Malaysia grants visa-free entry to over 160 countries and territories, making it one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia. Depending on your nationality, you can stay for 90, 30, or 14 days without a visa. All foreign visitors must still complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before entry.
Visa-Free Entry to Malaysia: Overview
Malaysia maintains one of the most generous visa exemption policies in Asia. According to the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) and Timatic data, passport holders from more than 160 countries can enter without a visa. The allowed stay duration depends on bilateral agreements between Malaysia and each country.
Even if you qualify for visa-free entry, you must still meet these basic entry requirements:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- A completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submitted at least 3 days before arrival
See our detailed guide on Malaysia entry requirements for a full breakdown of what you need at the border.
Countries With 90-Day Visa-Free Entry
The longest visa-free stay Malaysia offers is 90 days. This applies to citizens of all European Union member states, EFTA countries, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, and several other countries with strong bilateral agreements.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| European Union | All 27 EU member states (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden) |
| EFTA | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland |
| GCC | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates |
| Americas | Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, United States, Uruguay |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Maldives, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey |
| Middle East & Africa | Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, San Marino, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Yemen |
| Europe (non-EU) | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Total: approximately 60+ countries with 90-day visa-free access.
Countries With 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
The majority of visa-free visitors to Malaysia receive a 30-day stay. This covers all ASEAN member states (except Myanmar, which gets 14 days) and a wide range of countries across every continent.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| ASEAN | Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam |
| East Asia | China, Macau |
| South Asia | India, Sri Lanka |
| Central Asia | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan |
| Eastern Europe | Belarus, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine |
| Americas | Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela |
| Africa | Benin, Botswana, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
| Pacific | Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu |
| Middle East & Other | Andorra, Iraq, Monaco, Morocco, Palestine, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan |
Total: approximately 100+ countries with 30-day visa-free access.
Countries With 14-Day Visa-Free Entry
A small number of countries receive a shorter 14-day visa-free stay:
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| Iran | 14 days visa-free |
| Myanmar | 14 days (extended from previous visa-required status in September 2025) |
| Niger | 14 days |
| Nigeria | 14 days |
If you hold a passport from one of these countries and wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa through the Malaysian embassy or the eVisa system.
Countries That Require a Visa for Malaysia
Not all nationalities qualify for visa-free entry. Citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa before traveling to Malaysia:
| Country | Special Requirement |
|---|---|
| Israel | Visa required plus approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs |
| North Korea | Visa required (since March 2017) |
| Western Sahara | Visa required; entry by air only |
| Bangladesh | Visa required |
| Bhutan | Visa required |
| Burkina Faso | Visa required |
| Burundi | Visa required |
| Cameroon | Visa required |
| Central African Republic | Visa required |
| Colombia | Visa required |
| Republic of the Congo | Visa required |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Visa required |
| Djibouti | Visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | Visa required |
| Eritrea | Visa required |
| Ethiopia | Visa required |
Citizens of visa-required countries can apply for an eVisa or eNTRI (electronic travel registration) through the Malaysian Immigration portal. The eVisa is available for stays of up to 30 days. Learn more about Malaysia visa types and which one suits your trip.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Required for Everyone
Regardless of whether your country has visa-free access, every foreign visitor must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before entering Malaysia. Key rules:
- Submit the MDAC online at least 3 days before your arrival
- The form is free of charge
- You need your passport details, flight information, and accommodation address
- The MDAC replaces the old paper arrival/departure card
Beware of fraudulent websites that charge fees for the MDAC. The official form is available only through the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s portal.
Special Entry Categories
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card with valid endorsement for Malaysia can enter visa-free for up to 60 days for business purposes. This card is available to citizens of APEC member economies.
Non-Ordinary Passport Holders
Diplomatic, official, and service passport holders from certain countries may have different (often more generous) visa-free arrangements than ordinary passport holders. Check with the Malaysian embassy in your country for specific arrangements.
Visa-Free vs. eVisa vs. eNTRI: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Visa-Free | eVisa | eNTRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | 160+ countries | Visa-required countries | Select countries (India, China) |
| Stay duration | 14, 30, or 90 days | Up to 30 days | Up to 15 days |
| Cost | Free | RM 100-200 | RM 160 |
| Processing time | N/A | 48-72 hours | Instant |
| Entry points | All | All | All |
Entry Requirements Checklist
Before traveling to Malaysia, make sure you have:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- A return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Completed MDAC (submitted at least 3 days before arrival)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an endemic country)
FAQs About Visa-Free Countries in Malaysia
Have questions about entering Malaysia? Our guide on how to fill the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card walks you through the process step by step.
Do US citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
No. US passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days. You must still complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival.
Can Indian citizens visit Malaysia without a visa?
Yes. Indian nationals receive visa-free entry for up to 30 days. This exemption has been extended until December 2026. You still need to complete the MDAC.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
No. Chinese passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. The MDAC is still required.
How long can British citizens stay in Malaysia without a visa?
UK passport holders can stay in Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days. Complete the MDAC at least 3 days before your trip.
Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes, the MDAC is completely free. Only use the official Immigration Department website to submit it. Avoid third-party sites that charge unnecessary fees.
Can I extend my visa-free stay in Malaysia?
In most cases, you must leave Malaysia when your visa-free period expires and re-enter to get a new stamp. Extensions are possible in limited circumstances through the Immigration Department.
What happens if I overstay my visa-free period in Malaysia?
Overstaying in Malaysia is a serious offense. Penalties include fines, detention, and being banned from re-entering Malaysia. Always leave before your allowed stay expires.
Do I need a return ticket to enter Malaysia visa-free?
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight or bus ticket to a neighboring country is typically sufficient.
Which countries are banned from entering Malaysia?
Israeli citizens need special approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs. North Korean citizens require a visa since 2017. Western Sahara citizens need a visa and can only enter by air.
Can I work in Malaysia on a visa-free entry?
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. Working in Malaysia requires an employment pass or work visa obtained before arrival.
Summary
Malaysia’s visa-free policy covers over 160 countries with stays ranging from 14 to 90 days. Whether you qualify for 90-day access (EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia) or 30-day access (ASEAN, China, India), remember that the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign visitors. Check the latest policy updates on the Immigration Department of Malaysia website before your trip.
