Malaysia is an interesting destination due to its cultural diversity, breathtaking natural beauty, delicious food, adventure activities, and affordability. Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? The answer is no. The good news is that you can now travel visa-free in the country until 31 December 2024! All you need is just the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, and meet other minor eligibility requirements. This will set you up for a smooth travelling experience in this Asian country.
This Blog Includes:
- Is Malaysia Visa Free for Indians?
- Eligibility Criteria for Visa-Free Entry to Malaysia
- What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
- How to Apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
- How to Download Your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
- What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Cost?
- Funds Required for Visa-Free Travel to Malaysia
- Do Indians Need Visas for Singapore and Malaysia?
- Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia in 2025?
- Types of Malaysia Visa for Indians
- Entry Conditions for Foreginers Visiting Malaysia Temporarily
- How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Malaysia Tourist Visa?
- Can Indians Get a Malaysia Visa on Arrival?
- Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Travelling to Malaysia from India?
- How to Apply for a Malaysia Visa from India?
- Malaysia Visa Processing Time for Indians
- How Much is a Malaysia Visa for Indians in 2025?
- What to Do If Malaysia Visa Application is Rejected?
- Can You Extend Your Visa in Malaysia?
- Tips for a Smooth Entry into Malaysia: Customs and Immigration
- FAQs
Is Malaysia Visa Free for Indians?
Yes. According to the High Commission of Malaysia, New Delhi Indian nationals do not have to apply for a Malaysian visa. That is till 31st December 2024! Beyond that, you will need to get a visa. However, you need to apply for a Malaysian Digital Arrival Card at least 3 days before your intended travel date. Moreover, you need to meet other eligibility requirements. You can travel visa-free for up to 30 days in this country.
Eligibility Criteria for Visa-Free Entry to Malaysia
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? The answer is no. However, you need to meet the eligibility criteria set up by the country for visa-free travel. These eligibility criteria are as follows:
- You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- You also need a confirmed return flight ticket to India
- You must have booked confirmed hotel booking in Malaysia
- Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay
- You must apply online for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least 3 days before your intended arrival in Malaysia
What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) must be applied by you at least 3 days before your intended arrival. After you arrive in Malaysia show Myour DAC registration and verify your passport at the immigration centre. The MDAC registration is mandatory for all except-
- Singapore citizens
- Diplomatic and official passport holders
- Malaysia permanent residents/long-term passport holders
- Brunei Malaysia frequent travel facility holders
- General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darusseleum Holders
- Those with a Thailand Border Pass
- Those with Indonesia Cross Border Travel Document
How to Apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
You can apply for a Malaysian Digital Arrival Card by following the steps below:
- Visit the official website for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
- Next, click on registration to view the registration form
- At this stage, you can enter your details and travelling information
- The personal details you have to fill in include your passport number, date of birth, gender, name, nationality, email address, country regional code, and mobile number.
- The travelling information includes your date of arrival, date of departure, flight number, mode of travel, accommodation of stay, and other relevant information.
- After you have filled out the form you can submit the same
- You will receive your MDAC information on the registered email or phone number.
- You can also check the status of your application online.
To learn how to fill the MDAC card, watch this video:
How to Download Your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
Do Indians need a Visa for Malaysia? No, you don’t. However, you need to get an MDAC card. After you have applied for the MDAC card, you can check its status by following the instructions below:
- Visit the official website of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for foreigners
- Go to check registration to view the application form
- Next, enter your passport number, citizenship, and PIN to view the status of your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
- The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) pin is a code. You will receive the code via email after registration for MDAC.
- After entering the PIN you can check the status of your MDAC card
- If you have received the card, it will be displayed on the screen
- You can download and print out the same for future use.
What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Cost?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) fees are as follows:
Card | Fee |
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) | Free |
Funds Required for Visa-Free Travel to Malaysia
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? No. Although you do not need a visa to travel to Malaysia, you need to have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay. The minimum amount of funds you need is provided below:
Particulars | Minimum Bank balance |
Minimum bank balance for visa-free travel to Malaysia | USD1000 or INR 75,000 |
Minimum bank balance for visa-free travel (primary applicant) | NR 100,000 bank balance for the primary applicant who is taking care of the expenses of the family members |
Do Indians Need Visas for Singapore and Malaysia?
Yes. Indian nationals wanting to visit Singapore need to apply for a visa. However, the diplomatic/offical Indian passport holders are exempted from this visa requirement. On the other hand, if you are visiting Malaysia you do not need a visa. This is applicable till 31st December 2024. After that, you will need a visa to travel to Malaysia.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia in 2025?
Yes. Indian nationals require a Malaysian visa to travel in 2025. The visa-free travel was only applicable till 31st December 2024. Therefore, if you intend to travel in 2025 you will need a visa. You can apply for a single entry visa, a multiple entry visa or a transit visa depending on the nature of your visit.
