Your complete guide to a Malaysia visa for Indians
Between the dynamic capital city of Kuala Lumpur and the rainforest islands that make up the nation, Malaysia has been attracting visitors for many years. Learn all about visiting Malaysia if you hold an Indian passport and how to apply for a visa.
Do Indians need a visa for Malaysia?
Yes, all Indian passport holders will need a visa to enter Malaysia. In most cases, you will need to apply for and be approved for the visa before leaving India. Depending on your purpose of travel, the visas can range from short-term and single entry to long-term and multiple entries.¹
Types of Malaysian Visas
Most visas for Malaysia can be applied for online as an eVisa. Visas are issued as single or multiple-entry visas and are valid for a certain amount of time, depending on the type:
| Type of visa | Valid from visa issue date. |
|---|---|
| eVisa Single Entry Visa | 3 months. |
| eVisa Multiple Entry Visa | 3 months or 6 months. |
Indians can only stay a maximum of 30 days per entry on most visas.
Here is a quick breakdown of the main types of visas. Identify the right visa that is relevant for your trip to Malaysia.²
Malaysia tourist visa for Indians
A tourist visa for Malaysia allows Indians to travel across the country only for a social visit or tourism. For example, a tourist visa would be most appropriate if you are taking a cruise, heading to a resort, or attending a wedding in Malaysia.
You can not work, earn income, or study in Malaysia on a tourist visa.
Malaysia employment visa for Indians
You can apply for a temporary employment visa through the same eVisa portal as a tourist visa. The temporary employment visa is only for entering Malaysia. If you need a long-term pass for the country, you can apply once you arrive.
Malaysia transit visa for Indians
Indians do not require a transit visa if they have a single PNR for their connecting flight and not leaving the airport transit area in Malaysia. If you intend to leave the airport and return, you must apply for a regular visa.
Indian citizens were previously allowed transit in Malaysia without a visa, but that has been suspended. If you are in transit through any Malaysian airport, such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it is suggested you do not leave the airport unless you intend to get a tourist visa.
Malaysia visa on arrival for Indians
Visa-on-arrival is only available for Indian citizens if they come into Malaysia from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or Brunei and have a valid visa for any of these countries. In addition, you must show that you have access to at least 500 USD or the currency equivalent and a confirmed return ticket.
If you qualify and pay the fee (more details below), you can only stay in Malaysia for 15 days maximum.
Malaysia student visa
A Malaysia student visa for Indians is a separate process from the standard visa application. It first requires admission to a Malaysian university. That university will then provide a letter supporting your student visa. Read the Wise Guide to the Malaysia student visa for Indian students for more information.
How much does a Malaysia visa cost?
A Malaysian eVisa will cost around MYR 155, plus a service fee. Here is how the fee breaks down and the cost in Indian rupees:³
| eVisa fees | Cost in Malaysian Ringgit | Cost in Indian Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Processing charge | MYR 105.00 | INR 1,884. |
| Visa fee | MYR 50.00 | INR 897. |
| Service fee | MYR 12.40 or .8% of visa fee and processing charge | INR 222. |
The total cost for a Malaysia visa in Indian rupees is approximately INR 3,003.
If you meet the requirements for a Visa-on-arrival by arriving with a valid visa through Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or Brunei, here is the fee to pay at immigration in Malaysia:
| Visa-on-arrival fee | Cost in Malaysian Ringgit | Cost in Indian Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee | MYR 200.00 | INR3,586. |
Visa fees and currency conversion verified on 29 May 2023.
Malaysia visa requirements for Indian citizens
One of the major requirements to get a visa is a passport that has been valid for at least six months before your travel date. Alongside that, you will need to complete a visa application online and submit the appropriate documents.
Documents required for a Malaysia visa
Here are the documents you will need for a Malaysia visa. All documents should be scanned and in the correct format to be uploaded online.
- A passport-sized photo.
- A copy of the biodata page on your passport.
- Copy of your return ticket, if applicable.
- Copy of your accommodation in Malaysia.
- If someone below the age of 12 is traveling with you, you will also need to upload their birth certificate.
You may be asked to provide additional documents, depending on your type of visa.
Once you have been issued an eVisa, you must carry a printout of it with you to the immigration desk when you arrive in Malaysia. It’s essential to ensure you have this printout with you for your stay in the country.
Also, make sure to show officials you have the ability to pay for your stay in Malaysia by showing cash, traveler's cheques, or debit or credit cards you will use during your time there.
How to apply for a Malaysia visa
The quickest and most convenient way to apply for a tourist visa is through the eVisa online portal. Here are the steps to apply:
- Head to the Malaysia government visa website.
- Click on “I’m New! Apply”
- Complete the registration details.
- Once registered, log in.
- Start a new application.
- Complete the application with all your details.
- Upload your documents.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Submit your application.
Once you submit your eVisa application, you can check the status on the website.
If you are applying for a business or employment visa, you can only apply through three authorized agents by the Malaysian government:
- Malaysia Visa Application Centre (Malaysia VAC)
- Malaysia Visa Service - VLN
- Malaysia Visa Application Centre (MVAC)
You can visit their website to understand the process for how to apply.
How long does it take to get a Malaysia visa?
eVisa processing typically takes 2 working days after successfully submitting an application. The Embassy of Malaysia in India may come back to you within that time to ask for additional documents or for you to come for a visa interview in person.
One thing to note, if you are requested to submit additional documents, make sure you provide the documents within 5 working days, or your application can get rejected.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to the Embassy of Malaysia by email at newdelhi@imi.gov.my.⁴
Start your international journey with Wise
Sending money to Malaysia? Check out Wise for sending money from India to bank accounts abroad. You can save money on international transfers with Wise's low transfer fee and the mid-market exchange rate, which is the same as the one you see on Google.
If you are already living abroad, take a look at the Wise multi-currency account available for residents living in supported countries. Enjoy an account as worldly as you are and spend just like a local when you travel abroad with a linked debit card, while also paying less in fees.
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Sources used for this article:
- eVisa PDF
- eVisa – Malaysian Immigration Department
- Visa Requirement - for Foreigners
- eVisa terms and conditions
Source verified on 29 May 2023.
Photo by Esmonde Yong on Unsplash
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