Malaysia is one of the most popular international travel destinations for Indians â and for good reason. From the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi and the rich cultural heritage of Penang, Malaysia offers an incredible experience at a budget-friendly price. Even better? Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days in 2026 under a special arrangement valid through December 31, 2026. But before you start booking flights, there are important entry requirements, digital forms, and visa options you need to understand. This complete guide tells you everything â visa types, fees, documents, step-by-step application process, and tips for a smooth trip.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia?
In 2026, Indian nationals can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, social visits, or transit â under a special arrangement that runs until December 31, 2026. This makes it incredibly easy for Indian travellers to explore Malaysia without the hassle of visa applications.
However, there are mandatory requirements even for visa-free entry:
- Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least 3 days before arrival â this is compulsory for ALL visitors
- Hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Carry a confirmed return/onward flight ticket
- Have a hotel booking or accommodation proof
- Show sufficient funds for your stay
Note: If you plan to stay more than 30 days, or want the security of a stamped visa, you can apply for an eNTRI or eVisa in advance.
Types of Malaysia Visa for Indians
Indian travellers have multiple options when it comes to visiting Malaysia. Here’s a breakdown of each:
1. Visa-Free Entry (2026 Exemption)
Under Malaysia’s special 2026 visa-free arrangement, Indian passport holders can enter Malaysia without any prior visa for stays up to 30 days. Valid until December 31, 2026. The MDAC must be completed at least 3 days before arrival.
2. eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information)
eNTRI is a fast, affordable online travel registration system designed specifically for Indian and Chinese nationals visiting Malaysia for tourism. It allows a 15-day stay (single entry) and is processed within 1â2 days. Cost: INR 1,700 (approximately USD 20). Apply at: imi.gov.my
3. Malaysia eVisa
The Malaysia eVisa is a comprehensive pre-approval electronic visa for longer or multiple-entry trips. Available in single and multiple entry options. Apply at: malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my
4. Visa on Arrival (VOA) â Limited Availability
A Visa on Arrival for Malaysia is available only under very specific conditions â if you are entering Malaysia from Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, or Indonesia. It is not available for direct arrivals from India.
5. Social Visit Pass (Sticker Visa)
For longer stays beyond 30 days, you may apply for a Social Visit Pass through the Malaysian High Commission in India. Processing typically takes 5â7 working days.
6. Business / Work / Student Visa
For Indians working, studying, or conducting extended business in Malaysia. Requires sponsorship from a Malaysian company or institution. Must be applied at the Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai.
Malaysia Visa Fees for Indians
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Fee (Approx.) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry (2026) | Up to 30 days | FREE | Instant (MDAC required) |
| eNTRI | 15 days (single entry) | INR 1,700 (~USD 20) | 1â2 days |
| eVisa â Single Entry | 30 days | INR 2,500 (~USD 30) | 48â72 hours (up to 5 working days in peak season) |
| eVisa â Multiple Entry | 30 days per visit | INR 4,200 (~USD 50) | 48â72 hours (up to 5 working days) |
| Social Visit Pass (Sticker) | Up to 3 months | INR 3,000â5,000 | 5â7 working days |
| Business/Work Visa | As required | INR 5,000â10,000 | 7â14 working days |
Note: Fees are approximate and may change. Verify with the Malaysian High Commission or official eVisa portal before applying.
Documents Required for Malaysia Visa â Checklist
For Visa-Free Entry (Tourism up to 30 days):
- â Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity from travel date)
- â Completed MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) â done at least 3 days before arrival
- â Return/onward flight ticket
- â Hotel booking or accommodation proof
- â Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or travel card)
For eNTRI Application:
- â Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- â Colour passport photograph (white background, clear face)
- â Confirmed return ticket from India
- â Payment card (Visa, Mastercard, or eligible Indian bank card)
For eVisa Application:
- â Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
- â Digital passport photograph (white background)
- â Scanned copy of passport (bio data page)
- â Return/onward flight ticket
- â Hotel booking confirmation
- â Bank statement (last 3â6 months showing sufficient funds)
- â Travel itinerary
- â Payment card (Visa/Mastercard)
How to Apply for Malaysia Visa Step by Step
Option A: Visa-Free Entry (Most Indians â No Visa Required)
- Book your flights and hotel â confirm your Malaysia travel dates.
- Complete the MDAC â visit the official Malaysia Digital Arrival Card portal and submit your travel details at least 3 days before your arrival date. This is mandatory for ALL visitors to Malaysia regardless of visa type.
- Gather your documents â have your return ticket, hotel booking, and bank statement ready in digital and print format.
- Arrive at KLIA/KLIA2 or other entry points â proceed to immigration. Present your passport, MDAC reference, and supporting documents.
- Get your entry stamp â you’ll be permitted to stay for up to 30 days.
Option B: eNTRI Application (15-day Visit)
- Visit the Malaysian Immigration Department website at imi.gov.my
- Navigate to the eNTRI section for Indian nationals.
- Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation information.
- Upload your passport photo and scanned passport copy.
- Pay the fee of INR 1,700 (approximately USD 20) via credit/debit card.
- Receive approval within 1â2 days â the eNTRI approval is emailed to you.
- Print your eNTRI approval and present it at Malaysian immigration along with your passport.
Option C: eVisa Application (30-day or Multiple Entry)
- Visit the official Malaysia eVisa portal: malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my
- Create an account using your email address and set a password.
- Select visa type â Single Entry (INR 2,500) or Multiple Entry (INR 4,200).
