Indians Can Now Travel Malaysia without a Visa Until 2026

Malaysia has decided to extend visa-free stays for Indians until December 31, 2026, aiming to boost tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties. This initiative, launched last December, is part of Malaysia’s plans to revive its tourism industry as it prepares for the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Under this program, they are allowed to stay without a visa for up to thirty days and this is for Indian nationals who wish to visit Malaysia. 

However, travellers must meet certain conditions upon arrival to ensure a smooth entry process:

Valid Passport: A biometric passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the Schengen area.

Return Flight Ticket: A confirmed ticket for return or further journey within a period of up to 30 days from the date of arrival.

Proof of Funds: A copy of a valid bank statement or credit card indicating at least the capacity of $50 per day.

Accommodation Booking: Accommodation and food and beverages paid and arranged before hand.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Passing of the MDAC online at the JIM portal.

Additional Documentation: For minor applicants, a birth certificate, together with notarized copies of passports for both parents. 

Indeed, the Malaysian tourism industry has benefited immensely from Indian tourists for many years now. Pre-covid statistics for 2019 unveiled a tendency to cross 735,000 Indian tourists. 

After the exemption of the visa, the numbers lifted to more than one million in the year 2024. During January to November, Malaysia received 1,009,114 Indian tourists, a growth rate higher by 47% than in 2019 and a 71.7% increase from 2018.

It is equally imperative to clearly understand that the much larger increase denotes rising interest in Malaysia as a travel destination among citizens of India. Ever since it boasts of its cities’ and cultures’ as well as natural endowment, Malaysians remain appealing to Indians in search of the new experience.

There is also an increased air link with Malaysia as the connecting places that make travelling from India to Malaysia easier. Now, two airlines are running flights for passengers from Kolkata to Kuala Lumpur that can help Indian tourists visit the beautiful place of Malaysia.

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Exceptions and Additional Visas

The visa-free policy applies mostly to tourists, but those traveling with some official or business or any other official business must acquire the right visa for Malaysia. 

The validity of such visas varies.

Business Visa: Normally it does, is usually effective for up to 30 days.

Work Visa: Depending on the type of employment, it may even last up to two years.

The abolishment of visas is one of Malaysia’s measures towards enhancing its relations with India and, at the same time, bringing the focus back into establishing Malaysia as the ideal travel destination in the Southeast Asia region.

This extension is expected to enhance the arrival of more Indians once Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is on the cards to support the nation’s economy.

This means Malaysia is full of something that Indian tourists can find interesting, be it the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the strip of sandy beaches in Langkawi, or the rich history of Penang Island, all without having to go through the lengthy process of visa procurement.