Planning a trip to Malaysia? Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or visiting family, understanding the Malaysia visa process is essential. With the introduction of the Malaysia electronic visa (eVisa) and online application system, applying for a visa is now faster and more convenient for international travelers.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Malaysia visa application, including how to apply online, entry requirements, and special information for travelers such as Singapore residents.
What is a Malaysia Visa?
A Malaysia visa is an official endorsement or stamp placed on the passport or other travel documents of foreign nationals by a visa agency authorized by the Malaysian government. It confirms that the individual is authorized to enter, exit, or transit through Malaysia.
This article will introduce the types of Malaysia visa, how to apply, application fees, processing times, and more.
Types of Malaysia Visa
| Visa Type | Category | Validity & Stay Duration | Application Requirements | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tourist Visa |
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Transit Visa | — | Valid for up to 120 hours (5 days) | Passport, valid onward flight ticket, and supporting documents. Apply at airport counter (e.g., KLIA). | For short layovers in Malaysia en route to a third country. |
Business Visa |
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Work Visa | — | Matches employment contract (renewable) | Employer applies with contract, company qualification certificates, and other documents to Immigration Department. | For foreigners employed in Malaysia; multiple categories depending on job. |
Student Visa | — | Validity matches course duration (e.g., 3 years for undergraduate) | Admission letter, passport, academic certificates, financial proof, health check, etc. | For international students studying in Malaysia. |
Dependent Visa | — | Validity varies by relationship | Proof of kinship, supporting documents. | For spouses, children, and parents of Malaysian citizens or permanent residents. |
Visa-Free Countries and Regions for Malaysia
| Region | Country/Region | Visa-Free Duration |
|---|---|---|
Asia | Thailand | 30 days |
South Korea | 90 days | |
Philippines | 21 days | |
Singapore | 30 days | |
Indonesia | 30 days | |
Japan | 90 days | |
Jordan | 90 days | |
Kuwait | 90 days | |
Kyrgyzstan | 90 days | |
Maldives | Visa on arrival for 30 days | |
Nepal | Visa on arrival for 15–60 days | |
Cambodia | 30 days | |
Brunei | 30 days | |
Hong Kong | 90 days | |
Macau | 30 days | |
Taiwan | 30 days | |
Europe | United Kingdom | 180 days |
Switzerland | 90 days | |
Sweden | 90 days | |
Malta | 90 days | |
Finland | 90 days | |
Norway | 90 days | |
Germany | 90 days | |
France | 90 days | |
Netherlands | 90 days | |
Belgium | 90 days | |
Denmark | 90 days | |
Iceland | 90 days | |
Ireland | 90 days | |
Italy | 90 days | |
Spain | 90 days | |
Portugal | 90 days | |
Greece | 90 days | |
Austria | 90 days | |
Switzerland | 90 days | |
Poland | 90 days | |
Americas | United States | Visa-free for 90 days (under the Visa Waiver Program) |
Canada | 90 days | |
Brazil | 90 days | |
Mexico | 90 days | |
Oceania | New Zealand | 90 days |
Fiji | 120 days | |
Samoa | 30 days | |
Tonga | 90 days | |
Vanuatu | 90 days | |
Solomon Islands | 90 days | |
Tuvalu | 90 days | |
Micronesia | 14 days | |
Marshall Islands | 30 days | |
Nauru | 30 days | |
Africa | Egypt | 7 days visa on arrival, 90 days visa-free entry to Malaysia |
Tunisia | 90 days | |
South Africa | 90 days | |
Mauritius | 90 days | |
Seychelles | 30 days | |
Botswana | 90 days | |
Malawi | 180 days | |
Tanzania | 90 days | |
Djibouti | 90 days | |
Lesotho | 90 days | |
Zimbabwe | 90 days |
Validity and Duration of Stay for Malaysia Visa
| Visa Type | Category | Validity Period | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tourist Visa |
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Transit Visa | — | Short-term validity | Up to 120 hours (5 days) | For travelers transiting to a third country; short layovers only. |
Business Visa |
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Work Visa | — | Matches duration of work contract | Within scope of employer’s work permit approval | Employer applies to Immigration Department. |
Student Visa | — | Matches duration of course (e.g., ~3 years for undergraduate) | Valid throughout study program | Must be tied to educational institution. |
Dependent Visa | — | Varies (depends on relationship & policies) | Long-term stay allowed for spouse; adjusted for parents/relatives | Based on family relationship and financial capacity of Malaysian citizen. |
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Requirements for Applying for a Malaysia Visa
Valid Passport
Applicants must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. The passport is a fundamental document for the visa application. This ensures that the applicant’s passport remains valid during the visa's validity period and while staying in Malaysia.
Recent Passport-Size Photograph
You’ll need a clear, colored passport-sized photo with a plain background (usually white). The photo should be recent (taken within the last 6 months) to reflect your current appearance.
Confirmed Return Flight Ticket
Immigration officers often request proof that you will leave Malaysia before your visa expires. A confirmed return or onward flight ticket helps demonstrate that you do not plan to overstay.
Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation
Provide a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Malaysia. This ensures immigration knows where you will be residing during your trip.
