Visa Types
Important Links
(Ministry of External Affairs, India)
Tourist Place
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many ways to apply for a Malaysian Visa ?
There are two ways to apply for a visa:
Through a Malaysian Representative office in your country. Go to the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s official website to learn more.
Online via eVisa.
2. What is eVISA?
eVISA is an easy-to-use online platform that simplifies visa applications by issuing electronic visas for foreigners who want to enter Malaysia.
3. Who Can Apply eVISA?
People from these countries can apply:
First Phase
Country
China
India
Sri Lanka
Nepal
Myanmar
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Bhutan
Serbia
Montenegro
4. Where to Apply the visa ?
You can apply for an eVISA from anywhere in the world except for Malaysia and Singapore.
5. How Long Do eVISAs Remain Valid?
If you have an eVISA, you can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 consecutive days per entry, depending on the type of eVISA you have.
6. How Do I Get Started?
If you are a first-time applicant, click on the link and select “I’m New” to start your eVISA application. For registered users, select “Returning User” to log in to your account.
7. What Documents Are Needed to Apply For eVISA?
To apply for an eVISA, you need to scan and upload the following documents on the application website:
A recent passport-sized photo as per the guidelines provided on the website.
The information page of your passport (as per the sample given on the website).
A valid return flight ticket.
Birth certificate of minors (if applicable).
Additional documents may be required depending on the requirements of your country of application.
8. What is The Approval Process?
Your eVISA application will be reviewed and approved by either the Immigration Department of Malaysia or the Malaysian Representative Office where you submitted your application. Please note that you may be asked to provide additional supporting documents for verification purposes or attend an interview at the Consulate General of Malaysia, High Commission of Malaysia, or Embassy of Malaysia.
9. How Will I Be Contacted Regarding My eVISA Application?
You will receive updates regarding your eVISA application through email. It is recommended that you check your inbox regularly for any updates.
10. Do I Have to Print Out My eVISA?
Yes, your eVISA will be emailed to you in an A4-sized printout format, which you are required to print out. Please note that your eVISA is an important document and you will need to present it at all entry checkpoints into Malaysia.
11. What Documents Are Needed at Entry Checkpoints Into Malaysia?
When entering Malaysia, you will need to present the following documents:
Printed copy of your eVISA
Proof of sufficient funds (cash, traveler’s cheques, or debit/credit cards) to cover your expenses while in Malaysia
Valid return ticket
Proof of accommodation.
12. Who eligible to apply for malaysia tourist visa ?
The Malaysian tourist visa is commonly referred to as the Visa Without Reference (VTR).
Foreign visitors entering Malaysia through authorized entry points will be granted a social visit pass for the following purposes:
Visiting relatives
Tourism
Journalism/reporting
Attending meetings
Business discussions
Factory inspections
Auditing company accounts
Signing agreements
Conducting surveys on investment opportunities or setting up a factory
Attending seminars
Attending university exams or on a goodwill mission for students
Participating in sports competitions
Other activities approved by the Director General of Immigration.
13. Does Indian citizen / passport holder require visa to visit Malaysia?
Yes ,Indian citizen requires visa to visit Malaysia.
14. How to apply for Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)?
Please note that applications for the Malaysian tourist visa (Visa Without Reference or VTR) can only be submitted through authorized travel agencies or visa processing agencies.
15. How to apply for Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)? / How long is the validity of the approved visa?
Under normal circumstances, Indian passport holders applying for the Malaysian tourist visa (Visa Without Reference or VTR) will be issued a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) that is valid for 12 months.
16. How long Indian tourist can stay in Malaysia?
Indian passport holders can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days for each visit, but the decision on how long they can stay is made by the immigration officer at the entry point.
17. When is the last date for Indian tourist to enter the country?
Indian tourists can enter Malaysia until the day their visa expires as long as their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
18. Is the Malaysian visa in the old / cancelled passport remains valid with the new booklet?
If you are issued a new passport because your old passport was cancelled, you will need to apply for a new Malaysian visa because the validity of the visa is tied to the passport number. Even if your old visa is still valid, it will not be accepted if presented with a new passport.
19. Can Indian passport holder apply individually at the Malaysian High Commission / Consulate General?
To apply for a Malaysian visa, you can only submit your application through registered and authorized travel agencies.
20. Can Indian tourist apply for Malaysian visa in Singapore (Malaysian High Commission in Singapore)?
Indian passport holders can apply for a Malaysian visa from Singapore, but the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore generally issues visas only to “bona fide” foreigners who reside in Singapore. It is therefore advisable for Indian passport holders to apply for their Malaysian visa from their home country.
