Malaysia Grants 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to Indian Nationals for Tourism and Travel

(MALAYSIA) Malaysia has extended its 30-day visa-free entry for Indian nationals through December 31, 2026, keeping border rules simple for short trips while tightening checks at the airport to prevent misuse. Indian passport holders can enter Malaysia without a visa for stays of up to 30 days per visit for tourism, business meetings, social visits, and transit. The stay cannot be extended or converted to another visa category, and working is not allowed under this entry. The policy began on December 1, 2023, and remains in force as of late August 2025.

Officials say the goal is clear: make travel easier and safer while supporting tourism and trade. On December 20, 2024, the government confirmed the extension to the end of 2026, citing strong demand and positive travel trends. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Malaysia’s approach mirrors a regional push to boost visitor numbers with simpler entry rules while using digital tools to strengthen border checks.

Policy extension and core rules

Under this visa-free entry, Indian nationals may visit Malaysia for up to 30 days per entry. The 30-day limit is firm—immigration officers cannot extend it, and travelers cannot convert this entry to a work, study, or other long-stay pass inside the country. Any plan to work in Malaysia must go through the normal visa route before travel.

Key rules include:
– Passport validity: At least six months from the date of entry.
– Permitted purposes: Tourism, business meetings, social visits, and transit only.
– No employment: Paid work, unpaid work trials, or any job-seeking activity are not allowed under this policy.
– Mandatory digital form: Travelers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least three days before arrival. The registration portal is available at the official site for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).

For official reference on country-based entry and visa policy, travelers can consult the Malaysian Immigration Department visa requirements.

Entry requirements and screening

Immigration screening applies to every traveler, even with visa-free entry. Officers at the border look for clear proof that the visitor meets the rules and plans to leave on time. Some Indian nationals have been refused entry when they arrived without enough documentation or raised concerns about possible illegal work.

Travelers should prepare:
– Confirmed return or onward flight within 30 days of arrival.
– Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking or written confirmation from a host.
– Sufficient funds for the entire stay; officers may ask for bank statements, cash, or card limits.
– MDAC confirmation showing timely submission at least three days before travel.

Authorities stress that officials may deny entry if any requirement is missing, or if they suspect the traveler plans to work or overstay. The Indian High Commission has warned against false job offers tied to visa-free travel and urged the public to avoid agents who promise work using this entry route. Employment requires proper work authorization obtained in advance.

Practical arrival process:
1. Present passport and MDAC confirmation at the immigration counter.
2. Show return/onward ticket and accommodation proof.
3. Answer any officer questions clearly and politely.
4. If approved, receive a Social Visit Pass stamped or noted with a 30-day stay limit.
5. The pass ends automatically on departure or when 30 days expire—whichever comes first.

Impact and practical guidance

Malaysia’s visa-free access for Indian nationals helped tourism recover after the pandemic, with more than one million Indian visitors recorded between January and November 2024, according to local advisories. The travel industry reports fuller flights and busy holiday seasons, while urging travelers to prepare paperwork carefully to avoid last-minute issues at the border.

Common problems that can lead to denial:
– Missing MDAC forms
– Weak proof of funds
– Unverified hotel bookings
– Unclear travel plans or suspected intent to work

VisaVerge.com notes that consistent pre-travel planning is the best way to avoid short interviews turning into denied entry.

Step-by-step checklist (recommended)

1. Check your passport expiry and ensure a minimum of six months’ validity from the entry date.
2. Book a return or onward flight within 30 days and keep a copy of your e-ticket.
3. Secure accommodation for your full stay and carry proof of reservation or a host letter.
4. Complete the MDAC at least three days before arrival via the official Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) site, and save the confirmation.
5. Prepare financial proof (recent bank statements or a credit card with a usable limit).
6. On arrival, present passport, MDAC confirmation, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Answer questions clearly and politely.
7. Receive the Social Visit Pass for 30 days if all requirements are met.

Travelers who wish to stay longer than 30 days, study, or work should apply for the correct visa in advance. Malaysian authorities provide guidance on visa types and requirements through the Malaysian Immigration Department visa requirements page. For jobs, an approved work pass is needed before travel; for study, students should secure admission and student pass approval first.

Officials emphasize that attention to detail will reduce entry denials. The Indian High Commission in Malaysia has reminded travelers that agents claiming to “arrange” border entry or to secure work without a proper visa are likely offering scams.

Practical tips for fewer surprises

• Ensure name on ticket matches passport exactly.
• Keep hotel bookings verifiable; ensure payment details can be shown.
• Print or save your MDAC confirmation and carry it with your passport.
• Carry multiple proofs of funds (e.g., bank statement and card).
• If visiting friends or family, ask your host for a short letter with address and phone number.

Travelers with special circumstances (minors traveling without both parents, or those with past overstays) should carry extra documents:
– A notarized consent letter for minors.
– Proof of past compliance or explanations for prior issues.

Officers have broad authority to ask follow-up questions; clear, honest answers and complete paperwork usually lead to a smooth entry.

Broader context and next steps

• India granted Malaysian nationals a 30-day gratis e-Tourist visa with double entry from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, reflecting reciprocal steps to support travel and business links.
• Malaysia’s policy aligns with a strategy to increase visitor numbers while maintaining controls through digital tools like MDAC, which helps manage data in advance and speed up screening.
• As of August 2025, the policy runs to the end of 2026 with no announced changes to length or scope. Any future adjustment would likely depend on tourism performance, security reviews, and regional trends.
• Neighboring markets have different rules (for example, China has a 90-day allowance in Malaysia), but no change has been signaled for Indian nationals.

For the latest official instructions and visa guidance, check the Malaysian Immigration Department visa requirements page and file the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) no later than three days before arrival. For consular help, the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi can be reached at [email protected].

Key takeaway: Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free policy makes short trips easier, but it is a strict, rules-based program. Prepare your MDAC, travel documents, proof of funds and accommodation well in advance to avoid entry denial.