Malaysia visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Malaysia depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit: many nationalities enter visa-free for social visits, while others must obtain an eVISA or a visa before travel, and anyone intending to work, study or settle needs the relevant pass. Entry rules, visas, passes and permits are administered by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia), with the official eVISA portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my. Always confirm the current requirement for your nationality and purpose on the official Immigration Department channels before you travel.
Malaysian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Malaysia โ tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Malaysia to work โ the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Malaysia โ student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Malaysia.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Malaysia as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Malaysia long term โ residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Malaysian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Malaysia Visa
Unless they are a native of one of the visa-exempt nations, visitors to Malaysia must get a visa from one of the Malaysian diplomatic missions before entering the country. All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
Who needs a visa to Malaysia
The following nations are required to have a visa to travel to Malaysia for any length of time:
- Afghanistan โ Angola โ Bangladesh โ Bhutan
- Burkina Faso โ Burundi โ Cameroon โ Central African Republic
- China โ Colombia โ Comoros โ Congo Democratic Republic
- Congo Republic โ Cรดte DโIvoire โ Djibouti โ Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea โ Ethiopia โ Ghana โ Guinea-Bissau
- Hong Kong โ India โ Liberia โ Mali
- Mozambique โ Myanmar โ Nepal โ Niger
- Niger โ Pakistan โ Rwanda โ Serbia
- Montenegro โ Sri Lanka โ United Nations (Laissez Passer) โ Western Sahara
Entry into Malaysia
There are no COVID-19 restrictions on travel from Ireland to Malaysia. There is no necessity to produce immunisation or testing certifications for COVID-19.
Although downloading and registering a profile on the public health app "MySejahtera" is not required for entry, many private businesses/shopping malls may deny access without vaccination/risk status on the app or other acceptable proof of vaccination.
Those who test positive with COVID-19 in Malaysia are required to self-isolate for seven days. Individuals may be released from isolation on the fourth, fifth, or sixth day if they are asymptomatic and the result of an RTK Ag test conducted under the supervision of a licenced physician is negative. Please note, for your own contingency planning purposes, that if you do not have a permanent residence in Malaysia, you may be required to isolate yourself in your hotel. Regarding immigration and quarantine requirements in Sabah and Sarawak, passengers travelling to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) should contact the Malaysian Embassy or High Commission and their airline. Sabah and Sarawak may have supplementary requirements.
Passengers intending to transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport should confirm any transit arrangements for connecting flights with their airline prior to travel, ensuring that their luggage is checked through to their final destination, and confirming that they are not required to present themselves at Malaysian Immigration. Transit between terminals KLIA and KLIA2 required exiting and reentering through immigration.
Permission to enter or reside in Malaysia is granted alone and at the discretion of Malaysian Immigration officials. While in Malaysia, the Department of Foreign Affairs recommends citizens to comply fully with Malaysian immigration regulations.
Authorities in Malaysia have advised that individuals with symptoms or who may be infected with monkeypox refrain from travelling to the country.
Requirements to apply for a Malaysia Visa
There is a criteria for travellers wanting to enter Malaysia. This criteria is straight forward and is designed to assist travellers know what documents are needed to apply for a visa. The criteria is listed below.
- Completed Malaysia Visa Application Form.
- Valid passport.
- Pictures.
- Flight itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation.
- No Objection Letter from your employer.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Proof of paid Malaysian visa fee.
Appointment Waiting Times
On average, appointment wait times range from two to three weeks. This will depend on your specific situation.
Who Can Visit Malaysia Without a Visa?
If you do not reside from any of the Countries listed above, you will be required to obtain a visa in order to gain entry into Malaysia.
Malaysia โ key facts
- Visa authority
- Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Time zone
- Malaysia Time (MYT, UTC+8)
Malaysian visas โ people also ask
Malaysia Multiple Entry Visas are valid for between three and twelve months from the date of issuance. During the duration of the visa's validity, the holder may enter Malaysia multiple times.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources ยท last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only โ not legal advice.