21. How much is the visa fee for Indian national?
The fee for Malaysian tourist visa for Indian citizens is INR 1,000.00, which is valid for 12 months or part thereof.
22. Can we fill up the form by hand writing?
Handwriting is generally accepted for filling up visa forms, as long as it is legible and all the required information is provided accurately. However, it is always recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate if they have any specific guidelines or requirements regarding the filling of the visa form.
23. How to apply for Business Visa?
Malaysia does not issue a specific business visa. Visitors who come for business purposes but do not engage in any employment, paid or unpaid, can apply for a tourist visa. The purpose of the visit can be attending business meetings, negotiations, or discussions.
24. Can Indian tourist apply for āurgentā Malaysian visa?
Tourist visa processing takes 3 working days. Plan your trip accordingly and avoid non-refundable bookings.
25. What is the validity of passport for Malaysian visa application?
The passport must be valid for at least 9 months.
26. What is the validity of passport which is required for entry purpose into Malaysia?
The passport shall not be less than 6 months.
27. What are the main requirements to study in Malaysia?
To be eligible for admission to diploma or degree programmes, international students must have completed at least twelve (12) years of education and passed a national or international examination recognized by the Ministry of Education.
28. What is the average tuition fees in Malaysia?
To get an idea of the tuition fees for your desired program and institution in Malaysia, you can use the cost calculator available. However, the actual fees may vary depending on the program and institution you choose. It’s recommended to get in touch with the institution directly for detailed information on tuition fees.
29. What is the language of instruction?
English is widely used in Malaysia, including in the education system.
30. Can I work while study?
International students studying at public or private higher education institutions are permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days. This is subject to their student passes remaining valid and prior approval from the Department of Immigration. Part-time work is limited to certain sectors, including restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets, and hotels.
31. Are there scholarships?
If you have any questions regarding accommodation options, it’s best to check with the college or university you will be attending in Malaysia as they will have information about their housing options. Additionally, the Malaysian government provides various scholarship opportunities to talented students. You can find more information on these scholarships by visiting this link: https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/.
32. Can I study part time?
International students in Malaysia are currently only allowed to enroll in full-time courses, except for mobility programs. However, your schedule may vary depending on your academic program, and students often have time between lectures and coursework to pursue other interests.
Travel is also easy, making short holidays a popular option. During semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days, students can also work part-time. More information about working part-time while studying can be found here.
33. Can I pursue two degrees at the same time?
International students are only allowed to study one full-time degree at a time in Malaysia.
34. How can I work in Malaysia after graduation?
You can read here for more information.
35. What is the cost of living?
Whether you decide to reside on campus or off-campus, you can live comfortably within a budget of USD 5,000 per year.
36. What is the weather like in Malaysia?
Malaysia has a warm, tropical climate with year-round rainfall due to its proximity to the equator. Monsoon winds bring heavy downpours, which are essential for the country’s forests, air quality, agriculture, and industry. To escape the heat, locals often visit highlands like Genting Highlands in Peninsular Malaysia or Kundasang in Borneo, or head to the beach to enjoy the cooling breeze and chilled coconut water.
37. Can I open a bank account?
Yes, once you receive your student pass in Malaysia, you are eligible to open a bank account.
38. Does every international student need a student pass to study in Malaysia?
According to the rules and regulations of the Malaysian government, this is a necessary condition.
39. Can I apply for a student pass directly or do I have to apply through my chosen educational institution?
You have two options to apply for your student visa, depending on the type of institution you are attending:
To apply for a student visa in Malaysia, you can either apply online through the Education Malaysia website (if you have an offer letter from a public university or private higher education institution) or
Through your institution (if you have an offer letter from a language or skill center).
40. When should I apply for my student pass?
Please check with your education institution for specific information about the intake dates, recommended application submission dates, fees, and document requirements for your desired course or programme, as they may vary depending on the institution and the programme.
41. If my student pass application is rejected, can I get a refund for the application processing fee?
No, the student pass application processing fee is non-refundable.
42. If I cancel my application, am I entitled to a refund?
Please refer to our Refund policy for information on the conditions under which refunds are processed.
43. I have lost my iKad, what must I do?
Report to the police immediately if your iKad is lost or stolen. Then inform your institution to apply for a new iKad, which may incur a fee.
