysia eVisa is an innovative solution that allows foreign nationals to apply for their visa online. Upon approval, the visa is issued electronically, eliminating the need for a physical sticker on the passport. Instead, approved applicants must print a copy of the eVisa to present during border checks upon arrival in Malaysia.

Online visa application is restricted to nationals from specific countries. The following countries are eligible for Malaysia e-Visa:

Visa Types and Passes

Understanding Malaysia Visa types is crucial for travelers:

Malaysia Transit Visas:
- For those transiting through Malaysia.
Malaysia Tourist Visa:
- Required for tourism purposes.
Short Term Social Visit Pass:
- Issued upon arrival for short-term stays.
Employment Pass:
- Allows work in a Malaysian company, subject to approval.
Dependant Pass:
- For dependents of Employment Pass holders.
Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment/Professional):
- For temporary work or professional services.
Long Term Social Visit Pass:
- Allows stays longer than six months, non-working.
Student Pass:
- For those pursuing studies in Malaysia.
Residence Pass:
- Issued to highly qualified foreigners working up to 10 years.
Malaysia My Second Home Program:
- Allows foreigners to retire in Malaysia.

Malaysia Visa Without Reference vs. With Reference

Distinguishing between Malaysia Visa Without Reference and With Reference:

Without Reference:
- Issued by the High Commission of Malaysia without prior authorization, usually for social visits or tourism.
With Reference:
- Requires prior authorization from the Immigration Department of Malaysia, necessary for studies, family joining, or work.

Visa On Arrival

Citizens of India or China can opt for Malaysia Visa On Arrival for up to 7 days, meeting specific criteria, including direct travel from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand, a valid visa from those countries, and sufficient funds.

Entry Limits

Malaysia offers Single Entry and Multiple Entry Visas, each with specific durations and purposes. Single Entry Visas are for short-term visits, while Multiple Entry Visas allow multiple entries within the validity period.

Visa Extension

While Single Entry Visas are non-extendable, Social Visit Passes might be extended in exceptional cases, such as illness or unforeseen events. For longer stays, leaving the country and reapplying for the appropriate visa/pass is necessary.

Processing Time

Processing times vary based on the application method, country, and documentation. Online applications (eVisa and eNTRI) generally take up to 100 hours and 48 to 72 hours, respectively. Manual applications usually conclude within 7-8 working days.

Travel Health Insurance

While not mandatory, obtaining travel insurance is advisable, especially for longer stays with work, study, or retirement visas. It ensures coverage for unexpected medical expenses during your stay in Malaysia.

Navigating the Malaysia Visa process involves understanding the diverse options, application procedures, and entry requirements. Whether you are a tourist, student, or professional, adhering to the specific guidelines for your visa type ensures a smooth entry into this vibrant and culturally rich country.

What is the cost of a Malaysia visa?

– For most countries, the Malaysia visa fee for a Single Entry or Multiple Entry Visa and a Transit Visa is RM 20 (approximately USD 4.7 or €4.25).
– Nationals of India and China eligible for a Malaysian Visa On Arrival need to pay a processing fee of $100.
– Specific countries have different visa fees. For example, Argentina pays RM 20.15, Bolivia RM 11.00, Brazil RM 17.00, Chile RM 24.50, China RM 30.00, Costa Rica RM 9.00, India RM 50.00, United States of America RM 6.00, among others.

Additional fees apply for specific types of visas:

– Malaysia Employment Pass (EP) costs RM 200 per year with an EP Processing Fee of RM 145.
– Malaysia Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is RM 90 for every quarter or RM 360 for one year.
– Malaysia Dependent Pass (DP) fee is RM 90 per year with a processing fee of RM 160.
– Malaysia Long-Term Social Visit Pass costs RM 600 with a processing fee of RM 50
– Payment methods for the Malaysia visa fee vary depending on the Malaysian Representative Office you apply through, which may include cash payment or bank draft addressed to the specific Embassy or Consulate

It’s essential to check the specific fees based on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for before planning your trip to Malaysia.

What is the difference between a Malaysia visa on arrival and a regular visa?

Malaysia Visa on Arrival (VOA)

– Application Process: The VOA can be applied for upon arrival at specific entry points or online for Indian and Chinese nationals.
– Validity: Allows a stay of up to 15 days and is valid for visitors arriving from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand.

Benefits:

– No need to fill out an application form or visit an embassy.
– Faster processing compared to regular visas.
– Less documentation required.

Limitations:

– Restricted to travelers from specific countries.
– Limited stay duration of up to 15 days.
– Higher processing fee than regular visas.
– Requires access to $500 cash.
– Entry Points: Limited entry points including major airports and specific land and sea routes.

Regular Malaysia Visa

– Application Process: Typically requires applying through an embassy or online for various types of visas like eVisa or eNTRI.
– Validity: Depends on the type of visa applied for, ranging from single entry to multiple entries with varying durations.

Benefits:

– Longer stay durations available.
– More flexibility in travel options and purposes.

Limitations:

– May involve a more extensive application process.
– Longer processing times compared to VOA.

Alternatives

– Indian and Chinese nationals have alternatives like the eVisa and eNTRI for longer stays or different entry requirements.

In summary, the Malaysia Visa on Arrival is suitable for short stays with limited requirements and faster processing, while a regular visa offers more flexibility in terms of stay duration and entry options but may involve a more detailed application process. It’s essential to choose the visa type based on your travel needs and duration in Malaysia.

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