Immigration News & Updates

Indians Can Travel to Malaysia Without a Visa for 30 Days Until December 2026

Indian nationals can visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days until December 2026, boosting tourism and economic growth. Know the entry requirements and benefits.

Indians Can Travel to Malaysia Without a Visa for 30 Days Until December 2026

In a major move to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral ties, Malaysia has extended its visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. This means that Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without requiring a visa.

The extension of this visa-free policy was announced by Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, the Secretary-General of the Home Ministry, in line with Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship and preparations for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative.

Key Details of the Malaysia Visa Exemption for Indians

Since the introduction of this visa liberalization plan in December 2023, Indian nationals have enjoyed the ability to visit Malaysia without the need for a visa. This extension will continue until December 31, 2026. Under this policy, Indian nationals can stay in the country for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or other purposes.

To enter Malaysia without a visa, Indian nationals must meet the following requirements:

• Passport validity: Must be valid for at least six months.
• Return/Onward tickets: Must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket within 30 days of arrival.
• Accommodation: A confirmed hotel booking with payment details.
• Financial provisions: Proof of sufficient funds for the stay, such as a bank statement or credit card showing at least 50 USD per day.
• Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Complete the MDAC online at the JIM portal before arrival.
• Immigration profiling: Undergo final profiling by Malaysian immigration officers upon arrival.

Travelers with children must also present a birth certificate for minors, along with a copy of the parents’ passports.

Impact on Tourism and Economic Growth

This extended visa exemption policy aims to enhance Malaysia’s tourism and stimulate economic growth, especially in light of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative. It is expected to bring in even more tourists from India, which has been one of the largest sources of visitors to Malaysia.

Indian travelers have been pivotal to Malaysia’s tourism industry, with over 735,000 arrivals from India recorded in 2019. After the visa exemption was introduced in December 2023, Malaysia saw a remarkable surge in Indian tourists. From January to November 2024, Indian tourist arrivals reached 1,009,114, compared to 587,703 during the same period in 2023. This is a 47% increase over the pre-pandemic levels in 2019, marking a 71.7% increase from the previous year.

Important Points to Remember for Indian Travelers to Malaysia

1. Visa-free Entry Duration: Indian nationals can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa, from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026.
2. Requirements: Indian passport holders must fulfill specific requirements like having sufficient funds, confirmed return tickets, and a hotel booking.
3. Additional Visa Types: Those visiting for work or other purposes will still need to apply for the relevant visa before traveling to Malaysia.

Malaysia’s Tourism Growth and Future Outlook

This extended visa exemption is expected to boost tourism and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economic recovery, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Indian tourists have shown growing interest in exploring Malaysia’s vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and modern cities, which has translated into a strong increase in arrivals.

The government has also acknowledged the growing number of flights between India and Malaysia, with two airlines now operating between Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur, further facilitating travel between the two nations.

What This Means for Indian Travelers

The Malaysia visa exemption for Indian nationals offers a great opportunity for those looking to explore the country’s tourism, business, and culture. With a simple process and minimal requirements, Indian travelers can now plan their trip to Malaysia with greater ease. Whether you’re visiting for tourism or business, make sure to meet the entry requirements to enjoy a hassle-free stay