Indian nationals can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days under a temporary exemption valid until 31 December 2026. No embassy visit, no eVisa application, no eNTRI registration is needed for short tourist stays. You only need a valid passport, a return ticket, and a completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). For stays longer than 30 days or for work and study purposes, Indian citizens can apply for an eVisa or eNTRI through the Malaysian Immigration portal.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia?
As of July 2026, Indian passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for Malaysia. The Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kementerian Dalam Negeri, or KDN), first announced the visa exemption for Indian nationals in late 2023 and has extended it multiple times. The current extension runs until 31 December 2026, as confirmed by BERNAMA (the Malaysian national news agency) on 21 December 2024.
Under this exemption, Indian citizens can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days per visit without obtaining any visa. This covers tourism, family visits, business meetings, and social visits.
Key conditions for visa-free entry:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
- A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Sufficient funds to cover your stay (typically MYR 1,000 or more)
- A completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submitted at least 3 days before arrival
- No criminal record or previous immigration violations in Malaysia
See our detailed guide on Malaysia entry requirements for a full breakdown of what you need at the border.
Important: The visa exemption is temporary. If it is not extended beyond December 2026, Indian nationals will need to apply for an eNTRI or eVisa again. Always check the latest status before booking your trip.
eNTRI for Indian Citizens: The Quick Option
The eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information) is a special online travel facility available exclusively to Indian and Chinese passport holders. It was originally launched as a simpler alternative to the eVisa and remains available even during the current visa exemption period.
Key features of the eNTRI:
- Validity: 3 months from the date of issuance
- Entry type: Single entry only
- Stay duration: Up to 15 days per entry
- Cost: MYR 160 (approximately INR 2,900 or USD 34)
- Processing time: Instant (approved immediately upon submission)
- Entry point: Must enter Malaysia within 15 days of approval
The eNTRI is ideal if you are making a short trip and want a guaranteed entry document. While the visa exemption currently covers 30-day stays, the eNTRI provides an extra layer of certainty since it is a pre-approved travel authorization.
To apply for an eNTRI:
- Visit the official Malaysian Immigration portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my
- Select eNTRI and choose India as your nationality
- Fill in your personal details and passport information
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph
- Pay the MYR 160 fee online
- Download and print your eNTRI note immediately
The eNTRI note must be presented at immigration upon arrival in Malaysia along with your passport.
eVisa for Malaysia: For Longer Stays
If you plan to stay in Malaysia for more than 30 days (or 15 days on eNTRI), or if the visa exemption expires without renewal, Indian citizens can apply for a Malaysia eVisa. The eVisa is an electronic visa that allows you to enter Malaysia for tourism, business, or social visits.
Malaysia eVisa details for Indian citizens:
- Validity: 3 months from the date of issuance
- Entry type: Single entry or multiple entry (depending on the visa type)
- Stay duration: Up to 30 days per entry
- Cost: MYR 200 (approximately INR 3,600 or USD 43) for a single-entry eVisa
- Processing time: 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 business days)
- Application portal: malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my
Documents required for the eVisa application:
- Scanned copy of your passport bio page (valid for 6+ months)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, 35mm x 45mm)
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
- Bank statement showing a minimum balance of MYR 1,000 (from the last 3 months)
Learn more about Malaysia visa types for tourism, business, student, and employment categories.
How to Apply for a Malaysia Visa from India
Whether you choose the eNTRI or eVisa, the application process is entirely online. There is no need to visit the Malaysian Embassy in New Delhi or any consulate unless you are applying for a long-term visa (work, study, or residence).
Step-by-step eVisa application from India:
- Create an account on the official portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my
- Fill in the application form with personal, passport, and travel details
- Upload all required documents (passport scan, photo, flight booking, hotel booking, bank statement)
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card
- Submit the application and wait for processing (48 to 72 hours)
- Download the approved eVisa from your portal account
- Print the eVisa and carry it with your passport when traveling
See our complete guide on how to apply for a Malaysia visa for detailed instructions with screenshots.