44. How can I check whether my passport was submitted to EMGS or collected by the institution?
You can check your application status on our website to see if your passport has been received by EMGS. You can also download the EMGS mobile app to receive automatic notifications.
45. Do I need an entry visa to Malaysia?
A visa is needed to enter Malaysia, although some countries are exempt from this requirement. It is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy/Mission.
46. How long will it take me to get a Visa Approval Letter (VAL)?
It typically takes 14 working days to process a complete visa application and payment. However, the actual processing time may vary as it is at the discretion of the Immigration Department which issues the Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
47. How does one get an entry visa into Malaysia?
To obtain an entry visa, you need to go to the nearest Malaysian Embassy in your home country with your offer letter from the Malaysian education institution, the Visa Approval Letter issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, all other relevant documents and forms duly completed, and payment as per the Malaysian Embassy’s guidelines for the application of an entry visa.
48. What are the documents required to apply for a student pass?
If you want to apply online, you can upload your offer letter, passport pages, passport photo, academic transcripts, and medical examination report. But if you prefer, you can contact your university directly to submit all these documents.
50. What is a student pass?
A student pass is a visa that allows you to stay in Malaysia for studying at an approved institution and on an approved course, and it also allows multiple entries.
49. When and how can I pay for my student pass application and processing fee?
You have two payment options:
You can contact your institution to find out how to send the payment to them, and they will pay EMGS.
You can pay online using a Visa or MasterCard on the educationmalaysia.gov.my website, but there will be a 3% Convenience Fee added to your total amount. This option is only available for students who applied online via EMGS and are enrolling in Public or Private Universities.
51. What is the validity of a student pass?
If you are a new student applying to a Public or Private Higher Education institution, you can choose to apply for a Student Pass that covers the entire duration of your course (depending on your passport validity). However, if you are renewing your application, the pass will be issued annually. It is recommended to have passport validity that is equal to the duration of your course plus 12 months.
For students enrolling in Language Schools and Skills Training Centers, the Department of Immigration will issue a Student Pass for a maximum of 12 months. If the course duration is less than 12 months, the Pass will be issued for the duration of the course.
56. My Visa Approval Letter (VAL) has expired and I did not come to Malaysia. Now I want to come and study. What do I do?
International students must enter Malaysia before their VAL (Visa Approval Letter) expires. The VAL has a validity of six months, which is enough time for students to enter Malaysia. Even if you have a valid Single-Entry Visa (SEV), if you enter Malaysia after the expiry date of the VAL, the Malaysian Immigration Department may not endorse your student pass.
If your VAL has already expired, you cannot extend its validity. You need to apply for a new VAL before entering Malaysia. Please contact your institution to cancel the expired VAL and request EMGS to close the current application and submit a new application for a new VAL.
55. I am married to a Malaysia citizen, do I need a student pass?
Please check your pass and see if you are exempted from the student pass requirement. If not, you are required to apply for a student pass. Kindly contact the Immigration Department for further information.
54. What happens if I overstay?
If you have overstayed your visa in Malaysia, you need to contact your institution to resolve the issue with the Malaysian Immigration Department. You may have to pay a penalty fee, which is determined by the Immigration Department. After that, you must apply for a special pass to ensure that you have a valid pass during your stay in Malaysia.
53. When do I get a student pass /sticker endorsed into my passport?
When you arrive in Malaysia, you must take a medical screening within 7 days. Your institution will use your passport to arrange for your student pass/sticker endorsement. After submitting your passport at the front desk, the process should take 14 working days, but it ultimately depends on the Immigration Department’s decision.
52. How long does it take to get an entry visa from the Malaysian Embassy?
The processing time for obtaining a Malaysian visa from the embassy in your home country may vary and is subject to their procedures. However, it usually takes no longer than 3 working days.
56. My Visa Approval Letter (VAL) has expired and I did not come to Malaysia. Now I want to come and study. What do I do?
International students must enter Malaysia before their VAL (Visa Approval Letter) expires. The VAL has a validity of six months, which is enough time for students to enter Malaysia. Even if you have a valid Single-Entry Visa (SEV), if you enter Malaysia after the expiry date of the VAL, the Malaysian Immigration Department may not endorse your student pass.
If your VAL has already expired, you cannot extend its validity. You need to apply for a new VAL before entering Malaysia. Please contact your institution to cancel the expired VAL and request EMGS to close the current application and submit a new application for a new VAL.
