Great news for Indian citizens planning to travel abroad! Malaysia has extended its visa-free travel policy for Indian nationals for another two years. Indian travelers can now visit Malaysia without a visa until December 2026.
Malaysia Visa Free: Fantastic news for Indians wishing to travel internationally. Malaysia has extended its visa-free travel period for Indian citizens until 2026. This means Indian citizens can visit Malaysia without a visa, but certain conditions and documentation must be met.
This move is aimed at boosting Malaysia's tourism and economic growth and presents a significant opportunity for Indian travelers.
Malaysia's Visa-Free Travel for Indian Nationals
Datuk Awang Ali bin Yusoff, Secretary-General of Malaysia's Home Ministry, recently announced the extension of visa-free travel for Indian citizens until December 31, 2026. This move is considered significant in the context of Malaysia's upcoming 'Visit Malaysia Year 2026' and ASEAN chairmanship preparations.
Previously, Indian travelers were only permitted visa-free entry until the end of 2023; however, this period has now been extended by two years. Under this scheme, Indian citizens can visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa. The scheme, first implemented in 2023, has seen a remarkable increase in the arrival of Indian tourists in Malaysia since its inception.
Increasing Number of Indian Tourists
Malaysia has witnessed a significant surge in tourism since the introduction of the visa-free travel scheme for Indian citizens. Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, Malaysia welcomed 735,000 Indian tourists. However, following the visa exemption, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of Indian tourists. In the first 11 months of 2024 alone, Malaysia welcomed over 1 million Indian tourists, representing a 47 percent increase compared to 2019 and a 71.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
This increase is crucial for Malaysia's tourism industry, with Indian tourists now visiting major Malaysian tourist destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Malaysian beaches.
Necessary Documents for Traveling to Malaysia
If you are planning to visit Malaysia, you will need some important documents. While a visa is not required, you must adhere to these conditions before your trip:
- Valid Passport: You must possess a passport valid for at least six months.
- Return Flight Ticket: Indian citizens must present proof of a return flight ticket upon arrival. Confirmation of onward travel tickets is also required.
- Hotel Booking: You must have confirmed hotel bookings for your stay in Malaysia.
- Financial Provisions: You must have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses during your trip. This can be proven through bank statements or credit cards. Typically, you will need to demonstrate at least $50 per day.
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): You must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card via the JIM portal before your trip.
- Arrival Profiling: You will undergo profiling by Malaysian immigration authorities before being granted entry into Malaysia.
- Minor Applicants: If you are traveling with minors, they will require birth certificates, along with copies of the parents' passports.
Work Visas and Other Visa Requirements
It's essential to note that visa-free entry to Malaysia is only granted to those traveling for tourism purposes. If you are traveling to Malaysia for work, study, or other business purposes, you must obtain the appropriate visa.
- Business Visa: This visa is typically valid for up to 30 days.
- Work Visa: If you are going to work in Malaysia, you will need to obtain a work visa valid for up to two years.
Contribution of Indians to Malaysia's Tourism Industry
Indian tourists have been a significant contributor to Malaysia's tourism sector. The Malaysian Tourism Department believes Indian tourists play a vital role in boosting tourism in various parts of the country. The increasing number of Indians has also boosted businesses at Malaysian hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and other tourist attractions.
