No, Indians do not need a visa for short tourist or business stays in Malaysia for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026 as long as they meet specific entry requirements.
But if you’re planning to stay longer or visit for other purposes, such as work or study, must obtain the appropriate visa before traveling.
So, if you're wondering about the visa-on-arrival policy, tourist visa types and prices, this guide clears it all up.
In this article, I’ll cover the whole process, from MDAC submission to what happens at KLIA.
We’ll also dig into why some Indians are being denied entry in 2024 (and how to avoid that mess). Pro tip: grab an eSIM for Malaysia. It makes dealing with documents, airport pickups, and last-minute changes a lot easier.
Chalo, let’s sort out your visa and make the trip stress-free.
Requirements for visa-free entry
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry
- A confirmed return or onward ticket within the 30-day period
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
- Confirmed accommodation bookings
- The completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
A Cautionary Tale: Indian Nationals Rejected entry into Malaysia in 2024
In 2024, some Indian nationals were rejected entry into Malaysia despite the country's visa-free policy due to failing immigration checks, with reasons including:
- Insufficient funds
- Lack of accommodation proof
- Suspicious travel history
- A genuine return ticket
Rejection falls under the "Not to Land" (NTL) category, requiring passengers to be sent back on the same airline that brought them.
So please, pay close attention to the entry requirements.
Types of Malaysian Visas Available to Indian Citizens
Malaysia eVisa for Indian tourists
Planning a chill holiday or a long-overdue family trip to Malaysia?
The eVisa is your go-to. It’s all digital, super convenient, and typically gets approved within two to three working days.
You’ll get up to 30 days in the country, which is plenty for island hopping, food crawling, and soaking in the rainforest vibes. Just make sure your passport has at least six months of validity before you apply.
No need to queue up at embassies. Just upload, pay, and you’re sorted.
Malaysia eNTRI visa – what it is and who it’s for
Short trip, tight schedule, zero chill for paperwork? The eNTRI was basically made for you.
It gives Indian citizens a quick 15-day pass into Malaysia, with a rapid turnaround time.
But heads-up: you’ll need to fly in from India, Singapore, or Thailand to make this work.
And it’s single entry only.
So once you're out, you're out. This is perfect for quick business, spontaneous getaways, or visa runs, if you’re doing the whole Southeast Asia circuit.
Single vs multiple-entry tourist visas
If you're just flying in once to feast on nasi lemak and swing by Langkawi, a single-entry visa will do the trick.
But if you’ve got big plans—think Penang → Bangkok → Kuala Lumpur → Bali, with pit stops back in Malaysia—the multiple-entry visa gives you that freedom to bounce around.
It’s usually valid for three months, but don’t get sloppy with your docs. Immigration still expects you to have a proper travel story and proof to back it up.
Business visa options for Indians
Got meetings, events, or deals in the works in Malaysia? Skip the tourist visa and opt for a business visa instead.
You’ll need an official invite from a Malaysian company and a letter from your employer saying, “Yup, they’re on official business.” It usually gives you a 30-day entry window.
It’s a bit more admin-heavy, but showing up with the right visa means you’ll breeze through immigration without any awkward interrogations about your LinkedIn profile.
Long-term and special-purpose visa types
Malaysia’s not just a travel hotspot, it’s also a solid base for students, professionals, and even medical travellers.
If you're eyeing a longer stay, you’ll want a visa that fits the bill. Student visas need offer letters from Malaysian institutions, work visas often involve employer sponsorships, and medical visas require proof from recognised hospitals.
These take longer to process, so don’t wing it at the last minute. Think of it as investing in your Malaysia chapter—more effort, bigger payoff.
Malaysia Visa Application Process for Indians
Step-by-step guide to applying via the official Malaysian government portal
Getting your Malaysian visa sorted isn’t rocket science, especially if you’re applying through the official malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my portal.
First, register an account and choose the visa type that matches your trip.
