Malaysia Tourist Visa Guide for Indians 2026

Malaysia offers Indian citizens three main options for visiting. The current visa-free arrangement is the simplest, but eVisa and Multiple Entry Visa provide flexibility for different travel needs.

Entry Type | Best For | Fee | Max Stay

Visa-Free (current policy) | Short holidays, first-time visitors | FREE | 30 days

eVisa (Single Entry) | Longer stays, flexible travel | ~₹3,910 | 30 days

eNTRI | Short trips, budget travellers | ~₹1,800-3,200 | 15 days

Multiple Entry Visa | Frequent travellers, regional exploration | ~₹2,340 | 30 days per entry

Visa-Free Entry is the best option for most Indian travellers. Valid until 31 December 2026, it allows stays of up to 30 days with multiple entries. No application, no fees — just complete the free MDAC online before arrival.

eVisa (Single Entry) is useful if you want to pre-arrange your visa or if the visa-free policy changes. It costs approximately ₹3,910 and allows a 30-day stay. The e-visa is valid for 3 months from issuance, so you can apply early.

eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information) is the cheapest paid option at approximately ₹1,800-3,200, but limits you to 15 days and single entry. It has route restrictions — you must return to India or transit through Singapore, Thailand, or Brunei only.

Multiple Entry Visa costs approximately ₹2,340 and is valid for 1 year with 30 days per entry. Ideal for travellers who want to explore Malaysia and neighbouring countries in multiple trips.

Important: The MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) is mandatory for ALL travellers, even under visa-free entry. Complete it at least 3 days before arrival at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Failure to do so can result in denied entry or fines up to RM 3,000.

Indian citizens can visit Malaysia under the current visa-free policy or apply for a visa. Here is who qualifies:

Basic eligibility (visa-free):

·        Indian passport holder with at least 6 months validity from entry date

·        At least 2 blank pages in passport

·        Confirmed return or onward flight ticket

·        Proof of accommodation in Malaysia

·        Completed MDAC at least 3 days before arrival

For eVisa applicants:

·        All of the above, plus

·        Valid reason for choosing eVisa over visa-free (e.g., need pre-approved visa for employer records)

For Multiple Entry Visa:

·        Strong travel history (previous Malaysia visits help)

·        Proof of sufficient funds for multiple trips

·        Confirmed travel plans requiring multiple entries

Who may face challenges:

·        Passport with less than 6 months validity

·        No return or onward ticket

·        Previous overstays or immigration violations in Malaysia

Expert Tip: With visa-free entry available until December 2026, most Indian travellers do not need to apply for any visa. Simply complete the free MDAC online and travel. Save your money for shopping in Bukit Bintang.

Whether you are using visa-free entry or applying for a visa, the document requirements are straightforward. Gather these before travelling:

Mandatory documents (all entry types):

1.      Passport — Valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, with at least 2 blank pages. Must be in good physical condition.

2.      MDAC confirmation — Completed online at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main at least 3 days before arrival. Print or save the confirmation on your phone.

3.      Return or onward flight ticket — Confirmed booking showing you will leave Malaysia before your stay expires.

4.      Hotel booking confirmation — Confirmed reservations for your stay in Malaysia. If staying with friends or family, provide their address and contact details.

5.      Proof of sufficient funds — Cash, credit/debit cards, or travellers cheques showing you can fund your trip. Immigration may ask for this at the airport.

Additional documents for eVisa applicants:

6.      Passport-size photograph — Recent colour photo, white or light blue background, 35mm x 45mm, taken within the last 6 months.

7.      Scanned copy of passport bio-data page — Clear scan of the page with your photo and personal details.

Recommended but not mandatory:

·        Travel insurance — Strongly recommended. Malaysia's healthcare is good but expensive for foreigners. A basic policy costs ₹300-600.

·        Travel itinerary — A brief outline of your planned activities and travel dates.

·        Employment proof — A letter from your employer confirming your position and approved leave dates.

Tip: For visa-free entry, you do not need to carry printed documents beyond your passport and MDAC confirmation. However, having digital or printed copies of your hotel booking and return ticket adds credibility if immigration asks.

