Malaysia entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia for tourism or business without a visa for up to 30 days (as of 2024). Before travel, you'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) completed online within 3 days of arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
MDAC is mandatory – don't skip it
Even though the visa-free policy doesn't require a visa, you must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival. Without it, you may face delays or questioning at immigration. Complete it at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.
Visa-free entry is strictly for tourism/transit
If you plan to work (paid or unpaid), study, or volunteer, you must get the appropriate visa or permit beforehand. Working on a tourist entry can lead to arrest, fine, and deportation.
What happens at the border
1
Complete MDAC online
Go to the official MDAC website (https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main) 1–3 days before your flight. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation. You'll receive a QR code by email – save it on your phone.
2
Prepare documents at departure
At check-in, airline staff will ask for your return ticket and check your passport validity. Have the MDAC QR code ready – some airlines require it. Keep hard copies of your flight itinerary and hotel bookings in your carry-on.
3
Arrival at Malaysian airport (KLIA, Penang, Langkawi, etc.)
Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. Join the queue for non-Malaysians. You'll be asked for your passport, return ticket, and possibly proof of funds. Present your MDAC QR code if asked (most officers can retrieve it from their system, but having it ready helps avoid delays).
4
Biometric registration and stamping
The immigration officer will take your fingerprints (both thumbs first, then other fingers) and a photo. They'll stamp your passport with an entry permit valid for up to 30 days. Check the stamp before walking away – the date written is your allowed stay until.
5
After immigration
Collect your baggage, pass customs. You're free to enter Malaysia. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy – there are occasional spot checks near the exit.
Download Malaysia Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostMYR 100 (approx. USD 22)
For longer stays or if visa-free entry is not suitable. Apply at Malaysian embassy in India.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostMYR 200 (approx. USD 44)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires proof of sufficient funds and travel history.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
Max stayUp to 10 years (renewable)
Validity10 years
CostMYR 5,000 (approx. USD 1,100) processing fee + MYR 300,000 (approx. USD 66,000) fixed deposit
Long-term stay for retirees or investors. Strict financial criteria apply.
work visa
Employment Pass (EP)
1–5 years, renewable
MYR 1,000–2,000 (~USD 230–460) depending on category
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Malaysia. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary of MYR 5,000/month. Allows long-term stay and family dependents.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
MYR 500–1,000 (~USD 115–230) plus processing fees
For international students enrolled in Malaysian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work in some cases.
retirement visa
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme
5–10 years, renewable
MYR 5,000 (~USD 1,150) processing fee plus MYR 300,000 (~USD 69,000) fixed deposit
For retirees aged 35+ with offshore income. Requires proof of financial resources and health insurance. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
DE Rantau Nomad Pass
Up to 12 months, renewable
MYR 1,000 (~USD 230) application fee
For remote workers and freelancers with foreign income. Requires proof of income (minimum MYR 24,000/year) and valid health insurance. Allows stay in designated digital nomad hubs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. Overstay may also lead to blacklisting. | MYR 30 per day (approx. USD 6.50), max MYR 3,000 (approx. USD 650) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Malaysia
No transit visa needed
Indian passport holders transiting through Malaysia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australia visas may transit without visa for up to 120 hours in some cases (apply for Transit Pass at immigration).
Transit hubsKuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) · Penang International Airport (PEN) · Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Health & vaccines for Malaysia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in urban areas but moderate in rural inland areas of Sabah and Sarawak; prophylaxis recommended for those visiting remote regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kuala Lumpur
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (Putrajaya Headquarters)
No. 15, Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2, 62550 Putrajaya
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and special permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Kuala Lumpur
UTC Kuala Lumpur Immigration Office
Level 4, UTC Kuala Lumpur, Pudu Sentral, Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Mon–Sun 08:00–21:00
Convenient for quick services like social visit passes. Open on weekends.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalKuala Lumpur
LanguageMalay
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyMalaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.93 MYR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Technically treated but most travellers use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Malaysia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Malaysia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No visa is needed for tourism or business visits up to 30 days. The visa-free entry is in effect as of 2024 (started December 2023). For stays longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa in advance.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. Apply at any Malaysian Immigration Department office for a Social Visit Pass extension (up to an additional 30 days). The fee is MYR 100 per application, and you need a reason (e.g., medical treatment). Apply at least a week before your current stay expires.
Yes, it's mandatory for all foreigners entering Malaysia visa-free. Without it, you may face delays or be asked to fill it at the airport. It's free. Complete it at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main within 3 days before arrival.
Overstaying results in a fine of MYR 30 per day (no official cap), possible detention, deportation, and a potential entry ban. Always check the exit date stamped in your passport and set a reminder to leave on time.
Yes. The 30-day visa-free period resets each time you leave and re-enter, but immigration officers may question frequent back-to-back visits. For genuine tourism, multiple entries are usually fine.
You will likely be denied entry or even boarding. Renew your passport before traveling. In extreme cases, you could apply for a visa from the Malaysian embassy, but this is risky and not recommended.
No departure tax or tourist fee is charged at the airport. The visa-free entry is free. The only potential cost is an overstay penalty, as noted above.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.