A Malaysia Tourist Visa is a Single Entry Visa that lets you stay up to 30 days for sightseeing, holidays, and social visits. Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Malaysia visa-free for 14 to 90 days, but everyone else must apply for a tourist visa through the online eVisa portal or at a Malaysian Embassy before travelling.
The Malaysia tourist visa is the most common entry document for short-term visitors who are not covered by visa-free arrangements. It is officially classified as a Visa Without Reference (VTR), meaning the embassy or consulate issues it directly without needing prior approval from the Immigration Department in Putrajaya.
Below you will find who needs a tourist visa, how the application works, what documents you need, the fees involved, and how it compares to eVisa and eNTRI.
Who Needs a Malaysia Tourist Visa?
Whether you need a Malaysia tourist visa depends on your nationality. Over 60 countries enjoy visa-free entry:
- 90 days: All EU member states, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most ASEAN neighbors
- 30 days: India (until 31 December 2026), China (until 31 December 2026), most African and Central Asian states
- 14 days: A smaller group of countries with limited visa-free access
If your country is not on the visa-free list, you need a tourist visa before arriving in Malaysia. The most common visa-required nationalities include:
| Country | Visa Required? | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso | Yes | Embassy visa |
| Central African Republic | Yes | Embassy visa |
| DR Congo | Yes | Embassy visa |
| Republic of Congo | Yes | Embassy visa |
| Cote d’Ivoire | Yes | Embassy visa |
| Equatorial Guinea | Yes | Embassy visa |
| Hong Kong (SAR) | Yes | Embassy visa |
| Sri Lanka | Yes | eVisa eligible |
| Western Sahara | Yes | Embassy visa |
Tip: Check our complete list of visa-free countries for Malaysia to see if your nationality qualifies for automatic entry without a visa.
Tourist Visa vs eVisa vs eNTRI: What Is the Difference?
Malaysia offers three pathways for short-term visitors, and they are often confused. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Tourist Visa (Embassy) | eVisa | eNTRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to apply | In person at embassy or consulate | Online | Online |
| Validity | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Max stay per entry | 30 days | 30 days | 15 days |
| Entries | Single | Single or multiple | Single |
| Processing time | ~1 week | 24-48 hours | Instant |
| Eligible countries | All visa-required nationalities | Selected countries | Indian and Chinese nationals only |
| Fee | Varies by nationality | RM 100-300 | MYR 160 |
| Print requirement | Visa sticker in passport | Print A4 copy | Print A4 copy |
The eVisa and eNTRI are convenient online alternatives, but they only cover certain nationalities. If you are not eligible for eVisa or eNTRI, the traditional embassy visa is your path. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on Malaysia eVisa vs eNTRI.
How to Apply for a Malaysia Tourist Visa
There are two ways to apply, depending on your nationality and which option is available to you.
Option 1: Online via the eVisa Portal
If your nationality is eligible for eVisa, you can apply entirely online through the Malaysian Immigration Department’s portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my.
Steps:
1. Create an account on the eVisa portal
2. Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel details
3. Upload scanned copies of your passport, photograph, and supporting documents
4. Pay the visa fee online (typically MYR 100-300 depending on nationality)
5. Wait for approval (usually 24-48 hours)
6. Download and print the eVisa on A4 paper (colour or black-and-white)
7. Present the printed eVisa alongside your passport at the immigration checkpoint
Important: You must print a physical copy of the eVisa. Immigration officers will not accept a phone screen display. See our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Malaysia visa for detailed instructions.
Option 2: In Person at a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate
If you are not eligible for eVisa, you must apply at the nearest Malaysian Embassy, Consulate, or authorized Visa Application Centre (such as VFS Global).
Steps:
1. Find the nearest Malaysian Representative Office abroad
2. Download and complete the Malaysian visa application form (two copies)
3. Gather all required documents (see list below)
4. Submit the application in person and leave your passport
5. Wait for processing (usually about one week)
6. Collect your passport with the visa sticker attached
The embassy will affix a visa sticker directly into your passport if approved. This sticker is what you present when you arrive in Malaysia.## Required Documents for a Malaysia Tourist Visa
Whether you apply online or at the embassy, you will need these documents:
- Passport – valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Passport-sized photographs – two recent photos (35mm x 50mm) with white background, taken within the last 3 months
- Completed application form – two signed copies (for embassy applications)
- Return or onward flight ticket – your booking must show a confirmed departure within the visa validity period
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Malaysia
- Bank statements – recent statements from the last 3 months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay
- No Objection Letter – from your employer or educational institution confirming you are permitted to travel
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate – required only if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a country with Yellow Fever risk
For minors (under 18): Children need their own tourist visa. Additional documents include a birth certificate and consent letter from both parents or legal guardians.
