How to get Malaysia visa has become a popular question on travel forums and blogs in recent times, and there are reasons for this. The number of visitors picking Malaysia as their number one country of choice for travel in the Far East has increased significantly in recent years. This is because of the growth of the Malaysian economy as well as the policy of successive governments whose aim has been to attract foreign talent and skills into Malaysia.
Those who are interested in visiting Malaysia will be granted visas if they meet the visa requirements set out by the government through the ministry of foreign affairs. However, visitors should know that the visa granted to them is only for the trip to Malaysia; once they arrive in the country, they will be subject to checks by the immigration officers on duty. Not all visa holders will be allowed into the country if they are discovered to have obtained their visa under false pretexts or used fake information or documents.
Who Needs A Visa For Malaysia?
Before you find out how to apply for a visa, you first need to know whether you qualify for a visa or not. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you don't need a Malaysia tourist visa to enter the country, but those from non-visa-exempt countries need visas. To be sure about your eligibility, you must take the time to check the visa-exempt list of countries; if your country is not on the list, prepare your documents for an application.
Visa Exempt Countries: In a nutshell, the list of visa-exempt countries are Schengen member states in the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and a few others. Such visitors can stay for up to 90 days; a visa is only needed if they plan to stay for more than 90 days. Common long term visas are family reunion visas and work and study visas, to mention a few.
When To Apply for A Visa To Malaysia?
The timing has to do with the application method. If you are applying to the Malaysian embassy, you need to submit your documents at least one month before the designated date for travel. For online applications, we recommend submitting your application at least one week before the travel date.
How To Get Malaysia Visa?
You can get the visa in person or online, and we explain both methods below.
In Person
This method involves submitting your application to the embassy in person, including your documents, but you have to book an appointment. Here are the steps to take.
Decide on the visa: The first step is to decide on the Malaysian visa you want to apply for. The visa must be linked to why you want to visit the country. If you are going for studies, you can only apply for a work visa.
Fill out the form: Once you are sure of the visa you want, fill out the form correctly with no section left empty.
Arrange your documents: The next step is to arrange your documents in a single file.
Book the appointment: Now, you must book an appointment with the Malaysian embassy in your country, as free visits are not allowed. How to do this will depend on the operating procedure of the embassy, and a date will be communicated to you.
Attend the interview: Attend the interview on the set date and ensure you answer the questions asked honestly and confidently. The visa officer will request your documents and check them. If everything is in order, he will also request the multiple entry visa fee and pass your documents to the appropriate department.
Processing may take up to six weeks or less but rest assured that you will be notified regarding the status of your application in due time.
Note: If there is no Malaysian embassy near you, visit an approved visa application center to submit your documents.
Online Application
The online application is another option, but it is only open to a handful of countries. Furthermore, this option is only useful for short term visas. The online visa is called the Malaysian e visa, and it doesn't require physical documents as everything is done online. The process is straightforward, and you can get your single entry visa within 7 days. Here are the steps to take
Visit VisaHQ
Select Malaysia as your destination
Select your country of citizenship
Choose Malaysia e visa
Complete the application form
Upload copies of your travel documents
Pay the visa fee
Submit for approval
Malaysia Visa Requirements
Completed application form
Valid passport
Two-way flight ticket
Hotel reservation
Proof of funds
Cover letter
Two photographs
Financial statement for the last three months
How to get Malaysia visa is easy. You either apply online through VisaHQ or submit your application to your country's embassy or consulate.