On July 25, 2025, Malaysian immigration officials at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) denied entry to ten Indian nationals, even though Malaysia currently allows Indian passport holders to enter the country visa free for up to 30 days. This decision came during a major enforcement operation that saw 99 travelers refused entry in one day, showing Malaysia’s strict approach to border security and immigration rules.
The visa free policy for Indian nationals, which started on December 1, 2023, lets Indian citizens visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business meetings, or conferences. The program is set to run until December 31, 2026. However, the recent incident at KLIA highlights that having visa free status does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers still check every traveler to make sure they meet all entry requirements.
During the seven-hour operation at KLIA Terminal 1, Malaysian authorities screened over 400 passengers from flights they considered “high risk.” Out of these, 99 people were denied entry: 80 from Bangladesh, ten from India, and nine from Pakistan. All were male travelers. The main reasons for denial included:
- Not having a clear reason for visiting Malaysia
- Suspicious or incomplete travel history or documents
- Not enough proof of funds, return tickets, or accommodation plans
Each person refused entry went through interviews and background checks before being sent back to their home country. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) explained that these checks are routine and aim to stop people from abusing the visa free system, prevent human trafficking, and fight immigration fraud.
Malaysia’s visa free policy for Indian nationals is part of a larger plan to boost tourism and the economy. Since the policy began, the number of Indian visitors to Malaysia has jumped. Between January and November 2024, over one million Indian nationals visited Malaysia, which is a 47% increase compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The country hopes to attract 35.6 million visitors and earn RM 147.1 billion in tourism revenue by 2026, especially with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign and Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chair coming up.
Despite these goals, Malaysia has made it clear that visa free entry comes with strict conditions. Indian nationals must meet several requirements to be allowed in:
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
- Have a confirmed return or onward ticket
- Show proof of enough money to support themselves during their stay
- Provide valid accommodation details, such as a hotel booking or invitation letter
- Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arriving (except for Singaporeans, diplomats, residents, and some border pass holders)
- Have a reason for visiting that matches allowed activities (tourism, meetings, etc.; not work or study)
- No negative immigration or criminal history
Travelers who do not meet any of these requirements can be denied entry, even if they are eligible for visa free travel. Malaysian immigration officers have full authority to refuse entry if they suspect a traveler’s intentions or documents are not genuine.
KLIA has also introduced new technology to speed up immigration checks. Since January 1, 2025, travelers can use QR code lanes through the MyBorderPass app, which can cut processing time to just a few seconds. Over 55,000 people signed up for this system in the first two weeks. However, for flights or travelers considered high risk, manual checks and interviews still take place.
The Indian High Commission in Malaysia has warned Indian nationals about the risk of being given a “Not to Land” (NTL) order or being deported if they do not follow all entry rules. The High Commission advises travelers to carefully prepare and carry all required documents, including printed and digital copies of return tickets, hotel bookings, and bank statements. They also remind travelers to submit the MDAC only through the official government portal to avoid scams.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these strict checks are not aimed only at Indian nationals but are part of Malaysia’s wider efforts to keep its borders safe and make sure the visa free system is not misused. As the number of visitors grows, Malaysia is expected to continue or even increase these enforcement operations, especially as the country prepares for major tourism events.
Travel industry experts recommend that Indian nationals planning to visit Malaysia should:
- Submit the MDAC online within three days before travel using the official MDAC portal
- Carry all supporting documents, such as return tickets, hotel bookings, and proof of funds
- Be ready for interviews or extra checks at the airport, especially if traveling alone or on flights considered high risk
- Do not assume that visa free status alone guarantees entry
For Indian nationals, the main takeaway is that while Malaysia’s visa free policy makes travel easier, it does not remove the need to meet all immigration rules. Failing to do so can result in being denied entry and sent back home. This can be costly and stressful, so careful planning is essential.
Malaysian authorities say that these measures are needed to protect the country and make sure only genuine travelers are allowed in. They stress that the visa free system is a privilege, not a right, and can be taken away if abused.
Looking ahead, Malaysia’s visa free policy for Indian nationals is confirmed until at least December 31, 2026. No changes have been announced as of July 30, 2025. However, travelers should expect continued strict enforcement and should always check the latest rules before booking their trip.
Visa free policy for Indian nationals started
Introduction of QR code lanes through MyBorderPass app
Ten Indian nationals denied entry at KLIA
No changes to visa policy announced
Visa free policy confirmed to run until this date
For the most up-to-date information, travelers should visit the Malaysian Immigration Department’s official website and consult the Indian High Commission in Malaysia. By following all requirements and preparing carefully, Indian nationals can enjoy a smooth and trouble-free visit to Malaysia.
Learn Today
Visa Free Policy → Allows nationals to enter a country without a visa for limited stays under specific rules.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) → An online form travelers must submit before arrival, detailing entry information for immigration checks.
High-Risk Flights → Flights identified by authorities that may have passengers with higher chances of entry issues or security risks.
Not to Land (NTL) Order → An immigration directive preventing a traveler from entering a country due to non-compliance or security concerns.
MyBorderPass → A mobile app enabling faster immigration processing in Malaysia via QR code lanes for registered travelers.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 25, 2025, KLIA denied entry to ten Indian nationals amidst strict immigration enforcement, showing visa-free status alone doesn’t guarantee entry in Malaysia’s growing tourism policy.
— By VisaVerge.com
