Everything You Need To Know About
Malaysia E-visa
Malaysia
is one of the most popular tourism friendly nations in the world, and due to
this factor, citizens of 160 countries can enter Malaysia without a visa. Out
of these 160 countries, citizens of 63 nations are granted visa-free entry to
Malaysia for 90 days. Foreign nationals of the remaining 97 countries can enter
and stay in Malaysia for 30 days without a visa.
However,
citizens of countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Serbia,
China, Montenegro and Myanmar need a visa to enter Malaysia. People from these
countries can apply for an e-visa and can visit Malaysia for tourism-related
activities.
What
is Malaysia e-tourist visa?
In the
earlier days, citizens of foreign countries were required to visit the
Malaysian embassies in their respective countries to obtain a visa. However, in
2016, as an attempt to simplify the visa application process, the country
introduced an e-visa program for travelers who intend to visit Malaysia.
Malaysian
e-visas are basically an electronically authorized travel document that allows
a foreign national to visit the country legally. These visas can be applied
online with the help of entrusted agencies like Visa Genie, and all you need to
do is to submit the necessary documents.
After obtaining
a Malaysian e-tourist visa, the traveler should take its printout and should
carry it during the trip. Upon landing, the foreign national should show the
e-visa at the entry port, and after verifying it, immigration officials will do
the visa stamping.
Malaysian
tourist e-visa: All you need to know
As the
name indicates, Malaysian tourist e-visas are issued to foreign nationals who
intend to visit the country just for tourism-related activities. Please find
below the documents that should be submitted to obtain a Malaysian e-tourist visa.
- The passport of the foreign national should be
submitted. Please make sure that the passport has a validity of six
months, along with two blank pages.
- A recently taken photograph should be submitted.
The photograph should provide the full-frontal view of the applicant, and
the foreign national should make sure that he or she is maintaining a
neutral expression in it. The applicants are not allowed to wear headwear
or spectacles unless until it is used for religious purposes.
- The applicant should submit his or her proof of
work in the homeland.
- The foreign national should provide proofs of
travel arrangements and accommodation.
- An invitation letter from the Malaysian host.
- The visa application form should be filled
without any errors. If you face any difficulties while filling the
application form, do not hesitate to contact Visa Genie, and we will be
glad to assist you.
Note
01: If minors
are traveling to Malaysia, birth certificate of these children should be
submitted.
Note
02: If the
foreign national is staying with a friend or relative residing in Malaysia, the
traveler should submit a cover letter addressed to the immigration officer, and
it should provide all necessary details of the friend or relative that
includes, name, address, and the scanned identity card.
Note
03: Sometimes,
the government officials may ask you to submit more documents after submission.
In these times, you should provide them to obtain the e-visa. However, the
chances of this scenario are pretty less.
Frequently
asked questions (FAQ)
Can I
carry a digital copy of my e-visa on my smartphone while traveling to Malaysia?
While
traveling to Malaysia, foreign nationals should make sure that he or she is carrying
the printout of the e-visa. Please note that the Malaysian authorities do not
accept digital copy of the e-visa.
I am
planning to visit Malaysia next month. When should I apply for an e-visa?
It is
always recommended to apply for an e-visa at least two weeks prior to your departure
date.
What
is the validity of a Malaysian e-visa?
In usual
cases, Malaysian e-visas are valid for 90 days. Malaysian authorities offer
multiple entry privilege for Indian citizens while nationals of countries like Sri
Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Serbia, Montenegro and Myanmar have
only single-entry privilege. The maximum duration of stay per entry will be 30
days.
Is it
necessary to provide travel and accommodation proofs to obtain a Malaysian
e-visa?
Yes, a
foreign national should provide proofs of travel and accommodation to apply for
a Malaysian e-tourist visa. The applicant can submit onward and return flight
tickets as the travel proof, while hotel room booking confirmation can be used as
the proof of accommodation.
