As of March 7, 2025, Indian passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism and can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days per visit, under the extended visa waiver policy until December 31, 2026.
However, if you’re planning to:
- Stay beyond 30 days
- Visit for business, education, work, or medical reasons
then you must apply for the appropriate visa (eVisa, student visa, etc.).
2. Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Even with visa-free access, Indians must submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arrival.
Key points:
- MDAC is free and mandatory
- Submit online with personal and travel details
- Avoid unofficial websites charging fake fees
3. Types of Malaysia Visa for Indians
Visa-Free Entry (Tourist – up to 30 days)
No visa application needed, but MDAC is mandatory. You must carry:
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation and funds
eVisa (Tourist / Business)
For stays beyond 30 days or business travel.
- Single-entry eVisa: Stay up to 30 days
- Multiple-entry eVisa: Valid for 3 months, each visit max 30 days
- Business eVisa: Requires an invitation from a Malaysian company
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Only available if entering from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, or Brunei, with valid visas from those countries.
- Stay allowed: 15 days
- Fee: Around INR 3,500–4,000
- Non-refundable
Transit Visa
For passengers leaving the transit zone during layovers.
Other Visas
- Student Visa
- Medical Visa
- Work Visa
4. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for eVisa
- Choose the visa type – Tourist, Business, etc.
- Visit the official Malaysia eVisa portal
- Fill the form (IMM.47) – 2 copies if paper application
- Upload required documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photo
- Flight tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Invitation letter (for business)
- Bank statement or proof of funds
- Pay the visa fee online
- Track your application using reference or passport number
- Download and print your eVisa
Processing Time: Usually between 2–7 working days
5. Fees & Refund Policy
| Type | Fee (MYR) | Approx. INR | Validity | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | 50 | ₹1,000+ | Up to 30 days stay | No |
| eVisa Processing | 105 | ₹2,100+ | – | No |
| Business eVisa | 50+ | Varies | Multiple entries | No |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 200 | ₹3,500–4,000 | Up to 15 days | No |
| Transit Visa | – | Varies | Duration of layover | No |
Note: All fees are non-refundable, even in case of rejection.
6. Document Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa application form (IMM.47 – 2 copies for paper)
- Passport-size photo
- Confirmed return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Business visa: invitation letter
- Student visa: admission letter
- Medical visa: appointment or hospital documents
7. Photo Specifications
- Size: 35mm x 50mm
- Background: Plain light blue
- Must be high-resolution, color, and clearly show the face
- Neutral expression, no glasses or accessories
- JPEG format, under 20 KB for eVisa upload
- Printed photos: matte finish
- Children: no props, straight face
Common reason for delays: wrong size or unclear photo.
8. Tracking & After Approval
- Track visa status online using passport or reference number
- Once approved, print the visa and keep a digital copy
- At immigration, carry:
- Printed eVisa or visa-free documents
- MDAC confirmation
- Passport
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation and funds
- Visa-free stays are strictly 30 days
- Overstaying leads to penalties
9. Visa on Arrival – In Detail
To use Visa on Arrival:
- You must enter via Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, or Brunei
- Must have a valid visa for the country of entry
- Carry return flight ticket and show proof of funds (~USD 500)
- VOA fee is approx. MYR 200
- Processing time is about 15 minutes to 1 hour
10. Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply at least 2 weeks in advance
- Always complete your MDAC 3 days before travel
- Keep scanned and printed copies of all documents
- Ensure passport has blank pages and is valid 6+ months
- Carry sufficient funds or bank proof (recommended ~USD 500)
- Do not use fake MDAC or visa websites
- If your visa is rejected, you can reapply—but fees won’t be refunded
✅ Summary Table
| Purpose | Stay Duration | Visa Needed? | Recommended Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism < 30 days | Up to 30 days | No (MDAC needed) | Visa-free + MDAC |
| Tourism > 30 days | Over 30 days | Yes | eVisa |
| Multiple trips | Multiple 30-day stays | Yes | Multiple-entry eVisa |
| Business meetings | Varies | Yes | Business eVisa |
| Entering via SG/TH | 15 days | Yes | Visa on Arrival |
| Transit (short stay) | Few hours–1 day | Yes | Transit Visa |
| Education/Work | Long-term | Yes | Student/Work Visa |
Malaysia remains one of the most accessible and welcoming destinations for Indian travelers in 2025. With a visa-free entry for 30 days and streamlined eVisa services, visiting the country for tourism or business is now easier than ever. Still, you must follow all guidelines related to MDAC, documentation, and visa rules to ensure a smooth journey. Safe travels!