Malaysia Visa Types, Requirement, and Application
Malaysia visa is the key to opening the door to this culturally diverse and colorful country. Attracting millions of tourists every year, Malaysia attracts visitors with its majestic natural landscape, rich culture and unique cuisine. Let’s explore the requirements and procedures for applying for a Malaysian visa, ensuring your trip goes smoothly and completely.
Who needs a visa to enter Malaysia?
Countries that require a visa to enter Malaysia include:
Note:
- For countries marked with (*) entry to Malaysia is only allowed by air.
- 🇮🇱 Israeli citizens who want to enter the country must have a visa and approval from the Ministry of Interior, Malaysia.
Countries not mentioned above will be exempted from Malaysia visa if they only travel for a short time, the period of stay in Malaysia ranges from 14 to 90 days depending on the country.
Malaysia visa types
Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country renowned for its cultural diversity and magnificent natural landscapes, offers various types of visas to meet the needs of tourists from around the world. Each type of visa is designed to cater to the specific purposes of visitors, enabling them to fully enjoy their travels in Malaysia. Some of the popular Malaysia visa types are as follows:
- Single entry visa: Popular among tourists, this visa is for tourism or other short-term purposes, valid for 3 months.
- Multiple entry visa: Suitable for business, study, medical, government activities, and allows a stay of up to 30 days within a period of 3 months or 1 year.
- Transit visa: For those who need to transit through Malaysia en route to another country.
Malaysia visa requirements
Sticker visa
When applying for a sticker Visa, applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Visa application form: An essential requirement for the Malaysia Sticker visa is the visa application form. This form must be filled out completely and accurately to ensure that the information provided is valid and trustworthy.
- Passport: Additionally, an indispensable requirement for the Malaysia sticker visa is the passport. The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date, and a photocopy of the passport’s biometric information page is required.
- Passport copy: Furthermore, you also need to provide a photocopy of the personal and biometric information page of your passport, an essential part of the visa application dossier.
- Personal photographs: Another important requirement for the Malaysia sticker visa is personal photographs. You need to prepare two standard passport photographs, taken within the last 6 months, to attach to your visa application.
- Flight tickets: Flight tickets confirming your departure and return dates are a necessary requirement, helping to prove your purpose and duration of stay in Malaysia.
- Proof of accommodation: You need to provide evidence of your accommodation in Malaysia, such as hotel bookings, to confirm your stay plans.
- Financial proof: Proof of financial capability, such as bank statements, is required to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for the trip.
- Proof of income: An employment confirmation letter or documents proving income source are necessary to demonstrate financial stability.
E-Visa
For the e-Visa, the necessary requirements include:
- Personal photograph: When applying for the Malaysia e-Visa, providing a personal photograph is an important requirement. You need to prepare a recent standard passport photo to attach to your electronic visa application.
- Passport copy: Also, a passport copy is a crucial requirement for the Malaysia e-Visa. You need to provide a photocopy of the passport’s biometric information page to complete your visa application.
- Flight tickets: When applying for the Malaysia e-Visa, providing flight tickets is an important requirement. You need to show proof of your inbound and outbound flights to confirm your travel plans.
- Documents for children (if applicable): If you are traveling with children, providing documents for them, such as birth certificates, is necessary when applying for the Malaysia e-Visa. This helps to confirm the relationship between you and the children.
How to apply for the Malaysia visa?
Sticker visa
To apply for a sticker visa, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Step#1. Prepare visa application and documents: Gather all necessary documents as mentioned and download the appropriate visa application form. Fill in the information and print the signed form.
- Step#2. Schedule an appointment: Contact the Malaysian Embassy or Representative Office for information about the procedure and to schedule a visa appointment.
- Step#3. Attend the appointment: Present the required documents and pay the visa fee.
- Step#4. Wait for decision: If the visa application is accepted, you will receive the visa from the representative office where you applied.
E-Visa
Applying for e-Visa is a simple and convenient process, entirely online:
- Step#1. Online registration: Access the Malaysia visa portal, register as a New User or Returning User. Select the appropriate type of tourist visa and fill in the information in the visa application form.
- Step#2. Submit form and documents: Send scanned copies of the required documents along with the completed form.
- Step#3. Online visa fee payment: Pay the visa application fee using online payment methods.
- Step#4. Receive electronic visa: After the visa application is approved, you will receive the visa via email.
- Step#5. Print electronic visa: Print a copy of the e-Visa to present at the Malaysian entry point.
Processing time for Malaysia visa
The typical processing time for a Malaysia Sticker visa is from 5 to 7 working days, depending on the Malaysian Embassy or Representative Office. Meanwhile, the Malaysia e-Visa is usually processed within 2 working days. However, this time can be extended due to unforeseen issues. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for the visa well in advance of your planned travel date.
Tips when applying for Malaysia visa
To apply for Malaysia visa smoothly, follow these useful tips
- Choose the right visa type: Select a visa type that matches the purpose of your trip, such as tourism, business, education, or work.
- Prepare complete and accurate documentation: Fill out the visa application form accurately and double-check information to avoid errors.
- Demonstrate financial capability: Provide evidence of your financial capacity, such as bank account statements, pay slips, or financial sponsorship letters.
- Detailed itinerary: Provide a detailed travel itinerary, including accommodation, transportation, and planned activities.
- Honesty and transparency: Always provide accurate information and avoid misinformation.
- Apply early: Submit your visa application as early as possible to allow sufficient processing time and to address any issues that may arise.
- Keep document copies: Retain copies of the application form and all related communications for future reference if needed.
Bank balance required for Malaysia tourist visa
When applying for a Malaysia tourist visa, one important requirement is to demonstrate financial capability. You need a minimum bank balance of about $1,250. This amount reflects your ability to cover expenses for your trip, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other costs during your stay in Malaysia.
This balance not only ensures that you have sufficient financial resources to take care of yourself but is also a mandatory requirement from the Malaysian immigration authority. Providing adequate financial proof increases your chances of obtaining a visa and is a precautionary measure to ensure safety and convenience during your travel.