Once you’ve filled out the form, upload your documents, pay the fees online, and wait for the approval email.
The dashboard lets you track your application in real time, which is a godsend when you’re juggling other travel plans.
Keep a soft and printed copy of the approved visa ready to flash at immigration.
Documents required for a Malaysia visa
Source: Unsplash
The paperwork is pretty standard, but missing even one document can land your application in limbo.
You’ll need a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a recent passport-sized photo with a white background, confirmed return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation.
If you’re staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation might be required.
Your bank statement should show that you’re not broke, and travel insurance, while not always compulsory, is highly recommended.
Basically, imagine you're trying to convince a cautious aunty that you're prepared for this trip. That’s the level of detail you need.
Biometrics and other VFS centre procedures (if applicable)
While many travellers can go the full online route, some situations still require a visit to a VFS centre.
For specific visa types or if the online system flags something for manual verification, you may be asked to provide biometric data.
That means fingerprints and a photograph at one of the designated VFS offices. It’s usually a quick visit, but booking your appointment early helps avoid clashes with weekend plans or flight bookings.
Trust me, don’t wait till the last minute. It’s not worth the stress.
Common reasons for visa rejection and how to avoid them
Visa rejections suck, especially when your flight’s already booked and the itinerary’s colour-coded.
A big one is incomplete or inaccurate information on your form.
Others include uploading blurred photos, providing insufficient bank balance, or submitting documents with inconsistent travel dates.
Some Indian travellers have also been denied entry because they couldn’t explain their travel purpose clearly to immigration officers, even if their visa was approved.
Your best move? Be thorough, triple-check your uploads, and always have supporting docs on hand to back up your story.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) – What Indians Must Know
Is MDAC mandatory for Indian passport holders?
Yes, if you're heading to Malaysia, you must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before your trip.
This rule applies to Indian citizens regardless of whether you’re travelling with an eVisa, eNTRI, or any other valid entry permit.
Think of the MDAC as a pre-arrival declaration.
It’s not a visa, but immigration still expects to see it. Skip it, and you could get held up or even denied entry at the border.
Not worth the gamble, especially when the form takes less than five minutes to fill out.
When and how to submit the MDAC
Submitting the MDAC is a straightforward process that takes just a few steps.
First, visit the official MDAC website.
Then, choose “Fill Digital Arrival Card” and enter your passport number, nationality, and intended port of entry.
After that, pop in your travel dates and flight info.
You’ll also need to provide your address in Malaysia (usually your hotel or Airbnb will do).
Once you’ve reviewed and submitted everything, you’ll get a confirmation slip via email.
Print it or save a screenshot on your phone.
Just make sure you do all this within three days before you land in Malaysia. Not earlier, not later. That window is crucial.
MDAC vs Visa – what’s the difference?
Here’s where many travellers get tripped up.
The MDAC is not a replacement for a visa. It’s more like a digital heads-up to Malaysian immigration that you’re on your way.
A visa permits you to enter, while the MDAC logs your arrival details for border control.
If you’re Indian, you’ll likely need both, unless you’re travelling under a very specific exemption or transit rule.
So don’t confuse one for the other. You could hold a valid visa and still get stopped if you didn’t submit your MDAC in time.
On-Arrival Experience at Malaysian Immigration
Entry requirements and document checks at the airport
When you touch down in Malaysia, immigration officers won’t just smile and wave you through.
You’ll be asked to show your passport, visa approval letter or eVisa printout, proof of your MDAC submission, and possibly your return flight and accommodation details. Sometimes they might even quiz you a little—nothing too scary, but enough to confirm you're not flying in on a whim. If your story checks out and your documents are neat and complete, you’ll be through in minutes and on your way to nasi lemak heaven.
Why were some Indians denied entry in 2024?
Despite holding valid visas, some Indian travellers have been turned away at the border this year. In most cases, the issue stemmed from a combination of missing documents, vague travel plans, or incomplete MDAC submissions.
