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With its vibrant cities, beautiful landscapes and rich culture, Malaysia draws millions of tourists every year. If you want to explore Kuala Lumpur’s bustling streets, relax on Langkawi’s beaches or go hiking in the Cameron Highlands, you might have to acquire a tourist visa to enter Malaysia. This blog guides you on everything you need to know about how to get a tourist visa to Malaysia.

Who Needs a Malaysia Tourist Visa?

Citizens of many countries, including those of the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and many others are exempted from having to get a visa to enter Malaysia. If, however, you are a citizen of a country that hasn’t entered into a visa exemption agreement with Malaysia, you shall need a Malaysia tourist visa even if you are visiting the country just as a tourist.

A tourist visa allows the holder to stay in Malaysia for only a short period of time. You shall have to acquire a visa of a different category if you want to stay in Malaysia for a longer time or if you want to visit the country for some other purpose.

Countries That Require a Visa

Here’s a list of countries whose citizens need a visa to enter Malaysia:

• India
• China
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Myanmar
• Philippines

Visit the nearest Malaysian embassy or check the official Malaysian immigration department’s website to see if your country has a visa exemption agreement with Malaysia. If it does, you won’t need a visa to enter Malaysia.

Types of Malaysian Tourist Visas

Malaysian tourist visas are of two major types:

1. Single Entry Visa (SEV)

With a single entry visa you can enter Malaysia only once within the period of time it’s valid for. Since such visas allow a stay of not more than 30 days, these are ideal for short visits. These visas don’t allow you to re-enter Malaysia once you leave the country.

2. Multiple Entry Visa

With a multiple-entry visa, you can enter and exit Malaysia many times within the period that the visa is valid for. This visa is beneficial for those who need to enter and exit Malaysia more than once during their stay in the country. As such, they cater to those visiting Malaysia on business or for regional tourism. These visas are typically valid for 3 to 6 months.

Requirements for Applying for a Tourist Visa to Malaysia

There are certain requirements you need to meet when you apply for a Malaysia tourist visa. We have listed them below.

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you plan to arrive in Malaysia. For the visa to be stamped on, it must have two to three blank pages.

Completed Visa Application Form

You have to fill up a visa application form with correct and verifiable information. These application forms are available at the Malaysian embassy. You can also download them from the official Malaysian immigration department website.

Passport-Sized Photographs

You shall have to submit Passport-sized photographs taken recently. These should have a white background and they should meet the dimensional requirements of being 35mm x 50mm.

Proof of Travel Arrangements

As proof of travel arrangements, you should have to submit your flight ticket with the arrival and departure dates. Since many embassies don’t ask for a fully confirmed ticket, you may only book a ticket without fully paying for it.

Hotel Reservation or Proof of Accommodation

You shall have to submit proof of the accommodation you have booked in Malaysia. You can submit your hotel reservation details or an invitation letter from your host in Malaysia if applicable as such proof.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

You need to convince the Malaysian authorities that you have the financial means to fund your stay in Malaysia. Your bank statements, cash or a letter from your employer if applicable shall meet the purpose.

Visa Fee

As part of your visa application process, you shall have to submit a visa fee. Depending on the type of visa you have applied for and your nationality, the visa fee shall vary. Depending on the embassy, you may pay the fee by demand draft, by credit card or by cash.

Additional Documents (If Needed)

Additional documents may be asked for in some cases. For example, you may be asked to furnish an invitation letter from your relatives in Malaysia if you are visiting them. You might need an invitation letter from the concerned company if you are visiting Malaysia to attend a business meeting.

How to Apply for a Malaysian Tourist Visa

It’s quite easy to apply for a tourist visa to Malaysia. You can do so through one of these three following methods:

1. Online Application (eVisa)

There’s an e-visa facility available for visa applicants looking to visit Malaysia. This facility allows you to apply for a Malaysian tourist visa without having to visit the embassy.

When you apply for an e-visa,

• Visit the official eVisa website.
• Fill up the online application form.
• Upload all the documents asked for including your passport copy, photographs, etc.
• Pay the visa fee On the official website.
• You receive your e-visa on your email address after it is processed.

If you find the process complicated, you may always approach a professional visa agent offering international visa service assistance.

2. Embassy or Consulate Application

If you find that you are ineligible for an e-visa, you shall have to apply for a visa by visiting the Malaysian embassy or consulate closest to you. Here’s the process involved:

• Obtain the visa application form at the embassy or the consulate.
• Fill out the application form and then gather the required documents.
• Pay the visa fee after submitting the visa application form.
• Wait until the visa is processed which usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
• Collect your passport that bears the visa stamp.

3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Citizens of some countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival in Malaysia. Visas on arrival are available for citizens of India and China. However, certain conditions like the traveller arriving in Malaysia from Singapore, Thailand or Brunei need to be met. Before you plan your trip, make it a point to verify if you are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Conclusion

Applying for a Malaysian tourist visa isn’t complicated at all. You simply need to understand the process and go through the necessary steps to acquire your visa. Besides, you can always approach a leading travel agency in Dubai for help. Make sure that you have filled your application form correctly and submitted all necessary documents. We wish you good luck for a smooth trip to Malaysia.

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