Wondering what a visa on arrival for Malaysia is and whether or not you are eligible for it? If so, you have landed at the right place, as this article will tell you everything you need to know about Malaysia's visa on arrival and how you can get it!
What is a Visa on Arrival?
A visa on arrival is a travel document that allows travelers to obtain a visa once they enter their desired country. This means that you don't need a visa beforehand; rather, you can get it on the spot once you enter the specific country.
Visa on arrival makes it easier to travel on an urgent basis. However, you must remember that this type of visa can also be rejected. The cases of rejection occur when people enter incorrect information in the visa application form. Or if you have any other past travel issues or criminal offenses against you, your visa on arrival may be rejected.
Therefore, it is important to know that being eligible for the visa on arrival does not mean you will surely be able to enter the country.
What is the Malaysia Visa on Arrival?
The Malaysia visa on arrival allows travelers to get their visa once they have entered Malaysia through any of the international airports in Malaysia.
However, not everybody can get a Malaysia visa on arrival, and only Chinese and Indian citizens are eligible for a Malaysia visa on arrival. Moreover, even if you are an Indian or Chinese passport holder, you must fulfill certain conditions, and only then can you get the Malaysia visa on arrival.
The Malaysian government introduced the Malaysia visa online arrival procedure, simplifying the entire visa process for travelers and making it less time consuming.
How is a Visa on Arrival Different From a Normal Visa?
A visa on arrival allows foreign nationals to acquire the visa once they have entered their destination. You don't have to apply for the visa on arrival beforehand. With a visa on arrival, you will submit your visa application form immediately.
Whereas with the normal visa, it is a required visa, and it is a type of travel visa you need to obtain before traveling to any country. With a required visa, you must have the visa in your possession before you decide to enter the country.
Conditions Needed to be Met
It would be best if you were a Chinese or Indian national. Moreover, you must be traveling to Malaysia directly from the following 3 countries: Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Even though the visa on arrival is provided to Indian and Chinese nationals, you will not be allowed to get the visa on arrival if you are traveling from China or India. Rather, you will have to apply for a travel visa.
You must also have proof of travel, such as flight tickets or reservation proof for flight bookings. These documents proving that you will travel within 6-7 days will be enough.
Moreover, you must have sufficient funds, too, amounting to 1000 dollars.
Lastly, if you have a valid visa for either Thailand, Singapore, or Indonesia, you can get the visa on arrival in Malaysia.
What are the Documents Required for the Malaysian Visa on Arrival?
When you apply on arrival, you must submit certain documents as well. These documents are necessary for allowing you to acquire the on arrival visa.
You have to submit your Chinese or Indian passport, depending on the country you belong to. You have to submit your original passport, which should be valid for six months from the day you apply for the on arrival visa.
Moreover, you need to submit proof that you have sufficient funds. You can do this by submitting your bank statements or showing cash amounting to at least $1000.
When you enter Malaysia, you are provided an arrival or departure card, which you must submit along with the other documents.
You must also submit visa proof provided to you by Singapore, Thailand, or Indonesia. You must also provide proof of flight travel within the next 7 days.
Lastly, you also have to pay the on arrival visa fee.
What is the Malaysia Visa on Arrival Validity?
The Malaysia visa on arrival validity is for 7 days. Unlike a normal Malaysia tourist visa, you cannot stay for longer than 7 days.
Therefore, when applying for the on arrival visa, you must show proof that you will be returning within 7 days. And if you wish to extend your stay, you must apply for the respective type of visa depending on the reason for your stay.
How to Apply for the Malaysia VOA?
To apply for the visa on arrival, you must visit any visa counter once you reach Malaysia. At the visa counter, you can submit the respective documents and proceed to pay your visa processing fee.
You will be allowed to enter Malaysia if all your documents are accurate. However, if you are not eligible for the visa on arrival, you must apply before traveling to Malaysia. You can do this by visiting your country's Malaysian embassy or visiting sites such as VisaHQ. Through VisaHQ, you can apply for a Malaysia visa online. You can complete the visa application form, upload your documents, get the visa processed within the given time, and get it mailed to you! Through VisaHQ, you can also track your visa status.