Do I need a visa travelling to Malaysia
Malaysia understands that tourism can make a country blossom. The effect of tourism on the local economy can be huge due to the money tourists spent during their stay.
Providing a good infrastructure and maintaining tourist hotspots in tip-top shape is something the Malaysian government excels in, although some parts of the city of Kuala Lumpur have lost their identity due to the markets being swarmed with cheap products sold by Muslim vendors. As I explain in one of my video’s I haven’t seen many Chinese and Chinese folklore in China town, but I have seen a lot of Muslims vendors. Same in the Indian quarters, although they still have their authentic shops in some streets.
Still, I loved Kuala Lumpur and its nightlife. It is amazing to see how the city comes to life after sunset and the food markets and street markets are full of entertainment and the smell of freshly prepared food.
Immigration laws are pretty straightforward and very accommodating for most tourists that want to visit Malaysia. Most people get a free visa upon arrival for 90 days.
The only documentation you need is an outbound ticket and a passport that is valid 6 months AFTER your departure of Malaysia.
But that is about it, if you want to stay longer than 90 days, you have to do a visa run. And for what I am told, the Malaysian Government isn’t too happy about returning tourists on a free tourist visa and access may be denied. Or you need proof of sufficient funds to provide for your stay. For it is NOT allowed to work on a tourist visa.
You can get banned from the country when caught working. I have seen many (European and American) pity backpackers trying to sell bracelets in the streets for additional income, only trying to outrun the police when they raid the streets for illegal vendors.
The Government just want to make sure, like any other government in the world that you enter the country on the right visa
Types of Visa for a visit to Malaysia
It depends on your nationality whether or not you need a visa and what type of visa.
The list with countries that need visas and additional documentation can be found here (CLICK)
And for some countries, you must apply for an E-visa online, which is explained here (CLICK)
The Malaysian Government issues three types of visas to foreigners that want to enter the country a single time or multiple times:
1. Single Entry Visa
The Single Entry visa applies to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social/holiday visit. It is valid for a single entry and is normally valid for a period of three months from the date of issue (pre-applied or entry date). Depending on your nationality you get this visa upon arrival or have to apply in advance through the online E-visa service or an embassy nearby.
Only Chinese and Indian nationals can apply for a multiple entry visa for social/travel purpose
2. Multiple Entry Visa
The multiple entry visa applies to foreign nationals who require a visa mainly for business or government-to-government matters. It is valid for twelve months from the date of issue. The Multiple Entry Visa is valid for one year. But each entry is for 30 days only and the extension of a 30-day stay is not allowed.
Some countries can only stay for 15 days, others can enter by air only
Conditions for a Multiple Entry Visa are:
- The applicant must show proof of sufficient funds for staying in Malaysia
- The applicant must possess a valid and confirmed return ticket
People that travel in groups (Tours and Travel Agencies) cannot apply for a Multiple Entry Visa.
Prices:
- RM100.00 for Indian Citizens
- RM30.00 for citizens of the People’s Republic of China.
3. Transit Visa
This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries either through another flight or by land.
Passengers on transit without leaving the airport and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight do not require a transit visa. Your Travel Company or Airplane Company can give you additional information if you need a transit visa or not. Please note that you will not be allowed to board your flight without a visa if you need one.
How to apply for a visa if you cannot apply through the E-visa service?
You can find the instructions for documentation needed and how to proceed for your visa application here (CLICK)
