Malaysia Tourist Visa: Entry, E-Visa, and Requirements
Enter Malaysia with the right visa status, whether visa-free or through the e-visa system. Covers eligibility by nationality, MDAC digital arrival card, application process, fees, and border crossing tips.
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Visa Types and Eligibility
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry
Citizens of 163 countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea enter Malaysia visa-free for 90 days. ASEAN nationals get 30 days. China and India nationals have specific e-visa or visa-on-arrival programs. The Immigration Department of Malaysia website lists all eligible nationalities and their allowed stay durations.
Apply for an eVISA or eNTRI if your nationality requires one
The eVISA is a full electronic visa for nationalities that need prior approval. It costs 100-150 MYR (22-33 USD) and takes 2-5 business days. The eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information) is a simpler registration for China and India nationals, costing 20 MYR (4.40 USD) for a 15-day stay.
Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of arrival
All travelers must submit the MDAC at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my within 3 days before arriving. The form collects passport details, flight information, accommodation address, and health declaration. Submission is free and takes 5-10 minutes. Print or screenshot the confirmation. Airline staff may check for MDAC completion before boarding.
eVISA Application Process
Apply online at the Malaysia eVISA portal
The official portal is windowmalaysia.my. Create an account with your email and passport number. The application form requires personal details, travel dates, accommodation in Malaysia, and flight information. Complete the form in one session as progress cannot be saved. Applications submitted after 4 PM Malaysian time are processed the next business day.
Upload a passport photo meeting Malaysian specifications
The photo must be 35x50 mm equivalent, white or light blue background, taken within the last 6 months. JPEG format, 100 KB to 2 MB. Face must occupy 70-80% of the frame. No glasses, head coverings only for religious reasons. The automated system rejects non-compliant photos immediately.
Upload supporting documents based on your application type
Required documents include a passport bio page scan (valid 6+ months), confirmed return flight booking, hotel reservation or invitation letter, and bank statement showing sufficient funds. Self-employed applicants need a business registration document. The documents must be in PDF format, each under 2 MB.
Pay the visa fee online and track your application status
The eVISA fee ranges from 100-150 MYR depending on nationality. Payment is via credit card, debit card, or online banking. The system generates a reference number after payment. Track your application status on the same portal using this reference. Processing takes 2-5 business days. Peak periods around school holidays may extend processing to 7 days.
Print the approved eVISA for presentation at immigration
The approved eVISA is emailed as a PDF and is also downloadable from the portal. Print two color copies on A4 paper. The eVISA is linked to your passport electronically, but Malaysian immigration officers routinely ask to see the printed copy. The eVISA is valid for 3 months from the approval date.
At the Border
Present your passport, eVISA, and MDAC confirmation at immigration
KLIA, KLIA2, Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Kinabalu are the major entry airports. Immigration lines at KLIA can take 30-60 minutes during peak hours (arrivals between 6-10 PM). Automated gates are available for passport holders of selected countries. Have your hotel address and return flight details ready for questions.
Provide biometric data including fingerprints at the counter
Malaysia collects fingerprints from all foreign visitors at immigration. Both index fingers are scanned. The process takes 30 seconds per person. Children under 12 are exempt. If the scanner does not read your prints due to dry skin, the officer may ask you to moisten your fingertips.
Declare items above duty-free limits at customs
Duty-free allowances include 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and goods worth up to 500 MYR. Malaysia prohibits importing e-cigarettes and vaping liquids. Drug trafficking carries the mandatory death penalty. Declare all medications and carry prescriptions for controlled substances.
During Your Stay
Track your visa expiry and leave before it lapses
Overstaying in Malaysia is a criminal offense. Fines range from 500-10,000 MYR and can include detention. A special pass for overstayers costs 100 MYR per day. Immigration officers at exit check your entry stamp against your departure date. If you realize you will overstay, visit the nearest immigration office before your visa expires.
Carry your passport when traveling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia
Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo have separate immigration controls from Peninsular Malaysia. You must present your passport when flying between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu or Kuching. A new entry stamp is issued for East Malaysia. The allowed stay in East Malaysia may differ from your Peninsular Malaysia entry.
Respect local customs in Muslim-majority areas
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques. Remove shoes before entering. Dress modestly in conservative states like Kelantan and Terengganu. Alcohol is available in non-Muslim establishments throughout the country but is not served in some East Coast states. During Ramadan, eat discreetly in public in conservative areas.
Practical Tips
Get a local SIM card at the airport for data and navigation
Prepaid SIM cards with 15-30 GB of data cost 20-40 MYR (4.40-8.80 USD) for 7-30 days. Major carriers are Digi, Celcom, and Maxis. Purchase at airport kiosks with your passport. Data coverage is excellent in cities and major tourist areas. Rural areas in Borneo may have limited coverage.
Use the Touch 'n Go eWallet for cashless payments
Touch 'n Go eWallet is Malaysia's most widely used mobile payment system. It works at toll booths, public transport, hawker stalls, and most retail stores. Download the app and load credit via international credit card. This eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash and provides better exchange rates than airport money changers.
Budget 150-300 MYR per day for a comfortable tourist experience
Budget travelers spend 100-150 MYR per day: hostel dorm (30-60 MYR), hawker meals (8-15 MYR each), public transport (10-20 MYR), and one activity. Mid-range travelers spend 250-400 MYR per day. Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's best-value destinations with high-quality food at very low prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You receive a visa-free entry stamp at immigration. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. You must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arriving.
What is the difference between eVISA and eNTRI for Malaysia?
The eVISA is a full electronic visa for nationalities requiring prior approval, costing 100-150 MYR with 2-5 day processing. The eNTRI is a simplified registration exclusively for China and India nationals, costing 20 MYR for a 15-day single-entry stay. eNTRI is faster to process but has a shorter permitted stay and limits entry to specific airports and land crossings.
Can I extend my Malaysia tourist visa?
Visa-free stays can be extended at a local immigration office for up to 2 months beyond the initial 90 days. The extension costs 100 MYR per month. Approval is at the immigration officer's discretion and requires proof of sufficient funds and a valid reason for extending. Apply at least 2 weeks before your current stay expires.
Do I need separate immigration clearance for Sabah and Sarawak?
Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia (Borneo) have autonomous immigration controls. You pass through immigration when flying from Peninsular Malaysia and receive a new stamp. The permitted stay may be shorter than your Peninsular entry. Carry your passport for all domestic flights to East Malaysia. This is a common surprise for first-time visitors.