Malaysia visa application tips for Indian travelers:
- Apply at least 1 week before your travel date to allow for processing delays
- Ensure your passport scan is clear and all details are legible
- The passport photograph must meet ICAO standards (no glasses, neutral expression, white background)
- Bank statements should show consistent balance, not just a sudden large deposit
- Flight bookings must show your name exactly as it appears on your passport
Malaysia Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
The cost of entering Malaysia depends on which option you choose. Since Indian nationals are currently visa-exempt, the cheapest option is to enter without any visa at all. However, if you need an eNTRI or eVisa, here are the current fees.
| Visa Type | Cost (MYR) | Cost (INR approx.) | Stay Duration | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry (exemption) | Free | Free | 30 days | Until Dec 2026 |
| eNTRI | MYR 160 | INR 2,900 | 15 days | 3 months |
| Single-entry eVisa | MYR 200 | INR 3,600 | 30 days | 3 months |
| Multiple-entry eVisa | MYR 250 | INR 4,500 | 30 days per entry | 3 months |
INR equivalents are approximate and depend on the prevailing exchange rate. The eNTRI and eVisa fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied.
Check our full breakdown of Malaysia visa fees for all nationalities and visa types.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for Indian Travelers
Regardless of whether you enter visa-free, with an eNTRI, or with an eVisa, every Indian traveler must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before entering Malaysia. The MDAC is mandatory for all foreign visitors and replaced the old paper arrival/departure card in January 2024.
MDAC requirements for Indian citizens:
- Submit online at least 3 days before your arrival in Malaysia
- The form is completely free of charge
- You need: passport details, flight number, accommodation address in Malaysia, and a valid email address
- Access the official form at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
Beware of scam websites that charge fees for the MDAC. The Times of India reported in February 2025 that fraudulent sites were charging up to USD 100 for the free MDAC form. The official MDAC is always free and is submitted only through the Immigration Department of Malaysia portal.
Learn more about what the MDAC is and how to fill it out step by step.
Documents Checklist for Indian Citizens Traveling to Malaysia
Whether you enter visa-free or with an approved visa, have these documents ready when departing India and arriving in Malaysia.
| Document | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Indian passport | All entries | Must be valid for 6+ months from arrival date |
| Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) | All entries | Submit online at least 3 days before arrival |
| Return or onward flight ticket | All entries | Immigration officers may ask to see it |
| Proof of accommodation | All entries | Hotel booking or invitation letter from host |
| Proof of sufficient funds | All entries | Bank statement, cash, or credit card |
| eVisa printout | eVisa holders only | Must be presented at immigration checkpoint |
| eNTRI note printout | eNTRI holders only | Must be presented at immigration checkpoint |
| Yellow fever certificate | If arriving from a risk country | Only if transiting through a yellow fever endemic area |
See our complete Malaysia visa documents checklist for all document types and requirements.
Malaysian Embassy and Consulates in India
For long-term visas (employment, student, residence), Indian citizens must apply through the Malaysian diplomatic mission. The eVisa and eNTRI systems do not cover work permits, student passes, or long-term social visit passes.
Malaysian diplomatic missions in India:
| Mission | Address | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy of Malaysia, New Delhi | 50-M, Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 | Northern and Central India |
| Consulate General, Mumbai | 1st Floor, 142 Maker Chambers IV, 222 Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 | Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh) |
| Consulate General, Chennai | No. 7, Cenotaph Road, 1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai 600018 | Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) |
For employment and student visas, you will also need a Visa With Reference (VDR) approval letter from the Malaysian Immigration Department before applying at the embassy or consulate.