How many
days it will take to get my sanctioned Malaysian e-tourist visa?
In
normal cases, the e-visa will be sent to the applicant’s email within 72 hours.
If you need a quick visa before the 72 hour timeline, you should pay an extra
fee to get the visa within 24 hours.
What
are the things to take care while submitting an invitation letter to get a
Malaysian tourist e-visa?
The
invitation should be issued by the Malaysian host, and it should cover all the
details about the foreign national’s visit. The letter should talk about the
travel plan, and should also provide sufficient details regarding the traveler’s
accommodation while in Malaysia.
Is my
entry to Malaysia guaranteed if I successfully obtain an e-visa?
An
e-visa is basically an electronic authorization that allows foreign nationals
to visit Malaysia legally. However, travelers should understand that your
e-visa will be thoroughly checked by the immigration officers at the entry
ports. If the immigration authorities believe your entry is against the interest
of the nation, they have the rights to deny your entry.
Why
should I choose an e-visa while traveling to Malaysia?
E-visas
offer the privilege to apply for a visa from the comfort of home. In order to
obtain these visas, foreign nationals should submit their necessary documents,
and there is absolutely no need to visit the Malaysian embassy.
Can
an Indian citizen enter Malaysia via ferry using an e-visa?
Yes,
using e-visas, a foreign national can enter Malaysia either via air, land or
sea.
Special
note: Citizens
of countries like Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria,
Rwanda and Western Sahara are allowed to enter Malaysia only via air. It should
be also noted that citizens of these countries are not eligible to apply for
e-visas. If people from these countries wish to visit Malaysia, they should apply
for a regular tourist visa by visiting the Malaysian embassy in their
countries.
I am
an Israeli citizen. Can I enter Malaysia for tourism purposes?
Until
2011, citizens of Israel were not allowed to enter Malaysia. However, they can
now enter Malaysia by obtaining a visa and an approval from the Malaysian
Ministry of Home Affairs.
Note: Citizens of Israel are not
allowed to participate in Malaysia My Second Home program. Malaysia My Second
Home program is basically an initiative that allows foreign nationals to stay
in the country for ten years.
Can
North Korean citizens visit Malaysia?
Earlier,
North Korea was one of the many visa-exempt countries, and citizens of North
Korea did not require a visa to enter Malaysia. However, due to the current diplomatic
tensions resulting from the death of Kim Jong-nam, Malaysia recently scrapped
the visa-free entry privilege for North Korean citizens.
I
used an e-visa and entered Malaysia two months back. My current valid visa is
nearing expiry, and I need to travel to Malaysia again. What should I do?
As a
foreign national, you can apply for new e-visas in every three months. In your
case, you can cancel the valid visa, and can apply for a new e-visa. If you are
a frequent traveler, it is highly recommended to apply for a multiple entry
regular visa, as e-visas offer only single-entry privilege.
Can I
extend my stay in Malaysia after reaching the country?
No, it
is not possible to extend the stay duration after entering the country.
Is it
possible for me to obtain an e-visa after entering Malaysia?
No. Foreign
nationals cannot apply for an e-visa after reaching Malaysia. These travel
authorization documents should be obtained prior to your Malaysian entry.
What
are the requirements to apply for e-tourist visas for minors?
If a
minor traveler is visiting Malaysia, then an application should be made with
one of the parents. It is also necessary to provide the birth certificate of
the minor to get a sanctioned visa.
Which
are the main entry points in Malaysia if I am traveling via air?
Foreign
nationals can use any entry point as per their wish to enter Malaysia. Please
find below the list of entry points a foreign national can opt to enter
Malaysia if traveling via air.
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport
- Penang International Airport
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport
- Langkawi International Airport
- Kuching International Airport
- Senai International Airport
- Malacca International Airport
- Labuan Airport
- Miri Airport
Will
Malaysian authorities accept a black and white printout of e-visa at the entry
port?
The printout
of the e-visa can be taken either in color or black and white.