Malaysia Tourist Visa

Malaysia is a culturally rich, rainforest‑draped nation in Southeast Asia, known for food‑forward cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, beaches in Langkawi, and Borneo’s wildlife. For most Indian leisure travellers, flights are frequent from major Indian hubs and total trip costs suit budget to mid‑range plans.

Malaysia has visa‑free entry for Indian passport holders for stays up to 30 days for social visit purposes, in force from 1 December 2023 until 31 December 2026, subject to meeting entry conditions and completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three (3) days before arrival.

If you need to stay longer than 30 days, travel for non‑tourist purposes, or otherwise do not meet visa‑free conditions, you should apply for the appropriate Malaysia travel visa (eVISA or sticker visa) via official channels. The Malaysia Immigration eVISA portal is the government system for online applications.

There are multiple entry pathways to receive the Malaysian visa for Indians. For leisure travellers, these are the most relevant:

Visa‑free Entry (for Eligible Indian Travellers)

• Who qualifies: Indian passport holders entering for tourism/social visit purposes, up to 30 days per entry, until 31 December 2026.

• Key conditions at the border: Passport valid 6+ months, confirmed return/onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, sufficient funds, and a completed MDAC submitted online within 3 days before arrival. Carry printouts or digital copies to streamline checks.

Note: Even if you qualify for visa‑free entry, you must file the MDAC prior to travel.

Short‑term eVISA (Tourist/Social Visit)

If you don’t meet visa‑free conditions, plan a longer stay, or need a different purpose, you may apply for a Malaysia eVISA online:

• The eVISA platform supports Single Entry Visa (SEV) and Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) variants for eligible nationalities/purposes; processing time is generally 2–7 working days (excludes weekends/public holidays and cases requiring queries).
  

• Applications are submitted only through malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my; do not apply from within Malaysia as an individual.

Sticker Visas via Embassy/Consulate

Certain travellers/purposes instead use Visa Without Reference (VTR) or Visa With Reference (VDR) through Malaysian missions. The High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi outlines entry conditions and points applicants to the official eVISA portal for online options.

Whether you intend to travel visa‑free or via eVISA/sticker visa, ensure you can demonstrate:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining at entry.

• Tourist/social purpose (or other approved short‑term purpose) and plan to leave within the permitted stay.

• Confirmed return/onward tickets and confirmed accommodation.

• Sufficient funds for the stay, evidenced if requested at immigration.

• MDAC submitted online within 3 days prior to arrival (applies to foreign nationals, including Indians).

For those who must apply for an eVISA, eligibility and document requirements are explained on the official portal and on the High Commission’s guidance for eVISA of Indian nationals.

Tip: Malaysia lists 31 nationalities for whom eVISA is mandatory for social visits; policy nuances and processing vary, so always consult the official eVISA FAQ before you apply.

Below are the official‑source steps for travellers who need a Malaysia tourist visa (eVISA) rather than visa‑free entry.

• Confirm Whether You Need a Visa

Check if your trip qualifies under the visa‑free policy (Indians up to 30 days through 31 December 2026). If not eligible or staying longer, proceed to the eVISA route at the official portal.

• Gather Necessary Documents

Prepare a valid passport, compliant photo, travel plan, accommodation details, and financial proofs. The High Commission notes standard entry conditions (passport validity, tickets, hotel, funds), and the eVISA page provides format/quality guidance for uploads.

• Register and Access the Official eVISA Portal

Go to malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my, create an account, and start your application (individual applicants must apply from outside Malaysia).

• Complete the Online Form

Enter personal data and travel details exactly as mentioned on your passport. Any mismatch can delay or derail processing. 

• Upload Supporting Documents

Upload the passport biodata page, photo, itinerary, accommodation proof, and any other items requested by the system for your nationality/purpose.

• Pay the Fees Online
  You’ll pay:

  • the visa fee (varies by nationality; India: ₹925 (RM 50)),

  • the processing fee ₹1,943 (RM 105), and

  • a convenience fee (e.g., 0.8% for card payments; 1.7% via certain e‑wallets), all charged on the portal.