- Fill in the application form â personal details, travel purpose, accommodation details.
- Upload required documents â passport scan, photo, flight ticket, hotel booking, bank statement.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Wait for approval â typically 48â72 hours, but can take up to 5 working days during peak season (DecemberâJanuary, summer holidays).
- Download your eVisa approval â print it and present it at immigration on arrival.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) â What You Must Know
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory for all international visitors entering Malaysia, regardless of nationality or visa type. Here’s what you need to know:
- When to submit: At least 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date
- Where to apply: The official MDAC portal (available on Malaysian Immigration Department website)
- What it includes: Passport details, flight information, accommodation address, health declaration
- What you get: A reference number or QR code â keep this handy at immigration
- Cost: FREE
Important: Failure to submit the MDAC before arrival can result in delays or denial of entry at Malaysian immigration. Do NOT skip this step.
Processing Time for Malaysia Visa
- Visa-Free Entry: Instant (at immigration counter) â MDAC must be done 3 days in advance
- eNTRI: 1â2 days
- eVisa (Single/Multiple Entry): 48â72 hours; up to 5 working days in peak season
- Social Visit Pass (Sticker Visa): 5â7 working days
- Business/Work Visa: 7â14 working days
Tip: Apply for your eVisa or eNTRI at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow buffer time for any delays or corrections.
Common Reasons for Malaysia Visa Rejection
- â Insufficient passport validity (less than 6 months from travel date)
- â Not completing the MDAC at least 3 days before arrival
- â Inconsistencies in application form â mismatched dates, names, or passport numbers
- â Lack of sufficient funds to cover the trip
- â No confirmed return flight or onward travel
- â Previous overstay or visa violation in Malaysia
- â Applying for eNTRI when planning to stay more than 15 days
- â Invalid or blurry passport photo uploaded in the application
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Entry into Malaysia
- â Submit the MDAC at least 3 days before arrival â don’t leave this for the last minute.
- â Check your passport validity well before booking flights â 6 months validity is required.
- â Carry both digital and printed copies of your eNTRI/eVisa, flight ticket, and hotel booking.
- â Keep your bank statement handy â immigration may ask for it even under visa-free entry.
- â If visiting for more than 15 days, use the eVisa (not eNTRI) which allows 30 days.
- â Do not overstay your permitted duration â overstaying in Malaysia carries serious penalties including fines and bans.
- â For the best exchange rate, carry some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) in cash for immediate expenses upon arrival.
- â Book your KLIA Ekspres train tickets in advance for easy airport to Kuala Lumpur city centre transfers.
What Can Indians Do in Malaysia?
Malaysia is a treasure trove for Indian travellers. Here are some must-visit experiences:
- ðï¸ Kuala Lumpur â Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves (only 13 km from KL), Bukit Bintang shopping district
- ðï¸ Langkawi â duty-free island with stunning beaches, cable car, and mangrove tours
- ð¿ Penang â UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for street food (Penang Laksa, Char Kway Teow)
- 𦧠Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak) â wildlife reserves, orangutans, and rainforest treks
- ðï¸ Cameron Highlands â cool weather, tea plantations, and strawberry farms
And with the Indian rupee going fairly strong against the Malaysian Ringgit, Malaysia offers excellent value for Indian travellers.
Apply for Your Malaysia Trip with VisaForTrip
While visa-free entry makes Malaysia easy for Indians, navigating MDAC, eNTRI vs eVisa decisions, and document preparation can still be confusing. Let VisaForTrip’s expert visa advisors guide you every step of the way.
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Also explore our guides on Thailand visa for Indians, Singapore visa for Indians, and Indonesia visa for Indians for your Southeast Asia travel planning.
Frequently Asked Questions â Malaysia Visa for Indians
1. Do Indians need a visa to go to Malaysia in 2026?
No, Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days under a special arrangement valid until December 31, 2026. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) must be completed at least 3 days before arrival.
2. What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) and is it mandatory?
The MDAC is a mandatory digital form that ALL international visitors must complete at least 3 days before arriving in Malaysia. It covers your passport details, travel information, and health declaration. It is FREE and failure to submit it can result in entry denial.
3. What is the difference between eNTRI and eVisa for Malaysia?
The eNTRI is for short stays of up to 15 days (single entry) and costs INR 1,700. The eVisa allows up to 30 days per entry and is available in single entry (INR 2,500) or multiple entry (INR 4,200) options. If your trip is more than 15 days, go for the eVisa.
4. How long does the Malaysia eVisa take to process?
The Malaysia eVisa typically processes in 48â72 hours. However, during peak travel seasons like DecemberâJanuary or summer, it can take up to 5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
5. Is there a Malaysia visa on arrival for Indians?
There is no traditional visa on arrival for Indians arriving directly from India. A limited form of VOA is available only if you enter Malaysia from Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, or Indonesia.
6. How much money should I carry for Malaysia as an Indian tourist?
There is no fixed minimum, but immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate you have sufficient funds. A general recommendation is at least MYR 1,000â2,000 (~INR 18,000â37,000) per person per week of stay, or a bank statement showing healthy funds.
7. Can the Malaysia visa-free arrangement be extended after December 2026?
The current visa-free arrangement for Indians is valid until December 31, 2026. As of now, there is no official announcement about its extension. If you plan to travel to Malaysia after 2026, check the latest requirements from the Malaysian High Commission or official government sources closer to your travel date.