Malaysia is one of the most underrated places to travel in Asia. From the typical island life to jaw-dropping skyscrapers to wild rainforests and jungles; this all-year-round warm country would be a delightful visit for every kind of traveler. 

If you are planning to visit Malaysia in the next best season, it’s wise to prepare your itinerary in advance so that you don’t miss out the best tourist places in Malaysia. What are the eligibility criteria for Malaysia tourist visa for Indians, what documents you should carry, whether you require a Malaysia visa or not – learn about everything here in this article. 

Is Malaysia Visa-Free for Indians?

Yes, Malaysia is visa free for Indian nationals until December 31, 2024, for tourism purposes. This visa-free entry allows them to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days per visit. 

Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia?

No. According to recent announcements, Malaysia has granted visa-free entry for Indian tourists arriving in the country from 1st December 2023 to 31st December 2024. Indian tourists can stay in Malaysia for a visa-free period of up to 30 days.

However, those who are travelling to the country during or post this period still have the option to apply for a visa to Malaysia, as the standard application process is still fully functional. This flexibility allows travellers to choose their ideal option when flying to Malaysia. 

A visa is required if you want to stay longer or visit Malaysia for business, study or any other purposes.

Is There a Visa on Arrival in Malaysia for Indian Citizens?

Yes, Indians can avail of a Malaysia visa on arrival but only if they enter the country via connected countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Brunei or Indonesia. They cannot land in Malaysia directly and avail of a tourist visa on arrival. 

What is Malaysian e-Visa for Indian Citizens?

An e-visa is an online application platform that enables you to apply for an electronic visa to enter Malaysia at your convenience. If you are travelling to Malaysia as a tourist, or for study, employment or medical treatment, you would have to apply for an e-visa to enter the country.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Travelling to Malaysia from India?

Travel insurance is not a mandate for Indians travelling to Malaysia. You will be eligible to apply for a visa or enter visa-free into the country without a travel insurance plan. But having it is always recommended for your financial security during the trip.

Indian citizens planning to apply for a Malaysia visa must comply with the below criteria to be eligible:

• They must have a passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months.
• They should have enough funds to support their stay in Malaysia.
• Applicants must have a confirmed return ticket.
• Multiple Entry Visas are not available for tour groups.
• Applicants must not be listed in Malaysia's Immigration Department's Suspect List or the Stolen Lost Travel Document (STLD) system.
• They must not be classified as prohibited immigrants.

To be eligible for visa-free entry to Malaysia, Indian citizens must provide the below requirements at the port of entry during the security and immigration screenings:

• 6 months valid Indian passport
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Confirmed accommodation address or hotel booking
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Compulsory online submission of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before the arrival date. 

• A valid tourist visa for either Thailand, Singapore, Brunei or Indonesia (whichever country you are arriving from to Malaysia) is required to get visa-on-arrival.
• A passport valid for more than 6 months. 
• A valid return ticket to India
• 3 recent passport-sized photographs 
• Sufficient funds to show as proof of sustenance during your stay in Malaysia
• Valid e-visa printout is compulsory 
• If a minor is applying, parents should submit an NOC and their passport copies as well
• A birth certificate is also required for minor applicants

If you are travelling to Malaysia anytime from 1st December 2023 to 31st December 2024, you have the option to visit the country visa-free! Malaysia has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

However, if you still wish to apply for a visa during or after this period, you can do so online! In March 2016, the government of Malaysia introduced the e-visa for travellers wishing to explore Malaysia. This facility of e-Visa is available for nationals of China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Serbia and Montenegro.

Create an Account on the Malaysian e-Visa Website

Visit the official Malaysia Electronic Visa website and register your account. Once you have logged in, you will be redirected to the application site. Click on Apply Now.

Fill In the Visa Application Form

Now you are required to fill in the application form and upload all the necessary documents. 

Pay the Malaysia Visa Price for Indians

Ensure that you have a complete and correct application before proceeding to make the payment. Once reviewed, make the payment and submit your application online. You can also track your status on the same website.

Receive Your e-Visa for Malaysia via Email

As your application is approved, you will receive your e-visa via email. Print out multiple copies of your visa to avoid lost, misplaced or damaged paper.

Malaysia eVISA/eNTRI takes approximately 2 working days. The 2-days processing time is calculated from the day you apply for your visa. 

• Indians can apply for a visa on arrival in Malaysia only if they enter via one of the four countries - Thailand, Singapore, Brunei or Indonesia with a valid visa to that country.
• Visitors must also land in the country through any one of the designated air, sea or land routes.
• Visitors must show that they have at least US$500 cash (or equivalent in Ringgit Malaysia). 
• A confirmed return ticket is necessary.
• Visitors are only allowed to stay for 15 days with a Malaysian visa on arrival.

If your Malaysia visa application is rejected, you will be notified formally by the Malaysian immigration authorities with a reason of rejection. You can re-apply for a visa considering your visa rejection reason isn’t justified or there is a scope for better clarification or visa approval. 

To avoid getting your Malaysia visa application rejected, you should:

• Provide all the required documents and ensure they are up to date.
• Show proof that you have sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay in Malaysia.
• Inform the immigration office about any past convictions or legal issues.
• Provide a comprehensive travel itinerary that includes accommodation details, transportation arrangements, and planned activities.

You generally cannot extend your Malaysia tourist visa while you’re in the country. You will have to leave the country and apply for a new visa. 

However, in certain cases such as accident, illness, war in home country, etc., you can apply for an extension at the nearest Immigration Department of Malaysia office or its respective branches. For this, you must present your passport along with necessary documents including Form IMM.55 and a confirmed return ticket to your home country or a ticket to a third country.

When you travel to a foreign land, there are many things that can go wrong. From flight delays and luggage loss to medical emergencies and loss of money; having travel insurance will not only give you financial comfort in such situations but will also make the whole experience a lot less difficult for you. 

A travel insurance for Malaysia will secure you against all unforeseen circumstances you may fall into; including in situations where you’re bound to feel vulnerable due to the fact that you are in an unknown land, far away from home.

A travel insurance for Malaysia can give you safety in all such situations:

• Trip Cancellations
• Missed Flight Connections
• Medical Treatment
• Loss of Baggage or Delay in Baggage
• Loss of Passport
• Adventure Sports
• Emergency Medical Evacuation

But, Why Choose Digit?

• Avail Comprehensive Coverage - A single adult person can avail a sum insured of $50,000 under their Digit Travel Insurance for Malaysia at a very nominal price, ensuring comprehensive coverage during the trip.

• Claims Made Paperless and Easy! - Digit offers paperless claim settlement which you can avail yourself of placing a missed call. 

• Efficient Claim Process for Flight Delays - Flight delayed? No worries, Digit has you covered! If your flight is delayed by more than 6 hours, you will get the compensation amount.

• Missed-call Facility - Give us a missed call at +91-7303470000 and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. There’re no international calling charges! 

• Worldwide Support - We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C*

So, what are you waiting for? Get online, get that visa and travel insurance and you’re all set to plan the rest of your vacation in Malaysia.