Malaysia eVISA: Who Needs One and How to Apply
An eVISA is compulsory for a social visit to Malaysia for 31 nationalities, with exemptions for Indian citizens until 31 December 2026 and for short visits by Myanmar citizens. You apply online on the Immigration Department's MyVISA portal; processing takes 2 to 7 working days.
Verified: October 28, 2026
After the visa comes the MDAC
Who needs an eVISA
The official MyVISA portal lists 31 nationalities for which an eVISA is compulsory for a social visit, such as tourism, family visits or a short business trip:
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Serbia and Sri Lanka.
Everyone else can make a social visit without a visa. The limits for each group are in visa-free entry to Malaysia. Employment, study and other long stays follow different rules (Visa With Reference).
| Nationality | Special rule |
|---|---|
| India | Exempt from the visa for social visits until 31 December 2026 |
| Myanmar | Visa-free for social visits of up to 14 days since 1 October 2025. With a visa, up to 30 days. |
| Afghanistan | A visa approval letter (Visa With Reference) is needed before the eVISA application |
| Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda | May enter Malaysia through air entry points only |
The two kinds of eVISA
| Kind | For whom | Before you apply |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Without Reference (VTR) | Social visits: tourism, family, friends and short business trips | Apply directly on the MyVISA portal |
| Visa With Reference (VDR) | Students, employees, dependants, professionals and medical travelers | Get a visa approval letter (VDR or eVAL) from the responsible authority in Malaysia first |
A social visit eVISA is normally a Single Entry Visa for one journey. Since 1 September 2026, the Multiple Entry Visa is limited to four purposes: Fly & Cruise, Business, Medical Treatment and Wedding Tourism. The eVISA Note is valid for 3 months for Fly & Cruise and Wedding Tourism, and for 6 months for Medical and Business visitors, from the date of issue.
Documents and photo
- A passport-sized studio photo.
- The passport biodata page, with more than 6 months of validity from the travel date, and at least 3 blank pages in the passport.
- A confirmed return ticket, if applicable.
- Proof of paid accommodation, or the address where you will stay, for the whole visit.
- For a social visit: proof of funds, such as bank statements for the last 3 months.
- A birth certificate for a child.
- Other documents for your purpose, such as an invitation letter for business or a hospital appointment letter for medical treatment.
If you stay with friends or relatives, write a short cover letter to the Immigration Officer. Give your details, the address in Malaysia, and your host's name, identity card number and phone number. If you have several booking documents, merge them into one file before you upload it.
How to apply, step by step
Create an account
On the MyVISA portal, choose Sign Up under Individual. A temporary password is sent to your email; you change it at the first login. If the email does not arrive, check the spam or junk folder.
Sign in
Enter your email address and choose Send OTP. Enter the 6-digit code from the email together with your password.
Fill in the application
Enter the details exactly as in the passport and upload the documents. One account can hold up to 5 applications at a time, for up to 5 people.
Pay online
Pay by credit card or by e-wallet (Alipay or WeChat Pay). From 1 October 2026, an application left in New Application or Pending Payment status for more than 7 working days expires.
Wait for the decision
Processing takes 2 to 7 working days. Weekends, public holidays, missing documents, queries and interviews add time. The portal recommends applying at least 14 days before you leave.
Download the eVISA
Log in and choose Download eVISA in the Actions column. Print it on A4 paper, in colour or black and white, or show the digital eVISA Note.
You must apply before you enter Malaysia. Individuals cannot apply from inside Malaysia, and the portal does not accept applications from Israel or North Korea. If you apply while travelling in another country, you need proof that you are staying there.
Charges
- Visa fee
Depends on your nationality
- Processing charge
RM105.00
- Convenience charge
0.8% of the total for card payments, 1.7% for Alipay or WeChat Pay
- Refunds
None. All payments are non-refundable, whatever the outcome.
These charges are listed in the MyVISA FAQ as checked on 28 October 2026. Payment is online only.
Mistakes, changes and refusals
- Before payment, a social visit application can still be amended on the application page.
- After payment or after the eVISA is issued, a wrong detail means a new application with the correct information.
- An eVISA whose details do not match the travel document is invalid.
- When a new eVISA is approved, any earlier active visa is cancelled. If the new one is refused, the earlier visa stays valid.
- A refusal can come without a reason. Before you apply again, make sure the application is complete.
At the border
An eVISA does not guarantee entry; the officer at the entry point decides. The MyVISA FAQ lists what may be checked on arrival: a passport valid for at least 6 months, the eVISA printout or digital eVISA Note, your boarding pass or ticket, a confirmed return ticket, proof of paid accommodation and other supporting documents.
The eVISA does not replace the arrival card. The portal states that all foreign nationals must register the MDAC within 3 days before arriving. See the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. For a short layover, see transit through Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Malaysia eVISA take?
The MyVISA portal gives 2 to 7 working days, not counting weekends, public holidays, queries or interviews. It recommends applying at least 14 days before you leave.
How much does a Malaysia eVISA cost?
The visa fee depends on your nationality. The portal adds a processing charge of RM105.00 and a convenience charge of 0.8% (card) or 1.7% (e-wallet). Payments are non-refundable.
Can I apply for an eVISA after I arrive in Malaysia?
No. Individuals must get the eVISA before they enter Malaysia and cannot apply from inside the country.
Do I still need the MDAC if I have an eVISA?
Yes. The MyVISA portal states that all foreign nationals must register the MDAC within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia, unless they are exempt.
Is entry to Malaysia certain with an eVISA?
No. The eVISA does not guarantee entry. The officer at the entry point approves or refuses entry.
Sources checked
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: MyVISA frequently asked questions · October 28, 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: MyVISA portal, announcements and photo requirements · October 28, 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: visa requirement by country · October 28, 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: types of visas · October 28, 2026
After the visa comes the MDAC
EntryCardMalaysia is an independent paid service, not the government. We help with the MDAC, not with visas. Our guided form checks your entries, our team reviews each traveler, and we file inside the official window.