Immigration News & Updates

Visa-Free Entry for Indians Until 2026: Malaysia Extends 30-Day Exemption

In a significant development aimed at fostering tourism and economic growth, Malaysia has announced an extension of visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. This decision is part of Malaysia’s broader visa liberalization strategy, designed to boost tourism and prepare for key events, including Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The extension of the 30-day visa exemption for Indian nationals has already seen positive results, marking a surge in the number of Indian tourists.

Key Highlights of the Visa-Free Entry for Indians:

• Extension Period: Until December 31, 2026
• Target Audience: Indian nationals visiting Malaysia for tourism purposes
• Tourism Milestone: Over 1 million Indian visitors in 2024 alone
• Primary Objective: Boost tourism and economic growth ahead of major events

Benefits of the Visa Exemption:

What’s Driving the Growth?

The extension of visa-free entry for Indians is a key element of Malaysia’s visa liberalization plan. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s broader goals, including the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. According to Tourism Malaysia, the number of Indian visitors to Malaysia has skyrocketed, reaching 1,009,114 between January and November 2024, marking a 47% increase from pre-pandemic numbers and a 71.7% rise compared to 2023.

Tourism Malaysia attributes this growth to the visa-free entry policy introduced in 2023, which eliminated the visa application process for Indian tourists. This has opened up new avenues for travel, making Malaysia more accessible and attractive to Indians.

Growth in Air Travel and New Routes

In response to the growing influx of tourists, Malaysia has seen an increase in flight routes connecting major Indian cities to Malaysia. In December 2024, Indigo Airlines launched daily direct flights to Penang and Langkawi, in addition to existing routes to Kuala Lumpur. This expansion of connectivity reflects the rising demand for travel between India and Malaysia, supported by the visa-free entry for Indians until 2026.

Visit Malaysia Year 2026

Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is set to be a landmark event, positioning Malaysia as one of the leading global tourist destinations. The year-long campaign will not only showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities but also aims to increase tourism revenue and strengthen Malaysia’s global competitiveness in the tourism sector.

The government’s goal is to make tourism one of the largest contributors to Malaysia’s GDP. The visa-free entry extension plays a crucial role in this vision, facilitating smoother travel for Indian nationals and encouraging more international visitors.

Malaysia’s extension of visa-free entry for Indians until 2026 is a bold step to encourage tourism, economic growth, and stronger ties between the two nations. The policy has already proven successful in attracting more Indian visitors, and with major events like Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, this move is poised to bring even more attention to Malaysia’s rich offerings. As the country continues to roll out more initiatives to cater to this growing demographic, India remains a crucial source market for Malaysia’s tourism sector.

FAQ: Visa-Free Entry for Indians Until 2026

Q1: When does the visa-free entry for Indians to Malaysia last until?

A1: The visa-free entry for Indian nationals has been extended until December 31, 2026.

Q2: How long can Indian nationals stay in Malaysia without a visa?

A2: Indian nationals can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days without the need for a visa.

Q3: How many Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2024?

A3: Malaysia welcomed 1,009,114 Indian tourists between January and November 2024, marking a 47% growth compared to 2019.

Q4: What are the benefits of Malaysia’s visa-free entry for Indian nationals?

A4: Indian nationals can travel to Malaysia without the hassle of applying for a visa, making travel more accessible. This initiative has significantly boosted tourism and air travel.

Q5: How will Visit Malaysia Year 2026 impact tourism?

A5: Visit Malaysia Year 2026 aims to increase tourism revenue, enhance global competitiveness, and position the tourism sector as one of the key contributors to Malaysia’s economy.