Completed Application Form
The appropriate Malaysia visa application form must be filled out according to the type of visa based on Malaysia entry requirements. The information provided must be true and accurate.
📍 Apply Malaysia Visa in Singapore
If you are based in Singapore and planning to visit Malaysia, you can apply Malaysia visa in Singapore:
- Apply through the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore.
- Use the Malaysia visa online system (eVisa) for eligible nationalities.
- Many travel agencies in Singapore also provide assistance with Malaysia visa applications.
1 Day - 1GB/Day
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1 Days - 2GB/Day
- Data2GB Daily
- Validity1 Days
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5 Days - 2GB
- Data2GB
- Validity5 Days
- PriceFrom RM7.53
🕒 Malaysia Visa Processing Time & Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Malaysia Visa Processing Time | Common Mistakes to Avoid in Malaysia Visa Application |
|---|---|
Standard processing usually takes 3–5 working days when applying online (Malaysia eVisa / Malaysia eNTRI). | Submitting an incomplete application form with missing details. |
For urgent applications, express processing may be available (extra fees apply). | Uploading blurry or incorrect passport-size photographs. |
Processing time may vary depending on your nationality (e.g., Malaysia visa for Indians may take slightly longer during peak seasons). | Providing wrong passport details (expiry date, number, or spelling of name). |
Applications submitted via the official Malaysia visa online portal are generally faster. | Not booking a confirmed return flight ticket before applying. |
Always apply at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date to avoid last-minute issues. | Applying through unofficial agents/websites, which may result in extra charges or rejection. |
Flights to Kuala Lumpur
How to Apply for a Malaysian Visa
Determine the Type of Visa
Determine the type of visa required based on the purpose of travel, such as tourist visa, business visa, work visa, student visa, dependent visa, etc.
Steps 1: Prepare the Application Documents
- Tourist Visa: Provide a valid passport, recent passport-sized photo, completed visa application form, round-trip flight booking records, hotel booking information in Malaysia, and other supporting travel itinerary documents.
- Business Visa: In addition to the passport, photo, and application form, you will also need an invitation letter from the Malaysian side, a dispatch certificate issued by the applicant’s company, and qualification certificates from both companies.
- Work Visa: The local employer in Malaysia must submit the employment contract, company qualification certificate, and other documents to the Immigration Bureau. The applicant must provide a valid passport, academic certificates, work experience certificates, etc.
- Student Visa: You will need to provide the admission notice from a Malaysian school, academic certificates, financial proof, and some documents may need to be notarized or certified.
- Dependent Visa: Proof of kinship and a guaranteed letter from the Malaysian relative are required. The guarantee letter includes proof of the relative's identity and financial capability, etc. Proof of kinship must be notarized or certified.
Steps 2: Submit the Application
- Online Application: Some visa types can be applied for online through the Official Malaysia Visa Application Centre website or https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main, such as the tourist e-visa. Applicants need to fill in personal information, upload the required documents, and make online payment as instructed.
- Application at the Embassy or Consulate: You can also submit your visa application documents in person at the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in China. Applicants must visit during office hours, submit the completed and signed visa application form, passport, and other relevant documents, and pay the corresponding visa fee.
Steps 3: Wait for Approval
Visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa, number of applicants, and other factors. Generally, tourist visas have a shorter processing time, while work and student visas may take longer.
Applicants can check the status of their visa application via the online inquiry system or by phone consultation.
Steps 4: Collect the Visa
- Collection at the Embassy or Consulate: If the visa application is approved, applicants must go to the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in China to collect their visa. A valid ID and the application receipt must be presented upon collection.
- Mail Delivery: Some embassies and consulates also offer visa delivery services. Applicants can choose the mailing option when submitting their application. The embassy or consulate will send the passport and visa to the applicant via express delivery once the visa is approved.
Malaysia Visa Fees (2025 Guide)
| Visa Type | Category | Visa Fee (Approx.) | Additional Notes |
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Tourist Visa |
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Work Visa |
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Student Visa |
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Dependent Visa |
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✅ Final Thoughts
With the right preparation, your journey to Malaysia will be smooth and hassle-free.
FAQ for Malaysia Visa
Do I need a visa to visit Malaysia?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and others, can enter Malaysia without a visa for short stays (usually 30-90 days) for tourism, business, or social visits. However, nationals from other countries may require a visa for entry. For example, most European countries and the United States require a visa for stays longer than 90 days. It's important to check Malaysia's visa policy specific to your nationality before applying.How do I apply for a Malaysian visa?
You can apply for a Malaysian visa by submitting an application to the nearest Malaysian Embassy or Consulate. Alternatively, for short-term visits, you can apply for an e-Visa online through the official Malaysian government portal. The e-Visa process is quicker and easier for many nationalities, allowing for single-entry stays of up to 30 days. For work, student, or other long-term visas, additional documentation may be required, such as a letter of invitation, employment contract, or educational admission letter.How long does it take to get a Malaysia visa?
Processing time for a tourist visa is typically 3–5 working days when applying through the Malaysian Embassy. For the e-Visa, it can take about 3–7 days to process and approve the application. For work or student visas, the processing time might be longer, typically ranging from 7 to 30 days depending on the type of visa and the complexity of your case.