Malaysia has a reputation as the easiest country for travel in Southeast Asia, particularly due to its simple visa situation. Nationals from many countries enjoy visa-free entry upon arrival, meaning there are few bureaucratic hurdles standing between travelers and Malaysia’s stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant food markets.
Moreover, the convenient visa arrangements facilitate easy side trips to neighboring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand. However, it’s prudent to check the latest Covid restrictions prior to travel. Here’s everything you need to know about visa requirements for Malaysia.
Can I Travel to Malaysia Without a Visa?
In typical scenarios, nationals from most European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and various other nations can visit Malaysia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This policy applies to arrivals by air, land, and sea.
In practice, a 90-day stay is usually granted by default when entering Malaysia by air. Conversely, if entering by land or sea, travelers might receive a 30-day entry stamp unless they specifically request a longer duration. Consequently, it is wise to ask for an extension upon arrival, as it might not be feasible later.
Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped, and you will need to complete an arrival/departure card. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Authorities may request proof of sufficient funds and a ticket for onward travel from Malaysia; however, these requests are uncommon.
Some Countries Are Granted a Shorter Stay in Malaysia
Citizens from Russia and several neighboring countries are allowed a stay of one month upon arrival. Similar rules apply to nationals from many African countries as well as Central and South American nations. For travelers seeking longer stays, applying for a visa is necessary.
It’s important to note that citizens of Israel can only enter Malaysia with prior written permission from Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, complicating potential overland travel from Thailand to Singapore.
What Are the Visa Requirements for Malaysia?
For those whose home countries aren’t on the visa-free list or who plan an extended stay, applying for a visa is essential. However, it is crucial to understand that only multi-entry visas reserved for business travelers can be valid for more than 90 days.
Tourist E-Visas are available for citizens from specific countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days. For detailed application procedures and a comprehensive list of eligible countries, refer to the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s official website.
Travelers from other nations must obtain their visas through Malaysian embassies or consulates in their home countries. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs maintains an updated directory of Malaysian missions globally, providing guidance on the application process.
Business and Transit Visas for Malaysia
In general, business travelers can enter Malaysia much like tourists; however, working for any Malaysian company is strictly prohibited without the proper visa. Business travelers may also apply for long-duration multiple-entry visas, though this process tends to be more complex.
Transit visas are available; nevertheless, given the ease of access for most travelers into Malaysia, they are seldom required.
What Are the Rules for Travel to East Malaysia?
Sabah and Sarawak, the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo, maintain a certain level of control over their borders. Travelers arriving from Peninsular Malaysia must undergo passport control and have their passports stamped. This regulation also applies when traveling between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei, and when entering the federal district of Pulau Labuan.
When arriving in Sabah or Sarawak from elsewhere in Malaysia, the new visa stamp will only be valid for the remainder of the time originally granted on your initial entry into Malaysia. However, if Malaysian Borneo is your first stop upon arriving, one can expect the full duration of either 30 or 90 days.
Extending a Malaysia Visa
While the entry protocols for Malaysia may seem relaxed, it is critical to avoid overstaying your visa or the allowed entry period. Violation of this can lead to serious consequences, including detention, fines, deportation, and blacklisting.
Previously, extending a 30-day entry to 90 days was possible through the Immigration Department of Malaysia, but recent complications due to the pandemic necessitate caution regarding this process. Extending a 90-day stay, however, is typically not an option.
Fortunately, travelers can extend their stays by briefly exiting to a neighboring country and returning, at which point a new entry stamp is usually issued. This procedure can be successfully executed once or twice; however, frequent repetition, often referred to as the “visa run,” may draw scrutiny from the authorities.
On the peninsula, Johor Bahru offers the simplest option for exiting and re-entering Malaysia; frequent local bus services connect this area to Singapore around the clock. Alternatively, Pulau Langkawi provides ferry options to Satun (available year-round) and Ko Lipe (from November to May) in Thailand.
Travelers can also consider crossing the Thai border by train at Padang Besar or taking a ferry to Sumatra in Indonesia from Melaka or Johor Bahru. In East Malaysia, bus or boat journeys into Kalimantan, Indonesia, or easy bus connections to Brunei from either Miri or Kota Kinabalu, as well as boat rides from Pulau Labuan, present convenient options.
