How to Apply for a Malaysian Visa

Are you planning a trip to Malaysia? That’s exciting! It might be for a holiday, work, studies, or to visit loved ones, get ready to have an adventure because Malaysia is a beautiful country with lots to offer. But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, there’s something important you need to sort out and that is your Malaysian visa.

You don’t have to get so worried about the whole paperwork because it’s not an entirely difficult process. We have put this article together to help make your application process for your malaysian visa an easy one.

When you’re done reading this article, you will be filled with lots of useful information for your upcoming trip.

What Does a Malaysian Visa Mean?

A Malaysian visa is an official stamp or document that gives you permission to enter Malaysia for a specific reason and a set number of days. It’s like a “pass” from the Malaysian government that says, “You’re allowed to come in.”

What exactly does this visa do?

• It shows that the Malaysian immigration officers have checked your documents and approved your visit.
• It tells them why you’re coming; maybe for vacation, work, school, or to see family.
• It also tells them how long you’re allowed to stay in the country.

In simple words, a Malaysian visa is your official permission slip to enter the country for a short or long stay. Different people need different types of visas depending on where they’re from and why they’re going to Malaysia.

Do You Need a Visa to Enter Malaysia?

Now here’s an important question: Do you even need a visa to enter Malaysia?

The answer depends on your nationality (what country you’re from) and how long you plan to stay in Malaysia. Some people can enter Malaysia without a visa, while others need to apply for one before they travel.

Countries That Do Not Need a Visa

Malaysia has visa-free agreements with many countries. This means people from these countries can enter Malaysia without a visa for a short period (usually between 14 and 90 days). These are mostly countries in:

• Europe
• North America
• Southeast Asia
• Oceania (like Australia and New Zealand)

A few examples:

• United Kingdom – up to 90 days visa-free
• Canada – up to 90 days
• Germany – up to 90 days
• Singapore – up to 30 days
• Philippines – up to 30 days

Even if your country is visa-free, you must have a valid passport (at least 6 months before expiry), proof of return ticket, and sometimes hotel bookings or travel plans to show at immigration.

Who Needs a Visa?

If your country is not on the visa-free list, you must apply for a visa before visiting Malaysia. Most African, South Asian, and some Middle Eastern countries fall into this category.

You’ll need a visa if you’re from:

• Ivory Coast
• Nigeria
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal
• Cameroon
• Ghana
  …and many others.

Always check the latest visa rules for your country on the official Malaysian Immigration website or ask the nearest Malaysian embassy in your country.

Types of Malaysian Visas

Now that you know whether you need a visa or not, the next question is:
“What type of Malaysian visa should I apply for?”

Malaysia offers different types of visas depending on why you’re going, how long you’ll stay, and what you’ll do there. Picking the right one is very important, so let’s break it down to understand better.

1. Single Entry Visa (SEV)

This is the most common visa for short visits.

Best for:

• Tourism
• Short business trips
• Visiting family or friends

Key Features:

• Valid for 3 months
• You can enter Malaysia once
• Usually allows you to stay for 15 to 30 days
• You cannot work with this visa

2. Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)

This visa allows you to enter Malaysia several times during the visa’s validity period.

Best for:

• Business people
• Frequent travelers to Malaysia

Key Features:

• Valid for 3 months to 1 year
• You can enter and exit Malaysia multiple times
• Each stay usually lasts up to 30 days
• Still, you can’t work with this visa

If your job requires you to visit clients in Malaysia every few months, MEV is better.

3. Student Visa

This is for people who want to study in Malaysia at a university, college, or other school.

Best for:

• International students
• People attending long-term training or study programs

Key Features:

• You must have an offer letter from a Malaysian school
• Valid for the duration of your studies
• You may be allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week)
• You must apply through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

4. Employment Visa (Work Pass)

This is for people who get a job in Malaysia.

Best for:

• Skilled workers
• Professionals hired by Malaysian companies

Key Features:

• Must be sponsored by your employer
• Valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on your job
• You must have your work permit approved before applying for the visa

There are different work passes depending on the type of job and salary level, such as:

• Employment Pass (EP)
• Temporary Employment Pass
• Professional Visit Pass

5. Dependent Visa / Spouse Visa

This visa is for people who want to join their spouse, parent, or family member who is legally living or working in Malaysia.

Best for:

• Spouses of Malaysian citizens or foreign workers
• Children or dependents of work visa holders

Key Features:

• You must show proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
• Valid as long as the sponsor’s visa is valid

6. Transit Visa

This is a short-term visa for travelers who are passing through Malaysia to another country.