If you're not able to explain where you're staying or don’t have proof of a return ticket, red flags go up fast.
There have even been instances where immigration felt the traveller didn’t have sufficient funds for the trip.
It’s frustrating, but the rules are in place, and officers won’t hesitate to act if they sense something’s off.
Tips to ensure smooth immigration clearance
First impressions matter at immigration. Dress tidy, stay polite, and have all your documents—visa, MDAC, return ticket, hotel booking—ready to go without fumbling.
Keep answers short, clear, and consistent with what’s on your visa application.
If you’re staying with friends, carry a copy of their ID and an invitation letter just in case. And honestly, don’t wing it.
If your plans change at the last minute, update your MDAC and documents to ensure everything aligns. Malaysian immigration can be strict, but they’re fair if you’re well-prepared.
Costs and Processing Time for Malaysian Visas for Indians
eVisa and eNTRI fees
If you’re applying for a Malaysian eVisa, the base fee typically sits around USD 20 to 25. Add on a processing charge and you’re looking at roughly ₹ 2,000 to 2,500 in total.
The eNTRI option is a bit cheaper but comes with stricter conditions—like only allowing one entry and requiring travel directly from India, Singapore, or Thailand.
While the savings sound tempting, make sure the eNTRI suits your itinerary. Paying less is great, but not if it limits your travel flexibility.
VFS service charges and hidden costs
Going through VFS instead of applying directly online?
Expect to pay extra. Service fees can creep up fast, especially once you add courier charges, optional SMS updates, or biometric appointments.
It’s not uncommon to see the final cost hit INR 3,500 or more.
And while VFS does make the process smoother for some, it’s worth checking if your visa type really requires going through them. Sometimes, you're just paying for convenience. So decide if it’s worth it for your trip.
How long does it take to get a Malaysian visa approved?
For most Indian applicants, the Malaysia eVisa takes around two to three working days to process, provided all required documents are submitted correctly.
eNTRI approvals can arrive even faster, sometimes within 24 hours. However, if your application encounters any issues or is flagged for manual review, the process may take longer.
Submitting early gives you breathing room. I always recommend applying a week before your flight to account for any hiccups.
Travel should feel exciting, not like a last-minute panic attack.
Ready to Jet Off to Malaysia? Bas One Last Thing
You’ve now got the full lowdown on the Malaysia visa requirements and application process. So you’re almost ready to fly.
Just one last step, yaar: make sure you get an Airalo Malaysia eSIM before your trip.
It keeps you connected from the second you land, lets you pull up visa docs on the go, book Grabs, and avoid the stress of finding a local SIM.
It’s super easy, no jugaad needed. Visa? Check. Docs? Done. eSIM? Sorted. Chal, Malaysia await kar raha hai!
FAQs About Malaysia Visa Requirements for Indians
Is Malaysia's digital arrival card compulsory?
Nope. Despite the buzz, most Indians still need an eVisa or eNTRI to enter Malaysia. Only rare exemptions apply. So assume you’ll need to apply before flying.
Do Indian citizens need a return ticket to enter Malaysia?
Yes. A confirmed return or onward ticket is mandatory. Without it, immigration might suspect overstay plans. Book a refundable one if you're unsure.
Is a hotel booking mandatory for visa approval?
Yes, you’re expected to provide proof of accommodation when applying for a Malaysian visa.
Yes. You’ll need a valid accommodation booking—hotel, Airbnb, or a letter from a friend or family host. No booking = higher chance of rejection.
What should I do if my visa gets rejected?
Don’t stress. Check what went wrong—missing docs or low funds are common reasons. Fix the issue, reapply with stronger evidence, or get help from a visa agent.
Is the Malaysia digital arrival card compulsory?
Yes. All Indians must fill the MDAC online within 3 days before arrival. It’s quick but essential—skip it and you risk being denied entry.
