Malaysia Short Term Social Visit Pass – How to Apply, Requirements and More

Malaysia Short Term Social Visit Pass. Thinking about visiting Malaysia for a short trip? Maybe you want to see family, explore the country, or just take a break from your routine. If you’re new to all this visa stuff, don’t worry-I’ve been through it myself, and I know it can feel confusing. This guide is here to make things super simple, even if you’ve never applied for a visa before. Let’s get started!

Let’s break it down. A Social Visit Pass is basically a stamp you get in your passport when you arrive in Malaysia. It lets you stay in the country for a short period-usually for things like tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or even attending a conference.

You can’t work or do business with this pass. It’s just for visiting. Think of it as a friendly invitation to enjoy Malaysia for a little while.

You might be wondering, “What does ‘social visit’ even mean?” Good question!

A social visit is any trip where you’re not planning to work or study long-term. It covers:

• Holidays and sightseeing
• Visiting relatives or friends
• Attending events, seminars, or business meetings
• Medical check-ups (short-term)
• Short courses (not full-time study)

It’s not for jobs or starting a business. Just visiting, relaxing, or catching up with loved ones.

Here’s the cool part: Depending on where you’re from, you might get up to 90 days to stay in Malaysia with a Social Visit Pass.

• 90 days: Some nationalities (like the US, UK, most of Europe) can stay up to 90 days.
• 30 days: Others (like India, some ASEAN countries) get up to 30 days.
• 15 or 14 days: A few countries get shorter stays, sometimes just 14 or 15 days.

But-here’s a little secret-not everyone gets the full 90 days. The immigration officer at the airport decides how long you can stay. Sometimes, even if your passport says 90 days, you might only get 30.

Tip: Always check your passport stamp before leaving the airport!

Ever seen “VP (social) 30 days only” on your passport? That’s just the officer saying you’re allowed to stay for 30 days, even if your country usually gets more. It’s their call.

Don’t overstay! If you stay longer than your stamp allows, you could get fined, deported, or banned from coming back. Not worth the risk.

Don’t sweat the paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need when you arrive:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months)
• Visa (if your country needs one)
• Proof of enough money for your stay
• Proof of where you’ll stay (hotel booking, family address)
• Return flight ticket
• Arrival/Departure card (they give you this on the plane or at the airport)
• Any documents showing why you’re visiting (like an invitation letter)

 Keep all your documents handy in a folder. Makes things way faster at the border.

It’s actually pretty easy. Here’s how it works:

1. Arrive in Malaysia: Land at the airport or cross the border.
2. Go to Immigration: Hand over your passport and documents.
3. Answer a Few Questions: The officer might ask why you’re visiting, where you’ll stay, or how long you’ll be around.
4. Get Your Stamp: If all’s good, they’ll stamp your passport. That’s your Social Visit Pass.

No need to apply online or at an embassy (unless you need a visa to enter Malaysia). For most people, it’s all done at the border.

Worried about your visa status? Maybe you want to double-check your pass or see if your extension went through. Here’s how you can check your Malaysia visa status:

• Online via Government E-Portal: Log in with your details, enter your passport or visa reference number, and you’ll see your status.
• Through Agencies: If you used an agency, log into your account and check under “My Bookings.”
• Offline (Old School): Visit the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate with your documents. They can help you check.
•  Processing usually takes 3-4 working days for most visas. If it’s taking longer, it might be peak season or they need more info from you.

If you’re from India (or another country with a 30-day limit), you might wonder if you can stay longer. Here’s the honest answer: Extensions are super rare for tourist or social visit passes.

You can only extend if:

• You’re seriously ill or in the hospital
• There’s an emergency (like political unrest at home)
• Other extreme situations

If you need an extension, here’s what to do:

1. Download Form IMM.55 (Application for Extension of Visit Pass).
2. Gather documents to prove your emergency (doctor’s note, etc.).
3. Go to the nearest Immigration Office in Malaysia.
4. Submit your application and wait for a decision.

Don’t overstay hoping you’ll get an extension. If you’re denied, you must leave before your pass expires.

Planning to stay longer than a few months? Maybe you’ve got family in Malaysia or need to be there for medical treatment. You’ll want a Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP).

• Spouses of Malaysian citizens
• Parents/parents-in-law of Employment Pass holders
• Children or adopted children (over 18) of Employment Pass holders
• Foreigners needing long-term medical care

• Minimum: 6 months
• Maximum: 5 years

Here’s what you’ll need to apply for the Long Term Social Visit Pass:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months)
• Two recent passport photos
• Completed forms (IMM.47, IMM.55, IMM.38)
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
• Medical documents (if applying for treatment)
• Security bond (about RM10)
• Application fee (RM450) + processing fee (RM50)

Always double-check the latest requirements on the official Immigration Department website, just in case they change something.

Don’t expect instant approval. It usually takes several weeks to process an LTSVP application. Make sure you have all your documents ready and apply well before your current pass expires.

After you’ve applied for any kind of visit pass (short or long term), you can track your application status:

• Online: Use your visa reference number or passport number on the government portal.
• Through Agencies: If you used an agency, check your account dashboard.
• In Person: Visit the Immigration Office or embassy with your documents.

Want to stay longer? Here’s what you need to know about extending your Malaysia visa:

• Tourists/Short Term Visitors: Extensions are rare. Only granted for emergencies (medical, political unrest, etc.).
• Students: Can extend if your course lasts longer than your current pass.
• Employment Pass Holders: Can extend if your job contract is renewed.
• Social Visit Pass Holders: Extensions possible only for strong reasons (usually 30-90 days max).

• Valid passport
• Completed extension form
• Proof of funds
• Return ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Justification letter (why you need to stay longer)

Processing time: Usually 1-2 weeks for Social Visit Pass extensions, longer for student or employment passes.

• Always check your passport stamp before leaving the airport.
• Don’t overstay. Penalties are strict.
• Keep all documents handy-immigration officers can ask for proof anytime.
• Have a return ticket booked. It’s often required.
• Bring proof of funds. A bank statement or cash is good.
• If you’re unsure, ask! Immigration staff are usually helpful.

Overstaying is a big no-no in Malaysia. Even one extra day can get you:

• Fined (sometimes hundreds of dollars)
• Detained or deported
• Banned from coming back

If you think you’ll need to stay longer, apply for an extension before your pass expires.

1. Can I work in Malaysia with a Social Visit Pass?

No, you can’t work or do business with this pass. It’s strictly for visiting, tourism, or family reasons.

2. How long does it take to get a Social Visit Pass?

You get it instantly at the border, as long as you have the right documents and the officer approves your entry.

3. Can I extend my Social Visit Pass?

Only in emergencies (like illness or political unrest at home). Extensions are not common and require strong proof.

4. What if my visa extension is denied?

You must leave Malaysia before your current pass expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or bans.

5. How do I check the status of my visa or pass?

Use the government e-portal, your agency’s website, or visit the embassy/immigration office in person.

6. What documents do I need for a Social Visit Pass?

Passport, visa (if needed), proof of funds, accommodation, return ticket, and any relevant invitation letters.

7. Can Indians get a 90-day Social Visit Pass?

No, Indian nationals usually get a 30-day pass. Extensions are rare and only for emergencies.

So, there you have it-everything you need to know about Malaysia’s Short Term Social Visit Pass, explained in plain English. Whether you’re planning a quick holiday, visiting family, or just exploring, this guide should help you avoid the common mistakes and make your trip smooth.