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Get Ready with your Documents: Malaysia’s Entry Requirements and Visas

Preparing for your trip to Malaysia should include making sure that you have all of the necessary entry requirements and visas (where applicable). This preparation will prevent you from encountering any difficulties as you arrive in Malaysia. The information given below came from the Immigration Department of Malaysia, and should be used as a guide to check that all entry requirements are met before the actual Malaysia trip.

Malaysia passport stamp

Entry Requirements:

A Valid Passport or Travel Document

Every person entering Malaysia should have a valid passport, with a validity date of at least six months after the date of arrival in the country; or an internationally-recognized travel document which is valid for traveling to Malaysia.

  • If a passport or travel document (recognized by the Malaysian Government) is not available, a document in lieu of passport must be obtained; application for this Document can be made at a Malaysian Representative Office (consulate/consular office in an embassy, or high commission) in the country of origin.
  • Individuals who hold travel documents such as a Certificate of Identity, Permanent Residence Certificate, Laisser Passer, or Titre de Voyage must make sure that their passage to the country of origin is confirmed and guaranteed.

Visa Requirements

Foreign nationals who are required to obtain a visa to enter Malaysia should apply for, and obtain, the visa in advance from a Malaysia Representative Office in their country of origin, before they can enter Malaysia.
For a visit that will last less than three months, citizens of the following countries can obtain a free single-entry visa upon arrival at the main international airports of Malaysia, as well as the land border crossings:

  • Australia
  • UK
  • Canada
  • USA
  • Other EU

You can view the list of other countries with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to check the Malaysia visa requirements for your country of origin.

Being granted a visa is not an absolute guarantee that an individual will be allowed entry to Malaysia; the final decision of being allowed entry to the country will be made by the Immigration Officer upon arrival.

Valid Return Travel Ticket and Sufficient Funds

A traveler is required to have a confirmed return travel ticket, or a travel ticket to another country, upon arrival in Malaysia. All travelers should also show proof of sufficient funds, to show capability of funding the stay in the country.

Completion of the Arrival/Departure Card

A visitor to Malaysia is required to completely fill out the Arrival/Departure Card upon arrival at any of the country’s official entry points. The Arrival/Departure Card can be obtained at the official entry points, travel agencies, or from Malaysia Representative Offices abroad. This card will be presented along with the valid passport to the Immigration officer on duty. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that the travel document or passport is duly endorsed with the corresponding pass before leaving the immigration counter.

Persons Prohibited from Entering Malaysia

A traveler who is classified as a Prohibited Person under the Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 of Malaysia will not be allowed entry to the country – even if that individual has a valid passport or travel document, sufficient funds, and a return travel ticket. Prohibited persons include, but are not limited to: individuals who refuse a physical inspection requested by an immigration officer; those who are physically or mentally ill; those who have forged travel documents; a threat to the Malaysian government; a family member of a prohibited person.

Obtaining and completing all the entry requirements to Malaysia will ensure that your trip starts in the smoothest, most hassle-free way possible. Having all the necessary documents and requirements can give you peace of mind, as well as enable you to concentrate on the more fun aspects of your Malaysian adventure.

Photo by mroach

Article by Chris

Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.

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