Types of Malaysia Visa for Indians
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? No. Indians do not need a visa until 31st December 2024. Beyond that, they will need a visa to travel to Malaysia. There are 3 types of Malaysian visas that you must be aware of:
Visa Type | Description | Validity | Maximum Duration of Stay |
Single Entry Visa | issued for social or business purposes | 3 months | 30 days |
Multiple Entry Visa | Issued for business or inter-governmental affairs. | 3 months to 1 year | 30 days |
Transit Visa | Enter Malaysia (leave the airport) while transiting to another country | 24 hours | 24 hours |
Want to work in Malaysia? Read this blog about Malaysia work visa for Indians
Entry Conditions for Foreginers Visiting Malaysia Temporarily
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? Till 31st December 2024, you won’t need to apply for a visa. However, after this period (starting from 2025) visa applications will start. If you intend to travel in 2025, you need to meet the requirements below:
- You must have a passport that is valid for more than 6 months
- You need a valid Visa
- Moreover, you need to have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for your stay
- You must not be a person registered under the Suspect List of the Immigration Department of Malaysia or the stolen Lost Travel Document (STLD) system
- You must not be categorised as a prohibited immigrant
How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Malaysia Tourist Visa?
To apply for a tourist (single entry visa ) you need to have a minimum bank balance. This is to ensure that you can pay for your living expenses and won’t rely on the state for public funds. The minimum amount required is as follows:
Particulars | Minimum Bank balance |
Minimum bank balance for a Malaysia tourist visa | USD1000 or INR 75,000 |
Minimum bank balance ( a primary applicant )for a tourist visa | NR 100,000 bank balance for the primary applicant who is taking care of the expenses of the family members |
Find out the cost of living in Malaysia for Indians
Can Indians Get a Malaysia Visa on Arrival?
Yes. Indian nationals can get a Malaysia visa on arrival. The e-visa platform allows you to apply for an Evisa. You can get an e-visa if you want to enter the country for short-term study, medical treatment, or employment. However, the e-visa is only granted to you if you travel through connected countries like Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or Brunei. You cannot directly land in Malaysia and get an e-visa. You only need an e-visa starting in 2025.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Travelling to Malaysia from India?
No, You do not need travel insurance to travel to Malaysia. It is not a requirement for Malaysian travel. However, we would suggest that you get travel or medical insurance while you are travelling abroad. This can help you to deal with emergencies like theft if they occur.
How to Apply for a Malaysia Visa from India?
Starting from 2025 you can apply for a Malaysian visa. The visa application process is as follows:
- Visit the official website – Malaysia Electronic Visa website to register your account
- After you log in to your account upload the necessary documents
- Pay the Malaysian visa application fee
- Review your application, and submit the same
- You can check the status of your application on the same website.
- If your application is approved you will receive a mail regarding the same via email.
- Print out multiple copies of your visa
Malaysia Visa Processing Time for Indians
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? Yes. You need a visa in 2025. The Malaysia eVISA/eNTRI processing time is as follows:
Particulars | E-visa processing time |
Malaysia e-visa | 2 working days |
The general visa application process | 3-6 working days |
How Much is a Malaysia Visa for Indians in 2025?
The Malaysia visa fees for Indians in 2025 are as follows:
Visa | Fees (2025) |
Single Entry Visa | RM 50 |
Transit Visa | RM 100 |
Multiple Entry Visa | RM 50 |
What to Do If Malaysia Visa Application is Rejected?
If your Malaysia visa application is rejected, you have two options-
- Reapply– Identify the reason for the visa rejection and reapply.
- Appeal– A visa appeal can be sent if you feel the rejection was unfair and you have proof regarding the same. An appeal takes around 6 months and can be time-consuming.
Can You Extend Your Visa in Malaysia?
No. Generally, you cannot extend your visa. A visa extension is only accepted in rare cases. For example, emergencies like war in your home country, accident, or illness. For visa extension, you must submit relevant documents. This includes a ticket to return to your home country or a third country.
Tips for a Smooth Entry into Malaysia: Customs and Immigration
Below are some of the tips that you must know to have a smooth entry to Malaysia>
- Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? No, You do not. At least till 31st December 2024 Indians and Chinese citizens do not require a visa for single entry.
- Starting from 2025, you need a visa. You can get an e-visa if you enter the country via Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or Brunei (with a visa that is valid in that country)
- You must show that you have at least USD 500 in cash
- You also need to have a confirmed ticket to your home country
FAQs
The best time to visit Malaysia is between February and September. That is right after the rainy season. However, if you want to visit the West Coast, the ideal time to plan your trip is between November and January.
Indian tourists do not need a tourist visa for Malaysia till 31st December 2024. However, after this period, they will need a visa to travel to the country.
Yes. You need a work visa to work in Malaysia. That is, you need to get an employment pass, professional visit pass, or temporary employment pass.
You do not need a transit visa if during the layover you intend to stay inside the airport, and then travel to another country. However, to step outside the airport or the Malaysian land you need to get a transit visa. A transit visa is only valid for 24 hours. Before your visa expires you must transit to your intended destination.
We hope you now have the answer to your question- Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia?. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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