Visa requirements are important to know if you’re planning to visit Malaysia for tourism, business, or transit. Citizens of certain countries must obtain a visa before traveling to Malaysia due to its flexible visa policy. We explain everything you need to know about Malaysian visas, visa-free travel options, transit rules, and Visa on Arrival policies in this comprehensive guide.
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Do You Need a Visa to Enter Malaysia?
The following countries require a visa before traveling to Malaysia, regardless of the purpose or duration of their stay:
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Republic of the Congo
- Ivory Coast
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Hong Kong (Travel Document holders)
- India
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Rwanda
- Serbia
- Montenegro
- Sri Lanka
- United Nations Laissez-Passer holders
- Western Sahara
Visa-exempt Countries for Malaysia
It is possible for many nationalities to visit Malaysia without a visa, depending on the length of their stay. The breakdown is as follows:
Visa-Free Stay up to 90 Days
Those from the following countries can stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- European Union countries
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Turkey (And several others)
Note: Make sure your passport is valid when you arrive in Malaysia – it must have at least six months of validity.
Visa-Free Stay up to 30 Days
Malaysia allows visa-free entry for the following countries:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Benin
- Bolivia
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Iraq
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Macau
- North Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Mauritania
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Nicaragua
- North Korea
- Yemen
- Palestine
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Portugal
- Russia
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Slovenia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Tajikistan
- Togo
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Zimbabwe
Visa-Free Stay up to 14 Days
Citizens of the following countries may stay for up to 14 days without a visa:
- Libya
- Macau (Special Administrative Region passport holders)
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Yemen
Malaysia Business Visa-Free Access (APEC Business Travel Card)
With the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), APEC business travelers can enjoy visa-free travel to Malaysia for up to 60 days. The following countries are eligible:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Chile
- China
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Russia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Transit Visa Rules for Malaysia
Transiting through Malaysia does not require a visa as long as you stay within the airport and your layover is less than 24 hours.
Transit Visas and Transit Passes may be required for certain nationals of certain countries.
Who Needs a Transit Visa?
You must apply for a Malaysia Transit Visa if you are from a visa-required country and need to switch terminals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Transit Pass for Malaysia (valid for 120 hours)
A Transit Pass can be obtained at the airport by citizens of the following countries:
- Bhutan
- China
- Myanmar
- Nepal
Conditions:
- The transit must take place at KLIA.
- A flight to the next destination must be booked within 120 hours.
- Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines must operate the flight.
Transit Pass Extended (Certain Nationals)
Bangladeshis, Indians, Pakistanis, and Sri Lankans can also apply for a Transit Pass if they meet additional conditions, such as:
- A visa or residence permit from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or the United States.
- Visiting or departing from one of these countries.
Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Malaysia in 2025
Applicants from India and China who meet the following conditions can apply for a Visa on Arrival (valid for 7 days):
- Direct arrival from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand is required.
- Indonesian, Singaporean, or Thai visas are required.
- Must enter Malaysia via:
- KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport)
- International Airport of Penang
- Sultan Ismail Airport, Johor Bahru
- Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu Airport
- The Kuching International Airport is located in Sarawak
- It is located in Tanjung Kupang, Johor.
- Tuas Checkpoint (if entering by land)
Note: Within seven days, you must have a confirmed return ticket. Proof of sufficient funds is required (at least USD 1,000 per person).
Conclusion
Malaysia offers visa-free entry to many nationalities, but travelers from certain countries need a visa in advance. Others may qualify for a Transit Pass or Visa on Arrival if they meet specific conditions. Always check your visa requirements and ensure your passport is valid before traveling.
