Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi or Penang? Here is the most important update for Indian travellers in 2026: you do not need a visa to visit Malaysia for tourism for stays of up to 30 days. The visa-free policy has been extended till 31 December 2026.
This guide covers visa-free entry rules, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), eVisa fees, documents required, the application process and answers to the most common questions Indian travellers ask.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia in 2026?
No, Indian passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist trips to Malaysia. The Government of Malaysia has extended visa-free entry for Indian citizens till 31 December 2026.
You can stay up to 30 days per visit.
The visa-free entry is only for tourism. Business, work, study and long-term stays still need a visa.
You must fill the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before you arrive.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Malaysia Entry Requirements for Indian Tourists
Even though no visa is needed, immigration officers will check the following at the airport:
A valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity.
A confirmed return or onward flight ticket within 30 days.
Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking confirmation.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (a bank statement or forex card details).
A completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), submitted within 3 days before arrival.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for Indians
The MDAC has replaced the old paper immigration form at Malaysian airports. Every traveller, including children, must fill it before arrival.
Fill the MDAC online within 3 days before your arrival in Malaysia.
It is free of cost on the official portal: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/
You will need your passport details, flight details, and address of stay in Malaysia.
Carry a printout or screenshot of the confirmation.
Avoid third-party websites that charge a fee. The official MDAC is free.
Who Still Needs a Malaysia Visa?
Visa-free entry is only for tourism up to 30 days. You will need a Malaysia visa if you fall under any of the following:
You plan to stay in Malaysia for more than 30 days.
You are travelling for business, employment, study or medical treatment.
You need multiple entries within a short period.
You are a frequent business traveller.
Types of Malaysia Visas for Indians
If you do not qualify for visa-free entry, you can apply for one of these visa types:
1. Malaysia eVisa (Single Entry Visa)
Valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Allows one entry into Malaysia, with a stay of up to 30 days.
Best for tourists or short visits.
2. Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)
Valid for 3 to 12 months.
Allows multiple entries within the validity period.
Best for business travellers or frequent visitors.
3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available only when you enter Malaysia from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia or Brunei.
You must hold a valid visa for that country and a confirmed return or onward ticket.
Stay duration: up to 7 days.
Fee: MYR 200 (subject to current exchange rate; please check before travel).
4. Student Visa
For long-term study programmes at recognised institutions.
Applied through the educational institution in Malaysia, with EMGS approval.
5. Work Visa (Employment Pass)
Required if you are employed by a Malaysian company.
Sponsored by the employer.
Malaysia eVisa Fees for Indians
If you need an eVisa instead of using visa-free entry, the approximate fees are:
Visa Type | Fee (MYR) | Validity / Stay |
|---|---|---|
eVisa - Single Entry (Tourist) | MYR 100 (approx) | 3 months / 30 days |
eVisa - Multiple Entry | MYR 100 to 472 | 3 to 12 months |
eVisa Processing Charge | MYR 105 (approx) | Per application |
Visa on Arrival (VOA) | MYR 200 | 7 days |
MDAC (Digital Arrival Card) | Free | Mandatory |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Please verify the latest fees on the official Malaysian Immigration website ( imi.gov.my ) before paying.
Documents Required for Malaysia eVisa
If you choose to apply for an eVisa, keep the following documents ready:
A clear scanned copy of the bio-data page of your passport, valid for at least six months.
A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background, in line with Malaysian visa photo specifications.
Confirmed return or onward flight tickets.
Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host.
Bank statements for the last three months showing sufficient funds (typically a balance of at least Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000).
Proof of payment of the visa fee.
For business travel, an invitation letter from the Malaysian company.
For students, an enrolment letter from the institution.
For minors, a No Objection Certificate from parents and copies of parents' passports.
How to Apply for a Malaysia eVisa from India: Step-by-Step
Visit the official Malaysia eVisa portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my .
Create an account using a valid email ID.
Fill the eVisa application form with personal, travel and passport details.
Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format, as per the size limits given on the portal.
Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
Wait for approval. The standard processing time is 24 to 48 hours, but it can take up to 5 working days during peak season.
Once approved, the eVisa is sent to your registered email.
Print the eVisa and carry it along with your passport to Malaysia.
Common Reasons for Malaysia Visa Rejection
Incomplete or incorrect application form.
Poor quality scans of the passport or photograph.
Insufficient bank balance or unclear proof of funds.
No confirmed return ticket or hotel booking.
Past immigration violations or criminal record.
Travel Tips for Indian Tourists in Malaysia
Carry both digital and printed copies of your passport, MDAC, return ticket and hotel booking.
Use the Grab app for cabs, which is widely accepted across Malaysian cities.
Carry some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for street food, taxis and small purchases. Cards are accepted in most shops and malls.
Respect local customs at religious sites such as Batu Caves and the Putra Mosque.
Do not overstay your permitted period. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation or future entry bans.
Buy travel insurance before you fly. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss and other unexpected costs.
Why Travel Insurance Matters for a Malaysia Trip
Even though Malaysia offers visa-free entry, immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds, and medical care abroad can be expensive without cover. A travel insurance policy gives you peace of mind for the full trip.
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Emergency hospitalisation and medical evacuation.
Trip cancellation and trip delay.
Baggage loss, baggage delay and loss of passport.
Personal accident cover during your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do Indians need a visa for Malaysia in 2026?
No. Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, till 31 December 2026. You only need to fill the MDAC before arrival.
Q2. What is the Malaysia visa fee for Indians?
Visa-free entry is free of cost. The eVisa fee is approximately MYR 100 plus a processing charge of around MYR 105. The Visa on Arrival fee is MYR 200, applicable only when entering from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia or Brunei.
Q3. Is MDAC mandatory for Indians visiting Malaysia?
Yes. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all visitors, including those entering visa-free. It must be filled within 3 days before arrival.
Q4. Can I extend my stay in Malaysia beyond 30 days?
The visa-free 30-day stay cannot be extended for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an appropriate visa before your trip.
Q5. What is the minimum bank balance required for a Malaysia trip?
There is no fixed minimum, but most travellers carry proof of about Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 in their bank account, or USD 50 per day of stay, along with confirmed tickets and hotel bookings.
Q6. Do Indian children need a separate Malaysia visa?
Children with their own passports also enjoy visa-free entry up to 30 days. They need a separate MDAC submission and travel documents.
Q7. Can I get a Malaysia visa on arrival from India directly?
No. The VOA is available only when you arrive from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia or Brunei. From India directly, you use visa-free entry or apply for an eVisa.
Q8. How long does it take to get a Malaysia eVisa?
The standard processing time is 24 to 48 hours, but it can take up to 5 working days during peak periods.
Q9. What documents are required for a Malaysia trip?
Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months, confirmed return or onward flight tickets, hotel or accommodation bookings, proof of sufficient funds and a completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) . If you apply for an eVisa instead of using visa-free entry, you also upload a passport-size photo and the eVisa application form.
Q10. Do I need travel insurance for Malaysia?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Malaysia, but it is strongly advised. Malaysia does not require insurance for visa-free entry, yet overseas medical treatment and trip disruptions can be expensive without cover. Zurich Kotak travel insurance covers emergency medical costs, trip cancellation and delay, baggage loss and personal accident during your trip.