Photograph Requirements
Malaysia has strict photo specifications:
– Size: 35mm x 50mm
– Background: plain white
– Face must be fully visible, no head coverings (except for religious reasons)
– Glasses may be worn but frames must not cover eyes
– Taken within the last 3 months
Malaysia Tourist Visa Fee
The cost of a Malaysia tourist visa varies depending on how you apply and your nationality:
| Application Method | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy (Single Entry) | MYR 20-50 (~USD 5-12) | Varies by nationality and embassy location |
| eVisa (Single Entry) | MYR 100 (~USD 22) | Standard processing online |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry) | MYR 300 (~USD 66) | For selected nationalities only |
| eNTRI | MYR 160 (~USD 35) | Indian and Chinese nationals only |
| Visa on Arrival | MYR 200+ | Indian/Chinese from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand |
Some embassies charge an additional service fee or processing fee on top of the visa fee. Payment methods also differ – some embassies require cash while others accept bank transfers only.
For the most current fee data across all visa types, see our Malaysia visa fee breakdown.
Validity and Duration of Stay
Understanding the difference between visa validity and permitted stay is important:
- Visa validity is 3 months from the date of issue. This is the window in which you must enter Malaysia. Once this period expires, you cannot use the visa.
- Permitted stay is up to 30 days per entry. This is how long you can actually remain in Malaysia after arriving.
- The immigration officer at the checkpoint decides the exact number of days you are allowed to stay.
You cannot extend a tourist visa while in Malaysia. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave Malaysia and apply for a new visa. Overstaying your permitted days is a serious immigration offence and can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans.
Malaysian Visa on Arrival (VOA)
A Visa on Arrival is available under very specific conditions:
Eligible nationalities: Indian and Chinese citizens only
Requirements:
– Arriving directly from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand
– Holding a valid visa for one of those three countries
– Having a confirmed return or onward flight within 7 days
– Carrying at least USD 1,000 per person in cash or equivalent
The VOA is issued at the arrival checkpoint and typically allows a stay of up to 7 days. It is designed for short stopovers and is not a substitute for a regular tourist visa if you plan to stay longer.
MDAC: Mandatory for All Tourist Visa Holders
Regardless of whether you enter with a tourist visa, eVisa, eNTRI, or visa-free entry, you must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arriving in Malaysia.
The MDAC is an electronic arrival declaration that replaced the paper arrival card in January 2024. Key rules:
- Submit online at mdac.imi.gov.my within 3 days before your arrival
- You need your passport details, flight information, and accommodation address in Malaysia
- All foreign nationals including infants and children must have their own MDAC
- There is no fee to submit the MDAC
Having a valid visa does not exempt you from the MDAC requirement. Immigration officers will check both your visa and your MDAC submission at the checkpoint. Read our complete guide on what the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is and our MDAC step-by-step instructions.
After You Arrive: The Short Term Social Visit Pass
When you pass through immigration with your tourist visa, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with a Short Term Social Visit Pass. This is your actual permission to be in Malaysia – the tourist visa only allowed you to travel there.
The visit pass will show the number of days you are permitted to stay. You must:
– Not overstay under any circumstances
– Only engage in activities permitted under a social visit (tourism, family visits, short courses up to 30 days)
– Carry your passport at all times during your stay
For a complete picture of all visa options beyond tourism, see our guide to all Malaysia visa types.
FAQs About Malaysia Tourist Visa
How long can I stay in Malaysia on a tourist visa?
The maximum stay is 30 days per entry. The immigration officer at the checkpoint decides the exact duration on arrival. You cannot extend a tourist visa while in Malaysia.
Can I work in Malaysia on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa only permits sightseeing, social visits, and family visits. To work in Malaysia, you need an Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, or other work-related visa category.
Do I need a tourist visa if I am from India?
Indian nationals are currently exempt from the visa requirement for tourist and social visits until 31 December 2026. You can stay up to 30 days without a visa. You still need to submit the MDAC before arrival.
Can I apply for a Malaysia tourist visa from inside the country?
No. You cannot apply for a tourist visa while already in Malaysia. You must obtain the visa before travelling and have it ready when you arrive at the immigration checkpoint.
How long does it take to process a tourist visa?
Online eVisa applications are typically processed in 24-48 hours. Embassy applications take about 1 week on average, but processing times may vary by location.
Do children need a tourist visa?
Yes. Every traveller including infants must have their own tourist visa and their own MDAC submission. For minors, you must additionally upload their birth certificate and provide parental consent.
Can I use a tourist visa to enter Malaysia multiple times?
No. The standard tourist visa is a Single Entry Visa. Once you leave Malaysia, the visa is used. If you plan to re-enter, you need to apply for a new visa or consider the eVisa Multiple Entry option if your nationality is eligible.
What happens if I overstay my tourist visa?
Overstaying is a serious immigration offence in Malaysia. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry. Even a single day of overstay can result in penalties.
Do I need travel insurance for a Malaysia tourist visa?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory document for the tourist visa application, but it is highly recommended. Some embassies may request proof of insurance depending on your nationality.
Is the Malaysia tourist visa the same as eVisa?
Not exactly. The tourist visa is the general category. The eVisa is one way to obtain it – through an online application. The other way is applying in person at a Malaysian Embassy. Both grant the same 30-day stay permission, but the eVisa process is faster and does not require an embassy visit.