Malaysia is one of the most affordable Southeast Asian destinations for Indian travellers. Here is the complete breakdown:

Fee Component | Visa-Free | eVisa | eNTRI | Multiple Entry

Visa fee | FREE | ~₹3,910 | ~₹1,800-3,200 | ~₹2,340

MDAC | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE

Tourism tax | RM 10/night | RM 10/night | RM 10/night | RM 10/night

Payment methods for eVisa/eNTRI:

·        Credit card (Visa, Mastercard) on the official portal

·        Card must be enabled for international transactions

Important notes:

·        Visa-free entry is completely free — no application fee, no processing charge

·        The tourism tax of RM 10 (approximately ₹234) per room per night is collected by hotels, not at immigration

·        All visa fees are non-refundable

·        Beware of third-party websites charging fees for the free MDAC — the official portal is always free

The process depends on which entry type you choose. Visa-free is the simplest:

Visa-Free Entry (recommended for most travellers):

8.      Complete the MDAC online at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main at least 3 days before your arrival date. This is free and takes 10 minutes.

9.      Gather your documents — passport, return ticket, hotel booking, proof of funds.

10.   Board your flight to Malaysia with all documents ready.

11.   Present your documents at immigration upon arrival. Show your passport, MDAC confirmation, return ticket, and hotel booking.

12.   Get your entry stamp — you are allowed up to 30 days.

eVisa Application (if needed):

13.   Visit the official portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my and click "I'm New" to register.

14.   Verify your email with the OTP sent to your inbox.

15.   Fill in your personal details, travel information, and accommodation details.

16.   Upload your passport scan, passport-size photo, flight tickets, and hotel booking.

17.   Pay the fee online using your credit or debit card.

18.   Wait for processing — typically 24-72 hours.

19.   Download and print your approved e-visa in colour on A4 paper.

20.   Present the printed e-visa along with your passport at immigration upon arrival.

Tip: The MDAC is mandatory regardless of your entry type. Even if you have an e-visa, you must still complete the MDAC at least 3 days before arrival. Do not skip this step.

Processing times depend on your entry type:

Application Method | Processing Time

Visa-Free (MDAC only) | Instant (submit 3 days before)

eVisa | 24-72 hours (2-5 business days)

eNTRI | Minutes to 2 working days

Multiple Entry Visa | 5-7 working days

When to apply:

·        Visa-Free: Complete MDAC at least 3 days before travel

·        eVisa: Apply 1-2 weeks before travel for buffer

·        Multiple Entry Visa: Apply 3-4 weeks before travel

Malaysia is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Here is what immigration looks for:

Minimum bank balance:

·        No fixed official amount for visa-free entry

·        General recommendation: ₹40,000-50,000 (~RM 1,500-2,000) for a 2-week trip

·        Immigration may ask for proof of funds at the airport — carry cash, cards, or both

For Visa on Arrival (if applicable):

·        USD 500 minimum or equivalent in cash

Daily budget reference (in INR):

Budget Level | Per Day | 10-Day Trip

Budget | ₹2,340-3,740 | ₹23,400-37,400

Mid-range | ₹4,680-8,190 | ₹46,800-81,900

Premium | ₹10,530+ | ₹1,05,300+

Trip cost estimates (10 days):

Cost Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium

Flights (round-trip) | ₹8,000-18,000 | ₹15,000-28,000 | ₹30,000-50,000

Accommodation (10 nights) | ₹6,000-15,000 | ₹18,000-35,000 | ₹50,000-1,20,000

Food (10 days) | ₹3,000-6,000 | ₹7,000-15,000 | ₹20,000-35,000

Activities and transport | ₹4,000-10,000 | ₹12,000-25,000 | ₹30,000-60,000

Visa fees | FREE | ₹3,910 | ₹2,340

Total | ₹21,000-49,000 | ₹55,910-1,16,910 | ₹1,32,340-2,67,340

Looking for more Southeast Asian adventures? Our Thailand tourist visa guide covers a popular nearby destination, and our Singapore tourist visa guide covers the city-state just a short flight away. If you want to explore further, check out our Indonesia tourist visa guide for Bali and beyond.

A food paradise that rivals India's own. Malaysia's food scene is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cuisines. Laksa, nasi lemak, roti canai, char kway teow, and satay become daily staples. Little India in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, serves South Indian food that would hold its own in Chennai. A full meal costs ₹100-300.

The Petronas Twin Towers and KL skyline. The iconic 88-story towers are just the beginning. Kuala Lumpur blends modern skyscrapers with colonial architecture, bustling markets, and world-class shopping. Bukit Bintang and KLCC are retail therapy heaven.

