Eligibility For Malaysia Visa

Eligibility for Malaysia Visa: What You Need to Know

Before applying for a visa to Malaysia, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements for obtaining a visa. Depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the type of visa you are applying for, the eligibility criteria may vary. Here's a general guide to help you determine if you qualify for a Malaysia visa and what you need to do.

1. General Eligibility Criteria

Regardless of the visa type, the general eligibility criteria include:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Malaysia. It should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Purpose of Visit: Clearly define and document the purpose of your visit, whether it's for tourism, business, study, or work.
  • Financial Stability: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Malaysia, including travel, accommodation, and other expenses.
  • No Previous Immigration Violations: You should not have any previous immigration violations or adverse records with Malaysian authorities.

2. Tourist Visa Eligibility

To qualify for a Malaysia Tourist Visa, you need to:

  • Be a National of a Visa-Required Country: Citizens from countries that require a visa to enter Malaysia must apply for a tourist visa.
  • Proof of Return or Onward Travel: Provide evidence of your return or onward travel arrangements to show your intent to leave Malaysia before your visa expires.
  • Accommodation Proof: Submit proof of accommodation arrangements, either hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.

3. Business Visa Eligibility

For a Malaysia Business Visa, you must:

  • Hold a Valid Passport: As per the general criteria.
  • Have a Business Purpose: Provide a valid business invitation letter from a Malaysian company or organization.
  • Demonstrate Business Ties: Show proof of your business relationship with the Malaysian entity, such as business cards, company registration documents, or previous correspondence.

4. Student Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a Malaysia Student Visa, you must:

  • Receive Acceptance from a Recognized Institution: Obtain an official acceptance letter from a registered Malaysian educational institution.
  • Show Proof of Financial Support: Provide evidence of your ability to support yourself financially during your studies, including bank statements or scholarship awards.
  • Meet Health Requirements: You may need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are in good health.

5. Work Visa Eligibility

For a Malaysia Work Visa, eligibility criteria include:

  • Valid Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer, who will need to obtain a work permit or employment pass for you.
  • Proof of Employment: Submit the job offer letter and employment contract detailing the terms of your employment.
  • Qualifications and Experience: Ensure you meet the necessary qualifications and experience required for the job position.

6. Additional Considerations

  • Visa Exemptions: Certain nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for short stays. Check the specific entry requirements for your nationality.
  • Health and Travel Insurance: While not always mandatory, having health and travel insurance for your stay in Malaysia is advisable and may be required for some visa types.
  • Compliance with Local Laws: Adhere to Malaysian laws and regulations during your stay. Violations can affect your current and future visa applications.

Nation wise eligibility for Malaysia Visa: What You Need to Know


Visa Excemption for 90 days
According to Timatic, holders of passports from certain jurisdictions are eligible for visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 90 days. This convenience allows travelers from these countries to visit Malaysia without the need for a pre-arranged visa. Below is the list of countries whose passport holders can enjoy this visa-free access:

  • European Union (All member states)
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bahrain
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Cuba
  • Egypt
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Lebanon
  • Liechtenstein
  • Maldives
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Peru
  • Qatar
  • San Marino
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Yemen

Visa Excemption for 30 days

Holders of passports from specific jurisdictions are eligible for visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 30 days. This temporary visa-free access facilitates easier travel to Malaysia for short stays. Below is the list of countries whose passport holders can enter Malaysia without a visa for 30 days:

  • ASEAN (All member states except Myanmar)
  • Andorra
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bolivia
  • Botswana
  • Cambodia
  • Cape Verde
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China (Temporary measure until 31 December 2024)
  • Comoros
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Eswatini
  • Fiji
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • India (Temporary measure until 31 December 2024)
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Lesotho
  • Macao
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nicaragua
  • North Macedonia
  • Palau
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Visa Exemption for 14 days

Holders of passports from the following jurisdictions are eligible for visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 14 days:

  • Iran
  • Libya

APEC Business Travel Card

Holders of passports from the following countries who possess an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with the "MYS" code on the reverse—indicating that it is valid for travel to Malaysia—can enter Malaysia visa-free for business trips of up to 60 days:

  • Australia
  • Brunei
  • Chile
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Singapore
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Electronic Visa (e-Visa) for Malaysia

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for a Malaysia e-Visa. The e-Visa offers a convenient and streamlined application process, with specific conditions based on nationality and visa type.

Visa Details:

  • Fee: Varies by nationality and applicant's location.
  • Place of Departure: No restrictions.
  • Port of Entry and Exit: Any port of entry.
  • Validity: 3 months.
  • Duration of Stay:
    • Single-Entry e-Visa Holders: 30 days.
    • Multiple-Entry e-Visa Holders: 15 or 30 days (for Indian nationals, multiple entries are permitted).
  • Visa Review: Typically within 2 business days after submission. An interview or additional proof materials may be requested.

Eligible Countries:

  • Afghanistan
  • Angola
  • Bangladesh
  • Bhutan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • China (E - Already visa-exempt in general)
  • Colombia
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • India (E - Already visa-exempt in general)
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kosovo
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Montenegro
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Rwanda
  • Serbia

Sri Lanka (E - Already visa-exempt in general)

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