What is a Malaysia Visa?
A Malaysia Visa is an endorsement granted by the government which allows foreigners to visit the country for various purposes, including tourism, business, or employment, depending on the Malaysia visa that you choose. This regulates and manages the inflow of visitors, making sure they comply with immigration laws. Visas vary based on your purpose for entering the country, how long you plan on visiting Malaysia, and your nationality.
The validity of your Malaysia visa will depend on the type of issue you opt for. For instance, a Single Entry Tourist Visa typically allows for a stay of between 30 and 90 days, depending on your nationality. Business visas have varying validity periods, and typically are based on the purpose of your business trip. Some business visas may be short-term while others range to longer durations. Employment visas will often have a validity that aligns with your employment contract, allowing foreigners to reside in Malaysia for the specified work period. We highly advise anyone planning on obtaining a visa to visit Malaysia to do research based on which visa is best for their specific purpose and goals for their time in the country to ensure they choose the best-suited visa for them.
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Types of Malaysia Visas
There are various visas you can enter Malaysia with, each with different purposes and criteria. Before coming to Malaysia, you should determine your purpose for wanting to enter and your goals for when you are in the country. Based on your preferences, you should find the visa type that best suits what you are looking for. It’s important to note that visa criteria and requirements may vary based on your nationality. Always refer to the official guidelines from the Immigration Department of Malaysia for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Tourist Visa (Single Entry or Multiple Entry)
The purpose of the Malaysia Tourist Visa is for visitors coming for tourism purposes and short-term visits. In order to apply, you are required to submit a completed application form, your valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, and a return flight ticket. You can apply for the Tourist Visa at your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate. Learn more about Malaysia Tourist visa >>
Business Visa
The Malaysia Business Visa is for travelers coming to the country for business-related purposes, such as a meeting, conference, or trade show. In order to qualify for this visa, you are required to submit an invitation letter from a Malaysian company, a letter of employment, proof of your business activities, a valid passport, and passport-size photos. You can apply for the Malaysia Business Visa at your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate.
Employment Visa
If you wish to work in Malaysia, you can apply for the Malaysian Employment Pass. In order to be eligible for this visa, you must have been offered employment by a Malaysian company. When applying, you are required to submit your job offer letter, employment contract, relevant qualifications, medical examination, passport, and passport-sized photos. You are required to apply for this either at the Malaysia Expatriate Services Division or the Immigration Department.
Student Visa
A Malaysia Student Visa is for foreigners who want to come to pursue their studies in Malaysia. You are eligible for this visa if you have been accepted by a Malaysian educational institution. In order to apply, you must provide your letter of acceptance, proof of financial means, a medical examination, your valid passport, and passport-sized photos. Typically, to apply for this visa you would do so through the respective educational institution with approval from the Immigration Department.
Social Visit Visa
The Malaysian Social Visit Visa is designed for those coming to the country to visit friends and family. It is open to all individuals who wish to visit their loved ones residing in Malaysia. In order to qualify, you should submit a letter of invitation, proof of your relationship, financial means for your stay, a return flight ticket, your valid passport, and passport-sized photos. You can apply for the Social Visit Visa at your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate.
Long-Term Social Visit Visa
If you wish to visit your friends or family residing in the country for an extended period of time you may qualify for the Malaysian Long-Term Social Visit Visa. The criteria are very similar to the Social Visit Visa, but there is a longer duration granted for you to stay. You can apply at your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program
The Malaysia My Second Home Program is for retirees and expatriates wishing to live in Malaysia. In order to qualify for this visa, you must meet specific criteria for the program. When applying, you are required to submit the necessary financial requirements, medical insurance, a background check, your valid passport, and passport-sized photos. You can apply through the MM2H program authorities.