Islands and beaches that rival the Maldives. Langkawi, the Perhentian Islands, Redang, and Tioman offer crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and white sand beaches. Langkawi is duty-free, making it perfect for shopping and relaxation.

Borneo's wildlife and rainforests. Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo offer orangutan sanctuaries, Mount Kinabalu, massive cave systems, and some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. It is a different world from peninsular Malaysia.

Incredible value for money. Malaysia offers world-class experiences at budget-friendly prices. Hotels start from ₹1,500-3,000 per night, local transport is cheap, and the free visa policy saves Indian travellers thousands.

The food is unforgettable. Indians consistently rate Malaysian food as the highlight of their trip. The variety is staggering — Malay, Chinese, Indian, and fusion cuisines coexist in every hawker centre and night market. Roti canai for breakfast, laksa for lunch, and satay for dinner becomes a daily routine.

Langkawi is a dream island. The duty-free island combines stunning beaches with duty-free shopping, cable car rides, and mangrove tours. Indians love the relaxed vibe and affordable luxury resorts.

Penang's street art and heritage. George Town's UNESCO-listed old town is filled with murals, colonial buildings, and some of the best street food in Asia. The blend of cultures creates a unique atmosphere.

Shopping is world-class. From Bukit Bintang's malls to Central Market's handicrafts, Malaysia offers incredible shopping. Langkawi's duty-free status makes it even more attractive for Indian shoppers.

The people are warm and welcoming. Malaysia's multicultural society means Indians are not tourists here — they are part of the fabric. Hindi and Tamil are widely understood, and Indian culture is visible everywhere from temples to cuisine.

1. Forgetting the MDAC. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for ALL travellers, even under visa-free entry. Failing to complete it at least 3 days before arrival can result in denied entry or fines up to RM 3,000. The MDAC is free — complete it at the official portal.

2. Using fake MDAC websites. Several scam websites charge fees for the free MDAC. The only official portal is imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. If a site asks for payment, it is a scam.

3. Passport with less than 6 months validity. Malaysia strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will be denied boarding.

4. No return or onward ticket. Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Without a return or onward ticket, you may be denied entry.

5. Overstaying your visa. Malaysia charges fines for overstaying and may impose re-entry bans. Extensions are not permitted under visa-free entry or eVisa. Exit before your 30 days are up.

6. Assuming you can work remotely. Working (including online freelancing) on a tourist entry is illegal and can result in deportation and future bans. Malaysia takes this seriously.

7. Not carrying printed documents. While digital copies are usually accepted, carrying printed copies of your MDAC confirmation, return ticket, and hotel booking is safer.

Malaysia has excellent air connectivity with India, with direct flights from multiple cities. This is one of the most well-connected Southeast Asian destinations for Indian travellers.

Route | Airlines | Duration | Round-Trip Cost

Delhi → Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo | 5-6 hours | ₹9,000-28,000

Mumbai → Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air | 5 hours | ₹8,500-26,000

Bengaluru → Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia, IndiGo, Malaysia Airlines | 4 hours | ₹8,000-24,000

Chennai → Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia, IndiGo, Malaysia Airlines | 3.5 hours | ₹7,500-22,000

Kolkata → Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia, IndiGo | 5 hours | ₹11,000-20,000

Hyderabad → Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia, IndiGo | 4.5 hours | ₹9,000-18,000

Kochi → Kuala Lumpur | AirAsia, IndiGo | 4.5 hours | ₹8,000-16,000

Flight time from Delhi is approximately 5-6 hours direct. AirAsia consistently offers the cheapest fares, with round-trip tickets starting from ₹8,000-9,000 during sales. Malaysia Airlines offers full-service comfort at slightly higher prices. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically yields the best fares.

7-Day Malaysia Highlights

Day 1-2: Kuala Lumpur — Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, KLCC Park, Jalan Alor.

Day 3-4: Penang — George Town heritage, street art, food trail, Penang Hill.

Day 5-6: Langkawi — Beach, cable car, duty-free shopping, island hopping.

Day 7: Kuala Lumpur — Shopping, departure.

Malaysia offers Indian travellers visa-free entry until December 2026 — no application, no fees, just a free MDAC online. From the Petronas Towers to Langkawi's beaches, Penang's street art to Borneo's orangutans, Malaysia delivers world-class experiences at budget-friendly prices. For the complete document checklist, eligibility details, and eVisa options, see the main Malaysia visa guide.