Do I need a visa to visit Malaysia?

It depends on your passport. Many nationalities are visa-free for 30 or 90 days, some apply online for an eVisa, and others apply at a Malaysian embassy. Check the official Immigration Department list for your passport.

How many days can I stay in Malaysia?

Visa-free visitors are usually allowed 30 or 90 days depending on nationality, and a few only 14 days. An eVisa usually allows 30 days for a single entry. Your permitted stay is the date recorded at immigration.

Is travel insurance compulsory for Malaysia?

Tourists are not generally required to show travel insurance to enter, but it is strongly recommended because visitors pay for their own medical care. Some long-stay visas may require medical insurance.

Malaysia Visa Guidelines and Travel Insurance: Entry Rules, Days Allowed and How to Apply

Malaysia's entry rules depend on your passport. Many nationalities do not need a visa for short visits, some can apply online for an eVisa, and a few must apply at a Malaysian embassy. The stay allowed also depends on nationality. Rules change, so treat this guide as a starting point and confirm on the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website before you book.

The short version

Check your passport first: The Immigration Department publishes a visa requirement list by country.
Typical stay: Visa-free visitors are usually allowed 30 or 90 days, and a few nationalities only 14 days.
Everyone needs the MDAC: Most foreign visitors must submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival.
Passport and onward ticket: Your passport should usually be valid for at least 6 months, and you may be asked for a return or onward ticket and proof of funds.
Insurance is not an entry requirement: It is still strongly recommended, because visitors pay for their own medical care.

Visa-free for up to 90 days

Who: According to published visa-policy summaries, citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Argentina can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.
Gulf and many Muslim-majority countries: Saudi Arabia and the other GCC states, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and the Maldives are listed in the 90-day group.
Reminder: This is a summary from public sources, not the official list. Check your own passport on the Immigration Department site.

Visa-free for up to 30 or 14 days

30 days: Most ASEAN nationals (including Indonesia), and many others such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iraq, Somalia, Senegal, Kenya, Mexico and Taiwan, are listed at 30 days.
India and China: Indian citizens are listed as visa-free for 30 days only until 31 December 2026. Chinese citizens are listed at 30 days, with a limit of 90 days in any 180-day period. Confirm both before you travel.
14 days: Iran and Myanmar are listed at 14 days.
Extending: If you need longer, ask the Immigration Department about an extension before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can bring fines, detention and a ban.

eVisa and embassy visas

eVisa: Citizens of some countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan and Serbia, can apply online at the official eVisa portal (malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my). Review is usually about 2 working days, the eVisa is valid for about 3 months, and the usual stay is 30 days for a single entry. Fees vary by nationality and place of application.
How to apply: Create an application, upload your passport page, photo, itinerary and accommodation details, pay the fee, then print the approved eVisa.
Embassy visa: If your nationality is not eligible for the eVisa, apply at a Malaysian embassy or consulate. Requirements and processing times vary.
Visa on arrival: Malaysia does not generally offer a visa on arrival, so arrange your visa before you travel.
Beware of lookalike sites: Use only the official government websites.

Entry checklist and the MDAC

Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with blank pages.
MDAC: Submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival, for every traveller including children. Keep the QR code to show at immigration. Singapore citizens and some other groups are exempt.
Onward ticket and funds: Officers may ask for a return or onward ticket, your accommodation address and proof that you can pay for your stay.
Health: Check the health rules before you go, as requirements for vaccinations and screening can change.
Allowed stay: The date stamped or recorded at immigration is your permitted stay. Do not rely on the entry date alone.

Travel insurance

Not an entry requirement: Malaysia does not generally require tourists to show travel insurance at the border. Some visa types, such as long-stay or student passes, may ask for medical insurance.
Why you still need it: Foreign visitors normally pay for medical treatment in Malaysia, and private hospitals can be expensive. Cover for emergency care, evacuation, trip cancellation and lost baggage is worth having.
Check the cover: Look at medical limits, pre-existing conditions, adventure activities such as diving and hiking, and motorcycle rental.
Takaful option: Muslim travellers can choose a Shariah-compliant takaful travel plan from a Malaysian or international provider.
Keep proof handy: Carry your policy number and the insurer's 24-hour assistance number.

Official sources and scams

Immigration Department of Malaysia: The visa requirement list, visa types and extensions are on imi.gov.my.
eVisa and MDAC: Apply only through the official eVisa portal and the official MDAC form linked on this portal's MDAC page.
Avoid scams: Fake sites charge high fees for the MDAC, which is free, and for visas. Never pay an agent you do not know.
Your embassy: Your own foreign ministry or embassy travel advice also lists Malaysia's current entry rules.