Applying for a Malaysia Visa (Application Steps)
Depending on your nationality and the type of Malaysia visa you are applying for, you may or may not be eligible to apply for a visa to visit Malaysia online. Once you decide which Malaysian visa is the best fit for you, you should check the application requirements on the official website of your country’s Malaysian embassy to determine if you are eligible to apply online, and if not what the steps are for your application process.
Applying for a Malaysian e-Visa Online
When you first decide to apply for an e-Visa you should visit the official Malaysia visa website, https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp. Here you can click “I’m new” to start your application process.
You will be prompted to fill out the visa application. This will include several points of information, including your personal details, passport number, and the purpose of your trip.
You will need to submit the necessary supporting documents for your visa application. This will include a copy of your passport-sized photos, a copy of your valid passport, your confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and based on your nationality, various other documents including bank statements. If you are a minor you will be prompted to submit your birth certificate.
Once you submit your visa application, you must simply wait for it to be processed. During this time, you may be required to submit further documents or attend a physical interview or online video conference with the embassy or consulate.
Once your Malaysia visa has been processed, you will be alerted via email notification. Make sure you check the details of your visa thoroughly, confirming that all of the details are correct. You are required to print out your e-visa in an A4 printout format. You will be required to present your printed e-visa upon arrival.
Now that you have a Malaysian visa in hand, it is time to travel to Malaysia. Remember to bring your valid passport and your printed-out e-visa. You will be required to present your printed-out visa to Malaysian immigration officials upon arrival so be sure to have it easily accessible.
You will need to wait for the visa processing to finish. Once your visa is approved, you can expect to receive it either through email or by picking it up in person. It’s crucial to ensure that the details on the visa match the information on your passport accurately.
Applying for a Malaysian Visa In Person
The first step in a Malaysia visa application is identifying the specific type of Malaysian visa that aligns with the purpose of your travels. Once you decide which Malaysia visa is best for you, review the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the requirements.
Obtain and complete the visa application form. You can typically find this form online on the official website of your Malaysian embassy or consulate. Fill in all required information completely and truthfully.
You should prepare all of the supporting documents that are required for your visa application. This may include passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, letters of invitation, etc. Make sure these are neatly organized and in the order requested for the application.
Submit your completed application to the Malaysian embassy, consulate, or visa processing center. You may be required to make an appointment beforehand, so be sure to understand the visa application requirements for the specific place where you are submitting your application.
You will be required to pay the applicable visa fee. The fees vary based on the type of Malaysian visa you are applying for and the duration you will be in Malaysia. Be sure to check the accepted payment methods before you submit your application.
The visa processing time varies for the different visas and the different embassies and consulates. You may be able to track the status of your application. During this time, you may be contacted to verify documents, submit additional documentation, or attend an interview. Make sure to comply with all requests during this process.
If your presence is requested for an interview, make sure to be prepared. Dress appropriately, be prompt, and be ready to answer questions about your background and the purpose of your trip.
Once your visa is processed, you will receive a notice with the outcome of your application. Collect your visa from the embassy, consulate, or visa processing center where you applied. Make sure to verify that all details are accurate.
Now that you have your visa, you can travel to Malaysia. Make sure to bring your passport with the affixed visa and comply with the Malaysian immigration officials upon arrival and your visa conditions during your stay.
Malaysia Visa Requirements
The specific requirements for a visa to Malaysia can vary based on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. It is important for you to note that requirements may change, and additional documentation may be requested based on your specific Malaysian embassy or consulate. You should always refer to the most up-to-date information on the official website of the relevant Malaysian embassy or consulate for accurate details on the visa application process. Below are requirements that are typically required of applicants when applying for a Malaysian visa.
Valid Passport
A passport with a minimum validity of at least six months past your intended departure from Malaysia is required. Your passport must be valid and issued within the last ten years. You also must have at least two blank pages available.
Passport-Sized Photos
You must include recently taken passport-sized photos. They must meet the specifications outlined by your embassy or consulate.