57. I do not want to study anymore, how can I cancel my application?
We can only accept requests for cancellations from institutions. Please reach out to your institution for further assistance in requesting a cancellation.
58. What is an eVAL?
An eVAL (Electronic Visa Approval Letter) is a soft copy of the Visa Approval Letter that is issued through the EMGS system instead of a physical copy. It can be downloaded as a PDF or emailed to the student, eliminating the need to wait for the physical copy to be posted by the institution. Students can access the eVAL through the “Track Application” page on the website.
59. Am I eligible to receive an eVAL?
All students applying to study in Malaysia at Public Institutions (Universiti Awam – IPTA), Private Institutions (Institut Pengajian Tinggi Swasta – IPTS), Colleges, Language Schools, and Skills Training Centers are eligible to receive an eVAL.
60. What is an i-KAD?
After your student pass has been endorsed on your passport, you will receive an i-Kad, which is a biometric residence permit that includes your photo and other personal information to confirm your identity. It is essential to keep the i-Kad with you at all times as it is the only substitute identification document for foreign nationals that is recognized by the Department of Immigration in Peninsular Malaysia. This means that you can now store your passport in a secure place. However, it is essential to note that the i-Kad is not a travel document for international travel or travel within East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak).
61. Can I study on my social visit / tourist visa?
International students are only allowed to study full-time courses in Malaysia with a valid student pass issued by the Immigration Department. It is not allowed to enter Malaysia with a social pass for the purpose of studying. In such cases, students may be required to exit Malaysia and re-enter with a Visa Approval Letter.
62. What is medical screening?
Medical screening is a health check that includes a general physical examination, blood and urine tests, and a chest X-ray. All international students, except those enrolling in public universities, are required to complete a medical examination before arriving in Malaysia. After arriving in Malaysia, all international students must attend a medical examination at one of EMGS’s approved clinics or hospitals within 7 days of their entry into the country. Students enrolling in public universities can attend medical screenings at clinics located within their universities.
63. What is Pre-VAL Medical Screening?
Before coming to Malaysia, students need to undergo a medical test called Pre-VAL Medical Screening. This is to make sure that they are healthy and fit for studying in Malaysia.
64. What is the process for a student pass renewal?
The educational institution needs to apply for a student pass renewal at least 6 weeks before the current pass expires.
65. What is the process to change institute/course?
To transfer to a new institution in Malaysia, you need to get an offer letter from the new institution and a release letter from the previous institution. Then, the new institution will submit these documents and others to EMGS. It’s important to note that you’ll need to shorten your current student pass and apply for a new VAL under the new institution. You can find the complete document checklist by clicking on the provided link.
66. How do I know if my country requires a Single Entry Visa for Malaysia?
This information is available on the EMGS website
Please refer to the link below;
https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines/required-documents.html
67. Can I choose to receive a Single Entry Visa from a Malaysian Embassy in a country where I am not a citizen?
To enter Malaysia, applicants need to obtain a Single Entry Visa (SEV) from their home country. If they plan to obtain the SEV from a country other than their home country, they need to provide a document showing that they hold a long term pass in that country.
68. There is no Malaysia High Commission in my country, how do I apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV)?
Is the link to the Immigration Department’s website where you can find the list of countries that require a Single Entry Visa (SEV) to enter Malaysia:
https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/index.php/en/main-services/visa/apply-visa.html
If your country is on the list, you can obtain the SEV from any neighboring country.
69. I applied for an SEV and it is still valid, but my VAL is expired. Can I still come to Malaysia?
No. Both the VAL and SEV must be valid for you to enter Malaysia.
70. What documents do I need to apply for an SEV?
The document requirements and procedures for visa applications can vary depending on the Malaysian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. It is recommended to contact the embassy or consulate directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process.
71. I lost my VAL / Passport, what do I do now?
You need to obtain a police report and liaise with your institution for further assistance.
72. Am I eligible to apply for Visa On Arrival (VOA)?
Tourists from India and China who enter via third country which is Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia or Brunei are eligible to apply for VOA at the listed checkpoints:
i.Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA);
ii.Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) ;
iii.Penang International Airport;
iv.Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru, Johor;
v.Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah;
vi.Kuching International Airport, Sarawak;
vii.Langkawi International Airport, Kedah;
viii.Miri Airport, Sarawak;
ix.Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Selangor;
x.Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) , Johor Bahru, Johor;
xi.Sungai Tujuh Checkpoint, Sarawak;
xii.CIQSBukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah; dan
xiii.International Ferry Terminal, Labuan.