Malaysia offers several visa options for foreign nationals depending on nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Whether you are planning a short holiday, a business trip, or a longer stay for work or study, understanding how to apply for a Malaysia visa correctly saves time and prevents costly rejections at the border.
This guide covers every type of Malaysia visa available in 2026, explains the online eVisa application process step by step, lists the required documents, and answers the most frequently asked questions. It also clarifies how the visa process differs from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), which every foreign visitor must complete separately.
Types of Malaysia Visa
Malaysia provides several visa categories to match different travel purposes. The main types are:
Malaysia eVisa (Electronic Visa)
The Malaysia eVisa is an online visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Malaysia for tourism, business, education, medical treatment, or official purposes. It is available as a single-entry visa (SEV) or multiple-entry visa (MEV). The eVisa is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance, and each entry permits a stay of up to 30 days with no extensions allowed.
You apply for the eVisa entirely online through the official portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my. There is no need to visit a Malaysian embassy or consulate in person.
Malaysia eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information)
The eNTRI is a visa waiver facility available to citizens of India and China. It is not a visa but a travel registration that allows entry for up to 15 days per visit. The eNTRI costs significantly less than the eVisa and is processed within minutes. However, it is single-entry only, and holders cannot extend their stay or convert to another visa type while in Malaysia.
Malaysia Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Citizens of certain countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival at select Malaysian international airports. The VOA is typically valid for 7 days and is intended for short transit or tourism purposes. Not all nationalities qualify, and the VOA is only issued at specific entry points such as KLIA, KLIA2, Penang International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Malaysia Sticker Visa (Embassy/Consulate Visa)
For nationalities not eligible for the eVisa or eNTRI, or for stays exceeding 30 days, a traditional sticker visa must be obtained from the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate. This involves submitting a physical application with supporting documents and may take 5 to 10 working days to process.
Malaysia Transit Pass
Transit passengers passing through Malaysia en route to a third country may be eligible for a transit pass without a visa, provided they remain in the transit area and meet specific conditions. Some nationalities can also use their tourist eVisa as a transit pass.
Who Needs a Visa for Malaysia?
Malaysia grants visa-free entry to citizens of over 160 countries for short stays ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality. Citizens of the following regions generally do not need a visa for short tourist visits:
- ASEAN countries (Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei) – up to 90 days visa-free
- European Union member states – up to 90 days visa-free
- United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand – up to 90 days visa-free
- United Kingdom – up to 90 days visa-free
- Japan, South Korea – up to 90 days visa-free
- India and China – visa-exempt for tourist visits up to 30 days until 31 December 2026
Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa before travelling to Malaysia. The eVisa is the most common option for eligible nationalities. Check the official MYVISA portal for the current list of eVisa-eligible countries.
How to Apply for a Malaysia eVisa: Step-by-Step
Applying for a Malaysia eVisa is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps to complete your application:
Step 1: Register an Account on the MYVISA Portal
Visit malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my and create an account using a valid email address. You will need to verify your email before proceeding. Use an email address you check regularly, as all visa correspondence will be sent there.
Step 2: Select Your Visa Type
Choose between:
- Single Entry Visa (SEV) – allows one entry into Malaysia within the validity period
- Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) – allows multiple entries within 6 months; suitable for frequent travellers
Select the visa category that matches your purpose of visit (tourist, business, student, expatriate, or medical).
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in the application form with accurate personal details, including:
- Full name (exactly as shown on your passport)
- Passport number, date of issue, and expiry date
- Nationality and date of birth
- Contact details (email and phone number)
- Travel dates and intended address in Malaysia
- Purpose of visit
Double-check all entries. Even minor discrepancies between your application and your passport can result in visa rejection at the immigration checkpoint.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload clear, high-resolution scans or photos of the following documents:
- Passport bio-data page (must have at least 6 months validity from your intended date of entry)
- Recent passport-sized colour photograph (white background, 3.5 × 5 cm)
- Confirmed return flight ticket or travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter)
- Bank statement for the latest 3 months (if applicable)
- Additional documents depending on visa category (invitation letter for business visas, enrolment letter for student visas)
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa processing fee online using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods. The fee depends on your nationality and visa type:
- Standard processing: approximately USD 25–35 (single entry) or USD 40–50 (multiple entry)
- Express processing: higher fee for faster turnaround (2–3 working days)
Additional service fees may apply depending on your country of application. Fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
Step 6: Receive Your eVisa
Once approved, you will receive your eVisa via email as a PDF document. The standard processing time is 3 to 5 working days. Express processing reduces this to 2 to 3 working days.
Download and print the eVisa on A4 paper. You must present the printed eVisa along with your passport at the immigration checkpoint when entering Malaysia.