Direct Flights from India to Malaysia
Multiple airlines operate direct flights from major Indian cities to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), making Malaysia one of the most accessible Southeast Asian destinations for Indian travelers.
| Airline | Route | Flight Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia Airlines | Delhi to Kuala Lumpur | ~5.5 hours | Daily |
| AirAsia | Chennai to Kuala Lumpur | ~4 hours | Daily |
| AirAsia | Kolkata to Kuala Lumpur | ~4.5 hours | 4 times/week |
| AirAsia | Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur | ~4.5 hours | Daily |
| AirAsia | Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur | ~5 hours | Daily |
| IndiGo | Delhi to Kuala Lumpur | ~5.5 hours | Daily |
| IndiGo | Chennai to Kuala Lumpur | ~4 hours | Daily |
| Batik Air | Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur | ~4.5 hours | 3 times/week |
| Scoot | Chennai to Kuala Lumpur | ~4 hours | 3 times/week |
Flight durations and frequencies are approximate and may vary by season. AirAsia and IndiGo typically offer the most affordable fares, with round-trip prices starting from INR 8,000 to 15,000 during off-peak periods.
Overstaying in Malaysia: Penalties for Indian Citizens
Malaysia strictly enforces immigration rules. Even if you entered visa-free, overstaying your allowed duration is a serious offense with severe consequences.
Penalties for overstaying in Malaysia:
- Fine: Up to MYR 10,000 for short overstays
- Detention: You may be held in an immigration detention center
- Deportation: At your own expense, including the cost of a return flight
- Ban: You may be banned from re-entering Malaysia for 1 to 5 years
- Criminal charges: For extended overstays (more than 30 days), you may face criminal prosecution under Malaysian immigration law
The Malaysian detention facilities have been described as having limited healthcare and basic conditions. The Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur cannot intervene to allow you to stay in Malaysia or issue documents to support an overstay.
Always check your passport stamp carefully when entering Malaysia to confirm your allowed stay duration. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at the nearest Malaysian Immigration office before your current stay expires.
FAQs About Malaysia Visa for Indian Citizens
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Malaysia in 2026?
No. Indian nationals are currently exempt from visa requirements for Malaysia until 31 December 2026. You can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business meetings, or social visits. You still need a valid passport (6+ months validity) and a completed MDAC.
How long can an Indian citizen stay in Malaysia without a visa?
Under the current visa exemption, Indian citizens can stay for up to 30 days per visit. If you need a longer stay, you can apply for an eVisa (30 days, extendable) or a long-term visa through the Malaysian Embassy.
What is the eNTRI and should I apply for it?
The eNTRI is a special online travel registration for Indian and Chinese citizens. It costs MYR 160, allows a single entry for up to 15 days, and is approved instantly. Since Indian nationals are currently visa-exempt, the eNTRI is optional but provides an extra layer of entry certainty.
How much does a Malaysia visa cost for Indian citizens?
Visa-free entry is currently free. The eNTRI costs MYR 160 (about INR 2,900), and a single-entry eVisa costs MYR 200 (about INR 3,600). Fees are non-refundable.
How long does it take to get a Malaysia eVisa from India?
The eVisa processing time is typically 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 business days). The eNTRI is approved instantly. Apply at least 1 week before your travel date to allow for any delays.
Can I work in Malaysia with a tourist visa or eVisa?
No. Tourist visas, eVisas, and eNTRI permits do not allow employment in Malaysia. To work legally, you need an Employment Pass, which requires a sponsoring employer in Malaysia to apply on your behalf through the Immigration Department.
What happens if my Malaysia visa application is rejected?
If your eVisa application is rejected, the visa fee is not refunded. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documents, unclear passport scans, insufficient bank balance, or mismatched flight details. You can reapply after correcting the issues.
Do I need travel insurance for Malaysia?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for entry but is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Malaysia can be high for foreign visitors, and insurance covers flight cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical treatment.
Can I enter Malaysia from Singapore by land as an Indian citizen?
Yes. Indian nationals can enter Malaysia from Singapore via the Johor Bahru land border crossing (Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints). You must carry your passport and MDAC. The visa-free exemption applies to all entry points, including land borders.
Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) really mandatory?
Yes. Since January 2024, the MDAC is mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Malaysia. Airlines may check for your MDAC confirmation at check-in. Submit it at least 3 days before arrival through the official portal. The form is free of charge.
