Malaysia Visa information, types of Visa, where and how to apply

A Visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognised travel document of a foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.

Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.

A Visa which has been granted is not an absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia.

• Types of Visa
• How to apply for a Visa
• Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• Visa requirements by country
• Visa fees
• Visa with reference

After passing through the security check at the klia2’s Departure Hall, the passengers will then be lining up to go through the Immigration counters for proper document check.

Proper document check is also conducted at the Immigration counters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before the passengers boarding their flight at the boarding gate.

TYPES OF VISA

The Malaysian Government issues the following types of visas to foreign nationals:

1. Single Entry Visa

The Single Entry Visa is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social visit.

The Single Entry Visa is normally valid for a single entry and for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.

2. Multiple Entry Visa

The Multiple Entry Visa is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for business or government-to-government matters.

The Multiple Entry Visa is normally valid for a period within three (3) months to twelve (12) months from the date of issue.

Citizens of India and the People’s Republic of China who wish to enter Malaysia for the purpose of a Social Visit are eligible to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa. The validity of the Multiple Entry Visa is one (1) year. Each entry is for 30 days only and the extension of stay is not allowed.

Conditions for the Multiple Entry Visa are:

1. The applicant must show proof of sufficient funds for staying in Malaysia
2. The applicant must possess a valid and confirmed return ticket
3. Tour groups are not eligible to apply for Multiple Entry Visa.
4. The Multiple Entry Visa costs RM100.00 for Indian Citizens and RM30.00 for citizens of the People’s Republic of China.

3. Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries.

Foreign nationals on transit without leaving the airport premises and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight do not require a transit visa.

4. Transit Without Visa (TWOV)

The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) is only applicable after clearing Malaysian Immigration – for a maximum of 120 hours stop-over in Malaysia. However, granting of Transit Without Visa (TWOV) is solely at the discretion of the Malaysia Immigration; even if guest(s) meet all the required criteria.

Countries eligible for Transit Without Visa

• Sri Lanka
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh

• Onward ticket must be within 120 hours.
• Must arrive and depart only via the same airport. (E.g. Arrive in KLIA2, Depart from KLIA2)
• Posses a valid onward ticket and carry a Single Entry Visa (SEV) or Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) issued from/and are heading to any one (1) of the seven (7) countries listed below (*TWOV will not be issued if next country of destination is not listed as above):
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • United States of America (USA)
  • Japan
  • China
  • Taiwan
  • South Korea
• Passport MUST have a minimum validity of 6 months.
• A PRINTED copy of itinerary and original tickets MUST be produced. Producing only a PNR/booking number will be denied access.
• Hold a valid long-term pass* of a 3rd country. Note: The definition of a long-term pass of a 3rd country is employment/work permit, expatriate card, student pass or permanent resident card. It is worth noting that a permanent multiple entry visa (MEV) above does not fall under this category and as such, NOT PERMITTED.

• Bhutan
• China
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Vietnam

• Onward ticket must be within 120 hours.
• Guest(s) may arrive & depart via AirAsia / other airline and connect / depart via said airlines; as long as flights departing the country depart from the same entry point.
• Must hold confirmed onward ticket to a 3rd / next country.
• Passport MUST have a minimum validity of 6 months.
• A PRINTED copy of itinerary and original tickets MUST be produced. Producing only a PNR / booking number will be denied access.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA

Visa applications must be made at any nearest Malaysian Representative Office Abroad. For tourists from India and China, applications can also be made online through I-Visa System.

1. Application for a Visa Without Reference

Documents required for the application of a Visa Without Reference (approval of visa is given by High Commission of Malaysia) are:

1. Original passport
2. Two (2) photocopies of the applicant’s passport
3. Two (2) photocopies of the visa application form (Form IMM.47)
4. Two (2) passport size photographs of the applicant
5. Original and two (2) photocopies of the ticket (confirmed and returned ticket)
6. Bank statement / traveller’s cheque
7. Invitation letter (if any)
8. Payment of visa fee

Note: Visa Without Reference is required for the purpose of a social visit.

2. Application for a Visa With Reference

Documents which are required for the application of a Visa With Reference (visa will issued after the application is being referred and approved by the Department of Immigration Malaysia / Other Agencies of Authority):

1. Original approval letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia/other authority agencies
2. Original passport
3. Two (2) photocopies of the applicant’s passport
4. Two (2) photocopies of visa application form (Form IMM.47)
5. Two (2) passport size photograph of applicant
6. Original and two (2) photocopies of an air ticket
7. Payment of visa fee

Note: Visa With Reference is required for students, those seeking employment, dependants and professionals on a visit pass. More information on Visa With reference.

VISA REQUIREMENT BY COUNTRY

1. Countries That Require Visa

2. Commonwealth Countries That Require Visa

• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Ghana
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

3. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 3 Months

4. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 1 Month

5. Countries That Require Visa For Stays Exceeding 14 Days

• Iran (90 days)
• Iraq (30 days)
• Libya
• Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
• Palestine (30 days)
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Yemen
• Syria (30 days)
• Cote d’ivoire / ivory coast

6. Taiwan Nationals

Please be advised that effective 12 April 2011 Taiwan passport holders are given a 15 day exemption for visa at all entry points in Malaysia. Please note that Taiwan nationals must meet the entry requirements for Malaysia.