Visa Application Form
You must complete the visa application form. You can obtain this form from the website of the relevant Malaysian embassy or consulate. Make sure that you fill this form out completely and completely truthfully. Failure to do so may result in a delay during your visa processing.
Proof of Travel Itinerary
You will be required to provide proof of your confirmed entry and exit tickets from the country. This can be via flight, ferry, or other forms of transportation. If you cannot include this, you must provide a detailed travel itinerary that indicates your entry and exit dates.
Proof of Accommodation
You must submit evidence of accommodation arrangements during your stay in Malaysia. This may be hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host residing in Malaysia.
Proof of Financial Means
You are required to have proof of financial means demonstrating your ability to cover the cost of your stay in Malaysia. This may include bank statements, proof of income, or a letter of sponsorship.
Visa Fee Payment
You will be required to pay the applicable visa fee. The fee will vary based on the type of visa you are applying for, the duration of your stay, and your nationality.
Health Insurance (if Required)
You may be required to provide proof of travel or health insurance. You must be able to show that you have insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Malaysia.
Letter of Invitation (if Required)
You may be required to provide a letter of invitation from a host or sponsoring organization in Malaysia. This will vary based on the type of Malaysia visa you are applying for.
Education Documents or Employment Documents (if Required)
If you are applying for a student visa or employment pass, you will be required to submit extra documents. Student visa applications must include educational documents, such as an acceptance letter from a Malaysian educational institution. Employment passes may require documents such as a job offer letter, employment contracts, or proof of qualifications.
Health Examination Record (if Required)
Some Malaysian visa categories may require a health examination. This may include a medical report from an approved medical facility.
Police Clearance Certificate (if Required)
Certain visas require a police clearance certificate. Find out if you are required to include a background check on the website of your country’s Malaysian embassy or consulate.
Interview (if Required)
Your embassy or consulate may require you to come to an in-person interview. If you are required to attend an interview, make sure to be prompt, dress nicely, and come prepared for questions about your travel plans and your personal background.
Biometric Data (if Required)
You may be required to submit biometric data with your visa application. This may include photographs or fingerprints.
Where to Apply
Depending on your nationality, you can either apply for your visa to visit Malaysia online or in person. If you are eligible to apply for an e-visa, you can do so from anywhere in the world except for Malaysia or Singapore. Currently, the only nationalities that are eligible to apply for the e-visa are China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro. If you are not eligible to apply for an e-visa, you will be required to apply in person at your country’s Malaysia embassy or consulate.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time varies based on a number of factors. Your nationality, the type of Malaysia visa you are applying for, and the workload of the embassy or consulate where you are applying all affect the timeframe in which you will receive your visa. If you are applying for an e-visa, it typically will only take 2 business days to process. If you are applying in person, typically a Tourist Visa, Business Visa, and Social Visit Visa will take 5 to 10 business days. The Employment Pass and Malaysia My Second Home Program more commonly take around 1 to 2 months to fully process. If you are applying for a Student Visa, you should expect it to take around 2 to 4 weeks. These are estimated times and the actual amount of time it takes to process varies. You should consult with the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date estimate for how long your processing will take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the purpose of your trip and your nationality, you may or may not be required to hold a visa. If you are just planning on visiting the country for a limited amount of time for tourism, there is a relatively high chance that you will not need a visa at all. Many nationalities are granted access upon arrival to Malaysia. Check your country’s requirements on the website of your Malaysian embassy or consulate to find out your eligibility.
If your application is rejected, the first thing you should do is review the reason for denial. If you are able to correct the issue, you may choose to reapply for a new visa. If the reason is unclear, you should consult with the embassy or consulate where you applied. You may consider seeking professional advice from an immigration professional.
Typically, no. It is not possible to convert your Tourist Visa to a different visa category while you are in Malaysia. Before you travel, you should apply for the visa that corresponds with the purpose of your trip. If your goals change while you are in the country, you should consult with the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country for what your next steps may be.