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Traveler’s Guide to Enter Malaysia

The steps to enter Malaysia vary depending on your nationality, type of visa required and the duration of your stay. Before you apply, ensure that you have the right information.

Here is a general guide to apply for Malaysian visa:

1. Purpose of Visit 

• Social / business visit

For short-term leisure stays or business meetings, many nationalities may not require a visa to visit.

• Study

For international students accepted into Malaysian educational institutions.

• Working

For those planning to work in Malaysia.

• Healthcare

If you are looking to get medical or healthcare expertise

2. Visa to Enter

Visa: Official document in a passport for foreign nationals to enter, stay in, or transit through a country for a specific purpose and duration.

3. Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Effective January 2024, all foreign nationals are required to apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of your arrival.

Certain travelers are exempt from submitting the MDAC.

Types of Visa

1. Visa without Reference (VTR)

Visa without Reference (VTR) is issued and approved by the High Commission of Malaysia for a non-citizen to enter Malaysia for a social visit purpose.

• Single Entry

For social visit purposes. Valid for single entry up to 3 months.

• Multiple Entry

For business matters. Valid from 3-12 months, and each entry is allowed for a maximum of 30 days only.

2. Visa with Reference (VDR)

Visa with Reference (VDR) is a visa for foreigners entering Malaysia for a specific purpose such as for study and employment. To apply, a sponsor or reference is needed.

The sponsor in Malaysia (employer, educational institution, or family member) must apply for a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from the Immigration Department of Malaysia before the VDR can be issued.

Key Difference with VDR:

• Short-Term Stays: VTR does not allow for long-term employment or study in Malaysia.
• No Sponsorship Needed: Unlike long-term visas or passes (e.g., Employment Pass, Student Pass), the VTR does not require a Malaysian sponsor or reference.
• Direct Embassy Issuance: The visa application is processed directly by Malaysian embassies or consulates in the applicant’s home country.

3. Transit Visa

For transit purposes to other countries only. If you transit without leaving the airport, this visa is not necessary.

Types of Pass

Pass: Document that allows a foreign national to stay for a longer period under a specific condition.

Types of Passes

1. Social Visit Pass

• Short Term

A Social Visit Pass (Short Term) allows foreign nationals to enter the country for short-term stays. If you come for a vacation, plan to visit family or friends, or attend business meetings, you can apply for this pass.

Validity period: 14-90 days based on nationalities

• Long Term

Long Term Social Visit Pass will allow you to stay in Malaysia long term (more than six months) under a specific condition.

Below is the list of the conditions:

1. Children/stepchildren to a citizen
2. Elderly non-citizen without caretakers
3. Immediate family of foreign students
4. Spouse to a citizen/(permanent residence)
5. Widow to a citizen
6. For medical treatment
7. Spouse or child to expat

Validity period: Up to 5 years

2. Professional Visit Pass

Also known as Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas, this pass is issued to foreigners visiting short term for purposes of:

• Performers
• Volunteers
• Student exchange
• Religious preacher
• Conference/ sports
• Technical support

• Student Pass

If you wish to pursue education at any level in Malaysia, you need to apply for the student pass. 

Additionally, you can also apply through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) under the Ministry of Higher Education. 

• Employment Pass

If you received an offer to work for a Malaysian company, your employer will need to apply for an employment pass for you.any expat that had employment pass are eligible to bring the dependent which is children under 18, parent, parents in law and domestic helper.

For more details about working in Malaysia, click here: (BUTTON to WORK menu)

Reference:

Special Program

1. Medical Tourist

Malaysia has one of the world's best medical experts and healthcare infrastructures. Some foreign nationals seek medical treatment in Malaysia as part of visiting purposes. 

You can apply as a medical tourist under the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council.

2. Digital Nomad

Malaysia offers a program called DE Rantau specifically for digital nomads looking for both work and leisure.

>LEARN MORE> Link to WORK

3. Resident-Pass Talent 

The Resident Pass-Talent (RP-T) in Malaysia is a special, long-term pass designed to attract highly skilled foreign professionals to live and work in Malaysia. 

>LEARN MORE> Link to WORK

4. PLS@Expat 

This program allows foreign individuals with specific skills to perform emergency and critical tasks in Malaysia under Social Visit Pass and without the need for an Employment Pass.

>LEARN MORE> Link to WORK

5. Malaysia My 2nd Home (MM2H)

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program allows foreigners to reside in Malaysia on a long-term basis. The program is popular among retirees, expatriates, and families looking to make Malaysia their home away from home.

Validity: 10 years + renewable

Key Features:

• Long-term stay
• Multiple entry visa
• Purchase a property
• Engage in business, invest and study

Requirement:

• A minimum of MYR 10,000 monthly income or;
• Liquid asset of MYR 500,000

6. Premium Visa Program (PVIP)

The Premium Visa Program (PVIP) program allows for investors, entrepreneurs and foreign talents to live and work in Malaysia for up to 20 years.

Requirement:

• A minimum of MYR 480,000 annual income
• A fixed deposit account of MYR 1 million in a Malaysian bank
• Participant fee: MYR 200,000

Before You Arrive

To ensure your journey to enter Malaysia is a smooth one, careful preparation and planning is crucial. This checklist will guide you of the necessary steps:

1. Check Passport Validity

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry.
• Make copies of your passport's photo page and any visa pages for backup.

2. Prepare Important Documents

• Travel Itinerary: Print or have digital copies of your flight details and hotel bookings to present if required at the border.
• Proof of Return or Onward Travel: Keep a copy of your return ticket or onward travel plans to show you intend to leave Malaysia after your stay.
• Financial Proof: Some travelers may be asked to show bank statements or proof of funds to demonstrate they can support themselves.
• Additional Documents: For students or work visas, a letter from the Malaysian institution or employer is typically required.

3. Health and Vaccination Requirements

• Vaccination Proof: Check if you need any specific vaccines (e.g., yellow fever vaccination if arriving from certain countries).

• COVID-19 Protocols: Check Malaysia’s current COVID-19 policies, as these can change based on health advisories. This may include vaccine certificates, health screenings, or other protocols.

4. Get Travel Insurance

• Purchase travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events. 
• Check that the insurance is valid in Malaysia.

5. Fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

• Effective January 2024, all foreign nationals are required to apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of your arrival.
• You must present your passport and the completed MDAC at the immigration counter.

6. Currency and Finances

• Currency: Malaysia’s currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). It is recommended to have some cash in MYR for initial expenses like transport or food.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues using your card abroad. ATMs are widely available in cities.

7. Understand Local Laws and Customs

• Legal Restrictions: Be aware of items prohibited in Malaysia (e.g., certain drugs or weapons) and customs regulations.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Malaysia is a multicultural country with diverse customs and religious practices. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

8. Plan for Communication

• SIM Card or Roaming Plan: Consider getting a Malaysian SIM card for local calls and data or check if your mobile carrier offers an affordable roaming plan in Malaysia.
• Translation Apps: English is widely spoken, but knowing basic Malay phrases or having a translation app can be helpful.

9. Download Essential Apps

• Navigation: Get Google Maps, Waze or other navigation apps for getting around.
• E-Hailing Apps: Grab and AirAsia Ride are popular e-hailing services in Malaysia.

10. Emergency Contacts

• Embassy Contacts: Have your country’s embassy contact information in Malaysia in case of emergencies.
• Local Emergency Number: Dial 999 for emergency in Malaysia.

Verified 11/11/2024