If you are planning a visa application for Malaysia, it will be in your best interest to know the Malaysia visa types and the visa that suits your purpose before submitting your application. Many of the visitors coming to Malaysia are expected to apply for visas and obtain them before traveling to the country. The visa is an entry permit that allows them legal entry into Malaysia.
The type of visa a visitor applies for is dependent on the purpose of their visit and their citizenship. Furthermore, most require a minimum visa passport validity of six months. Let’s review the different types of visas and who needs a visa.
Who Needs A Malaysian Visa?
A visa is required for most visitors coming to Malaysia. Visitors are categorized into two groups; those from visa-exempt countries and those from non-visa-exempt countries. Visitors from visa-exempt countries don’t need visas for short visits to Malaysia. Countries on this list include but are not limited to the United Kingdom, the United States, Schengen countries, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Such visitors only need to provide a valid passport, a minimum cash amount, and a return ticket to be allowed into the country.
Those from non visa exempt countries require visas to enter the Southeast Asian country. The visa must be obtained in the visitor’s home country before they embark on the journey.
Visa Types Based on Entry
There are different visa types based on entry. The single entry visa and the multiple entry visa. The single-entry visa can only be used once, after which it expires, even if the visitor does not use the full number of days in Malaysia. The second one is the multiple entry visa which has a longer validity and can be used multiple times to enter the country.
Malaysia Visa Types
There are different types of Malaysian visas, so feel free to apply for the one that best suits your purpose.
The E Visa
Also called an electronic visa, this travel document is obtainable online, so the visitor does not have to visit the embassy in their country to submit their application. They only need to submit their documents and complete the application form online. E visas are issued as multiple entry visas with a 3-12 months expiration date. This visa is issued for short-term trips like tourism or business visits. The holder of this visa can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days per visit.
To obtain this visa, the applicant must provide proof of funds and a return flight ticket as proof that they intend to return to their home country after the visit.
Transit Visa
A transit visa is issued to visitors traveling to other countries through Malaysia. This visa is not for all transit visitors, only those who leave the airport and stay in the country for a few days. Transit visas allow the holder to stay in Malaysia for up to 120 hours if they are transiting through the Kuala Lumpur Airport en route to other countries. The travelers must possess a ticket for their destination.
Electronic Travel Registration & Information – eNTRI
The Malaysian government issued this program for citizens of India and China. That means that only citizens from these countries may apply for visas. It is an electronic travel authorization that grants the holder the permit to stay in Malaysia for up to 15 days, and it is only a single entry visa.
Furthermore, getting the visa is a simple process since it is done online, so there is no need to submit physical documents or visit the embassy in their country. The permit is also processed within 24 hours and is valid for 3 months.
Visa On Arrival
Another visa type is the visa on arrival. The visa is issued to visitors from selected countries, not all visitors. They must meet some conditions to avail of this visa. The visa is only issued at Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru airports, and visitors can stay for up to 7 days. They must have a minimum of $1000 in their pocket, a valid passport and a return flight ticket, and a separate $100 to pay for the visa.
Medical Visa
The medical visa is for patients from other countries coming to Malaysia to seek medical care. The visa can be issued by Malaysian embassies and foreign missions abroad or obtained online. To meet the conditions, the applicant must show evidence of a medical appointment with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council. The visa allows for up to 30 days' stay, and they must apply for it at least 4 working days before the intended travel date. It is valid for 3 months and allows for only one singular entry.