Required Documents for Malaysia Visa Application
The exact documents required vary by visa type and nationality. The table below summarises the standard requirements:
| Document | Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa | Student eVisa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months validity) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passport-sized photo (white background) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Return flight ticket / itinerary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hotel booking / accommodation proof | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bank statement (3 months) | If requested | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invitation letter from Malaysian company | × | ✓ | × |
| Enrolment letter from Malaysian institution | × | × | ✓ |
| Birth certificate (minors under 18) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Malaysia eVisa vs eNTRI: Key Differences
Travellers from India and China can choose between the eVisa and the eNTRI. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | eVisa | eNTRI |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible nationalities | 30+ countries | India and China only |
| Maximum stay per entry | 30 days | 15 days |
| Validity | 6 months | 3 months |
| Entry type | Single or Multiple | Single entry only |
| Processing time | 3–5 working days | Instant (within minutes) |
| Cost | USD 25–50 | Approximately USD 16 (MYR 100) |
| Extendable? | No | No |
| Official portal | malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my | malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my |
Malaysia Visa Processing Time and Fees
Processing times and fees depend on the visa type and the service level you choose:
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Fee (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa – Single Entry (standard) | 3–5 working days | USD 25–35 |
| eVisa – Multiple Entry (standard) | 3–5 working days | USD 40–50 |
| eVisa – Express | 2–3 working days | USD 50–75 |
| eNTRI | Instant | Approx. USD 16 |
| Sticker Visa (embassy) | 5–10 working days | Varies by country |
Fees are subject to change. Always verify the current fees on the official MYVISA portal before applying.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Visa Rejection
Malaysia visa applications are rejected for avoidable reasons. Watch out for these common errors:
- Passport validity less than 6 months – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry. Renew your passport before applying if it expires soon.
- Name mismatch – The name on your application must match your passport exactly. Do not abbreviate or rearrange your name.
- Blurred document uploads – Upload clear, high-resolution scans. Blurry or cropped documents are automatically rejected.
- Wrong photo specifications – The passport photo must have a white background, be in colour, and meet the 3.5 × 5 cm dimension requirement. Selfies and casual photos are not accepted.
- Incomplete travel details – Provide a confirmed return flight itinerary and a specific address for your accommodation in Malaysia, not just the city name.
- Applying through unofficial websites – Only use the official portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my. Third-party websites charge higher fees and may not be legitimate.
How to Track Your Malaysia Visa Application
After submitting your eVisa application, you can check the status through the MYVISA portal:
- Log in to your account at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my
- Navigate to “My Application” or “Application Status”
- Enter your application reference number (format: EV followed by numbers, e.g., EV00000000MY)
- View the current status: Submitted, Under Review, Approved, or Rejected
If your application is rejected, you can reapply with corrected documents. The visa fee is non-refundable, so ensure accuracy before your first submission.
Documents Required at Malaysia Immigration Checkpoints
When arriving in Malaysia, have the following documents ready for the immigration officer:
- Printed eVisa (A4 size, printed copy is mandatory)
- Valid passport (the same passport used for the eVisa application)
- Return flight ticket or onward travel proof
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
- Proof of sufficient funds (credit card, cash, or bank statement)
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) confirmation
Immigration officers may ask additional questions about the purpose and duration of your stay. Answer honestly and consistently with the information on your visa application.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) and Your Visa
Every foreign visitor entering Malaysia — regardless of nationality or visa status — must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival. The MDAC is not a visa. It is a separate pre-arrival immigration form that has been mandatory since 1 January 2024.
You must submit the MDAC at least 3 days before your arrival in Malaysia. The form collects your personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, and health declaration. Submitting the MDAC does not replace the need for a visa if your nationality requires one, and having a valid visa does not exempt you from completing the MDAC.
For detailed instructions on completing the MDAC, see our guide: How to Fill Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Malaysia visa online?
Yes. Citizens of eligible countries can apply for a Malaysia eVisa entirely online through the official MYVISA portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my. The process involves registering an account, completing the application form, uploading documents, paying the fee, and receiving the approved eVisa by email.
How much does a Malaysia eVisa cost?
The Malaysia eVisa costs approximately USD 25–35 for a single-entry visa and USD 40–50 for a multiple-entry visa. Express processing costs more. The eNTRI option for Indian and Chinese citizens costs approximately USD 16. Fees are non-refundable.
How long does it take to get a Malaysia visa?
Standard eVisa processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Express processing takes 2 to 3 working days. The eNTRI is processed within minutes. Sticker visas from embassies take 5 to 10 working days.
Do US citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
No. US citizens can enter Malaysia visa-free for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. However, US citizens must still complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival.
Can I extend my Malaysia eVisa?
No. Neither the eVisa nor the eNTRI can be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Malaysia and reapply for a new visa. Overstaying your visa validity results in fines, detention, and potential future entry bans.
What happens if my Malaysia visa application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification with the reason. You can reapply with corrected or additional supporting documents. The visa fee paid for the rejected application is not refunded.
Should I apply for eVisa or eNTRI?
If you are an Indian or Chinese citizen planning a short trip of 15 days or less, the eNTRI is faster and cheaper. For longer stays, multiple entries, or visits exceeding 15 days, apply for the eVisa instead.
Do children need a separate visa?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own visa application. Minors under 18 must provide a birth certificate and may require a consent letter from parents or guardians.
What is the official website for Malaysia visa applications?
The only official portal for Malaysia eVisa applications is malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my, operated by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees or may be fraudulent.