• Submit and Save Your Reference

Submit the completed application, then save/print your receipt and reference. You can check status on the same portal and later verify eVISA authenticity if needed.

• Processing and Decision

Typical processing takes 2–7 working days (excludes weekends/holidays and cases requiring queries/interviews). Approvals are issued electronically; print your eVISA on A4 and carry it with your passport.

• Pre‑Departure: Complete MDAC

All foreign nationals must submit MDAC within 3 days prior to arrival, this is separate from any visa and is compulsory. Carry confirmation when you travel.

The exact Malaysia tourist visa requirements are defined by Immigration and the mission; expect to provide the following when applying for an eVISA and/or for entry:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from arrival date.

• Recent passport‑size photograph meeting portal specifications.

• Completed eVISA application (if applicable) with accurate data.

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation, or equivalent).

• Proof of return/onward travel (confirmed air tickets).

• Financial proof (ability to cover stay).

• Travel plan/itinerary (if requested in the system).

• Printed eVISA on A4 paper to show at checkpoints (if you obtained an eVISA).

• MDAC submission confirmation.
   

Note: The New Delhi High Commission page for “eVISA of Indian Nationals” provides fee components and submission rules in detail; always consult it and the official portal before applying.

For Indian travellers entering Malaysia visa‑free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026, no visa fee is required; however, completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival is compulsory, and travellers must carry the necessary supporting documents for immigration checks. 

For those who require a Malaysia tourist visa (eVISA), all fees are paid online through the official portal. The visa fee for Indian nationals is ₹925 (RM 50), while the eVISA processing fee is ₹1,943 (RM 105). Applicants must also pay a convenience fee, typically around 0.8% for card payments or 1.7% for select e‑wallet payments, which is separate from the processing fee. In total, an Indian traveller who needs an eVISA should expect a base cost of ₹2,868 (RM 155), excluding the additional convenience charge. 

Processing usually takes 2–7 working days, although applications involving queries or additional documentation may take longer, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.

Even when visa‑free, you’ll have flight, stay, local transport, and activity costs. If you need an eVISA, you’ll also cover the fees above. Consider these India‑friendly financing options:

Travel Loan

Personal loans from banks/NBFCs can spread big-ticket costs (flights, hotels, tours, Malaysia travel visa fees if applicable) over EMIs. Look for pre‑approved offers and compare total interest vs. card APRs.

Credit Cards

Cards with low forex mark‑up (ideally about 1.5–2%) can reduce international spending costs. Use your credit card to pay the Malaysia e-visa for Indians fee online (if applicable) and to secure refundable hotel rates. Repaying in full helps avoid interest.

Practical Payment Tips in Malaysia

• Cards & contactless are widely accepted in cities.

• Cash is still handy for hawker centres/markets.

• UPI acceptance has been expanding via partner rails, but carry a card/cash back‑up.

Note: Financial tips are general best practices; always verify card charges and rates with your issuer.

Malaysia combines modern skylines, Peranakan heritage, island getaways, and primary rainforest, ideal for a first‑time itinerary. Have a look at some of the top hotspots:

• Kuala Lumpur (KL)

Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, street food in Jalan Alor, and neighbourhoods like Bukit Bintang and Brickfields (Little India).

• George Town, Penang

UNESCO‑listed streets, clan jetties, and a world‑class street‑food scene.

• Langkawi

Beaches, cable car to Gunung Mat Cincang, island‑hopping.

• Kota Kinabalu (Sabah, Borneo)

Access to Kinabalu Park, coral islands, sunset seafront.

• Cameron Highlands

Tea estates, cool weather trails.

• Ipoh

Cave temples, colonial facades, white coffee culture.

• Melaka (Malacca)

Dutch Square, Baba‑Nyonya heritage homes, river promenade.

For most leisure trips in 2026, a Malaysian visa is not required for stays up to 30 days, provided you meet entry conditions and submit MDAC before arrival. For travellers who do not qualify for visa‑free entry or plan a longer visit, the official Malaysia eVISA route is straightforward when documents are prepared correctly and fees are paid on the government portal. Always verify the latest malaysia tourist visa requirements, fees, and timelines on the official eVISA site and the High Commission’s pages before you book flights.