7. People’s Republic of China (PRC) Nationals

• Please be advised that all People’s Republic of China (PRC) nationals departing from any mainland China ports to Malaysia MUST hold a confirmed return ticket and sufficient funds.
• Failure to comply with the Department of Immigration Malaysia’s entry requirements will be denied access to step aboard.

8. Foreign Workers

• Effective 6 January 2011, all foreign workers who have been granted the Visa Pass Temporary Employment (VPTE) must also obtain the Visa With Reference (VDR) from the Malaysian Embassy or the High Commission of Malaysia before entering Malaysia.
• Entry to Malaysia will be refused if these requirements are not met, as it will be classified as Prohibited Immigration and returned to country of origin.

9. Visa on arrival (VOA)

Visa on arrival (VOA) will only be issued to nationals of People’s Republic of China and India.

Countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• People’s Republic of China
• India

Eligibility

• Nationals of eligible countries arriving from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, or Brunei with a valid visa from their respective countries
• Arrival must be through these entry points: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching
• Priorities will be given to families, groups, business travellers, and labourers
• Possess a confirmed return flight and funds of at least USD500

Visa on Arrival Facility
Transit countries	Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei
Length / Duration of stay	15 days with no further extension
Proof of money	USD500 or an equivalent amount in Ringgit Malaysia in the form of Cash, Traveler’s cheque, Credit Card / Debit or eMoney (recognized by Central Bank of Malaysia)
Fee	RM200.00
Ticket	The tourist shall have in possession a confirmed return ticket departs within 15 days upon VOA application
Immigration Checkpoints	Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and klia2 Penang International Airport Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru, Johor Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah Kuching International Airport, Sarawak Langkawi International Airport, Kedah Miri Airport, Sarawak Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Selangor Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), Johor Bahru, Johor Immigration Control Post Sungai Tujoh, Sarawak Immigration, Custom, Quarantine and Security Complex Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah Immigration Control Post, International Ferry Terminal, Labuan
References: imi.gov.my

Read more news about the visa on arrival facilities.

10. Others

• No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for employment).
• No visa is required for stays of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar nationals. For a stay exceeding one month, a visa will be required, except for Brunei and Singapore nationals.
• For nationals of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
• For nationals of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
• Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.

VISA FEES

Country	Single / Multiple Entry Visa
Philippines	Holder of the Diplomatic Passport and the Official Passport does not require visa Holder of the Ordinary Passport requires Visa to stay in Malaysia not more than 59 days, (Free). Holder of the Ordinary Passport who wishes to stay in Malaysia more than 59 days requires Visa with Reference. Visa fee RM36.00. Transit Visa – Free
Thailand	Free Holder of the Diplomatic Passport and the Official Passport does not require a Visa

VISA WITH REFERENCE

Visa With Reference (VDR) means a visa issued by the Malaysian Representative Office abroad to a non-citizen to enable individuals to enter Malaysia after the visa isapproved by the Immigration Department Headquarters.

A) Application For a Visa With Reference (Wife of Malaysia Citizen)

1. 2 copies of Form Imm.12
2. Form Imm.38
3. Sponsor’s identification card (husband)
4. Copy of applicant’s passport
5. Copy of husband’s passport (marriage abroad)
6. Marriage Certificate (Malaysia/abroad)
7. 2 Recent photographs of husband/wife
8. Divorced /Death Certificate (where applicable)
9. VDR questionnaire form
10. Security Bond
11. Statutory Declaration Form

B) Application For a Visa With Reference (Husband of Malaysian Citizen)

1. Application Letter sent to and received by the Embassy / High Commission of Malaysia
2. 2 copies of Form Imm.12
3. Form Imm.38
4. 2 Recent photographs of husband/wife
5. Sponsor’s identification card (wife)
6. Copy of applicant’s passport
7. Copy of wife’s passport (marriage abroad)
8. Marriage Certificate (Malaysia/abroad)
9. Sponsor’s proof of financial support/Form J (income equivalent to or more than RM2,000/month)
10. Security Bond

C) Application For a Visa With Reference (Afghanistan)

1. Application letter sent to and received by the Embassy High Commission of Malaysia
2. Form Imm.47
3. 2 Recent photographs of applicant
4. Copy of applicant’s passport
5. Sponsor’s identification card
6. Sponsor’s undertaking letter
7. Security Bond

D) Application For a Visa With Reference (India)

1. 2 copies of Form Imm.12
2. Form Imm.38
3. Sponsor’s identification card
4. 2 Recent photographs of applicant
5. Copy of applicant’s passport
6. Sponsor’s proof of financial support/Form J (income of equivalent to or more than RM2,000/month)
7. Sponsor’s letter of undertaking
8. Supporting documents of family ties

E) Application For a Visa With Reference (China, Vietnam, North Korea and Cuba)

1. 2 copies of Form Imm.12
2. Form Imm.38
3. Sponsor’s identification card
4. Sponsor’s letter of undertaking
5. 2 Recent photographs of applicant
6. Copy of applicant’s passport
7. Correspondence letter with verified interpretation
8. Applicant should  be 30 years and above
9. Supporting documents of family ties
10. Sponsor’s Marriage Certificate
11. Copy of Notary Certificate

For more information on immigrations and visa enquiries, visit www.imi.gov.my

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