Best for:

• People with long layovers in Malaysia
• Those who want to leave the airport during transit

How to Apply for a Malaysian Visa

So now that you know which type of visa you need, it’s time to walk you through the actual application process:

Step 1: Check If You Can Apply Online or Offline

Malaysia offers two main ways to apply for a visa:

A. Online (eVisa or eNTRI)

This is faster and more convenient for citizens of certain countries like:

• India
• China
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal
• Bangladesh
• Myanmar
• Pakistan

You can apply online from your home. The visa will be emailed to you.

B. Offline (Through the Malaysian Embassy or High Commission)

If you’re not eligible for eVisa, you’ll have to apply the old-school way which is by visiting the Malaysian embassy or visa center in your country.

Always check the official site: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my 

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• Visa application form (completed and signed)
• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-size photos (white background)
• Flight itinerary (return or onward ticket)
• Hotel booking or proof of accommodation
• Proof of funds (bank statement or financial support letter)
• Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family or attending a business event)
• Employment letter or student letter (if applying for work/study visa)
• Visa fee payment (varies by country and visa type)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

If applying online:

• Go to the eVisa portal: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my 
• Create an account
• Upload your documents and photo
• Pay the visa fee online
• Submit and wait for approval (usually takes 1–3 working days)

If applying offline:

• Visit the nearest Malaysian embassy or visa center
• Submit all your documents
• Pay the visa fee
• Attend a short interview, if needed
• Wait for approval (usually 4–7 working days)

Step 4: Wait for Processing and Approval

• Online (eVisa): 1–3 business days
• Offline: 4–7 business days
• Some countries may take longer due to extra checks.

You’ll receive an approval email (if online), or you’ll be called to pick up your visa (if offline).

Step 5: Get Ready for Your Trip

Once you get your visa:

• Make sure your passport and visa match your personal details
• Keep copies of your visa and all documents with you when traveling
• Be ready to answer questions at the airport, like why you’re visiting, how long you’re staying, and where you’ll stay

Important Things to Know Before You Travel to Malaysia

While you’re waiting to get your visa approved and planning to travel, let’s give you some important things you should know before stepping on that plane:

Make Sure Your Visa Matches Your Travel Plans

This may sound simple, but it’s often overlooked.

• If your visa is for 15 days, don’t plan to stay 20 days.
• If you got a single-entry visa, don’t book multiple flights in and out of Malaysia.

Overstaying your visa is a serious offense and can lead to fines, being banned from returning, or even deportation.

Language and Culture

Malaysia is very friendly to visitors, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The main language is Malay, but English is widely spoken, especially in cities.
• The country is multicultural (Malay, Chinese, Indian, and more), and most people are very respectful.
• Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, so it’s good to dress modestly in public places and respect religious customs.

Getting Around

• Public transport like MRT, LRT, and buses are cheap and easy in cities like Kuala Lumpur.
• You can use ride-hailing apps like Grab instead of taxis.
• If you’re traveling between cities, there are domestic flights, buses, and trains available.

Health and Safety

• Malaysia is a safe country for tourists, but always stay alert and watch your belongings in crowded places.
• It’s wise to have travel insurance in case you need medical help.
• You may be asked for a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, so keep that ready if required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Malaysia?

It depends on your nationality. Some countries don’t need a visa for short visits, but many others do. Check the official website or your local embassy to be sure.

2. What is the difference between eVisa and eNTRI?

eVisa is a full tourist or business visa you apply for online. eNTRI is a simpler travel registration for certain countries, meant for short trips only.

3. How long does it take to process a Malaysian visa?

eVisa usually takes 1–3 working days. eNTRI is faster, often within 48 hours. Embassy applications can take 4–7 days or longer.

4. How much does a Malaysian visa cost?

It varies by nationality and visa type, but usually between $20 to $45 USD for eVisa or eNTRI. Embassy fees may be different.

5. Can I extend my Malaysian visa after arrival?

Most tourist visas cannot be extended. If you need more time, contact Malaysian Immigration as soon as possible.

6. Is a visa the same as a work or residence permit?

No. A visa lets you enter Malaysia temporarily. Work or residence permits are needed if you want to live or work long-term.

7. Can I apply for a Malaysian visa from a country that is not my own?

Yes, many countries allow third-country visa applications. Check if the embassy requires proof of your legal stay there.

8. What happens if my visa application is rejected?

You will get a reason for rejection. Usually, it’s due to missing documents or incorrect info. You can apply again after fixing the issues.

Conclusion

Applying for a Malaysian visa may feel a bit overwhelming at first, but once you understand the process, it becomes much easier. Malaysia welcomes visitors from all over the world, and with options like the eVisa and eNTRI, applying has become simpler and faster. It’s important to know which type of visa you need and check if you are required to apply based on your nationality. 

Once your visa is ready, you can look forward to enjoying Malaysia’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality. If you ever feel unsure, the best place to get help is the official Malaysian visa website or the embassy in your country. 

Safe travels and have a wonderful trip!