Planning a trip to Malaysia from India? Good news — Indian passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days in 2026. But there are a few things you still need to sort out before boarding your flight, including the mandatory Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).
This guide covers everything: the visa-free entry rules, eVISA, eNTRI, fees, required documents, and how to fill the MDAC. No fluff, just the practical details you need to plan your Malaysia trip.
TL;DR
- Visa-free entry for Indians is extended until 31 December 2026 for stays up to 30 days.
- You must fill the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) online within 3 days before arrival — it is free and mandatory.
- If the visa waiver does not apply to your situation (stays beyond 30 days, work, study), you need an eVISA (up to 30 days, ~USD 30-50) or eNTRI (up to 15 days, ~USD 20).
- Always carry a printed return ticket, hotel booking, and passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Book your flights to Kuala Lumpur at the best prices on HappyFares.
Malaysia Visa-Free Entry for Indians in 2026
The Malaysian government extended the visa waiver programme for Indian nationals through 31 December 2026. Under this scheme, Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia for tourism, business, social visits, or transit without obtaining a visa in advance.
Key conditions for visa-free entry:
- Maximum stay of 30 days per visit.
- Valid for tourism, business meetings, social visits, and transit only.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
- You need a confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds (credit card statements or cash equivalent to about MYR 1,000-1,500).
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host).
- Mandatory MDAC submission within 3 days before arrival.
This visa waiver is a significant benefit for Indian travellers. If you are planning a short holiday to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, or any other Malaysian destination, you do not need to apply for a visa. Just complete the MDAC and carry your documents.
If you are still deciding on your travel plans, check out our list of visa-free countries for Indian passport holders in 2026 for more easy-to-visit destinations.
eVISA vs eNTRI: Which One Do You Need?
Even though visa-free entry is available in 2026, it helps to understand the eVISA and eNTRI options. These become relevant if the visa waiver ends, if you are travelling for purposes not covered under the waiver, or if you want a longer stay.
Here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | eNTRI | eVISA (Single Entry) | eVISA (Multiple Entry) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay Duration | Up to 15 days | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days per visit |
| Entry Type | Single entry | Single entry | Multiple entries |
| Fee | ~USD 20 (approx INR 1,700) | ~USD 30 (approx INR 2,500) | ~USD 50 (approx INR 4,200) |
| Processing Time | Instant to 24 hours | 48-72 hours (up to 5 working days in peak season) | 48-72 hours (up to 5 working days in peak season) |
| Entry Points | KLIA and KLIA2 only | All entry points (airports, land borders) | All entry points (airports, land borders) |
| Departure From | India, Singapore, or Thailand only | Any country | Any country |
| Best For | Quick KL trip from India | Longer stays, flexible itinerary | Frequent visitors, multi-city SE Asia trips |
When to use eNTRI: If you are flying directly from India to Kuala Lumpur for a short trip (under 15 days) and want the cheapest, fastest option.
When to use eVISA: If you are entering through land borders (e.g., from Singapore or Thailand), need more than 15 days, or are planning a multi-country Southeast Asia itinerary where you may re-enter Malaysia.
Documents Required for Malaysia Visa (eVISA/eNTRI)
Whether you are applying for an eVISA or eNTRI, keep these documents ready:
- Valid Indian passport — minimum 6 months validity from your date of arrival, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Passport-size photograph — white background, recent (taken within the last 3 months), in JPEG format for online upload.
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket — a booked ticket showing your departure from Malaysia.
- Proof of accommodation — hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Malaysia.
- Proof of sufficient funds — bank statement from the last 3 months showing a minimum balance, or a credit card statement.
- Travel itinerary — a brief plan of your stay including cities you intend to visit.
- Travel insurance — not always mandatory, but strongly recommended. Read our guide on best travel insurance for international trips from India to pick the right plan.
For visa-free entry (the 30-day waiver), you do not need to apply for anything except the MDAC. But you should still carry printed copies of your return ticket, hotel booking, and bank statement — immigration officers at KLIA can ask for these.
Pro tip: Avoid common booking errors by reading our guide on 10 flight booking mistakes Indians make before you finalise your Malaysia tickets.
How to Apply for Malaysia eVISA Online (Step-by-Step)
If you need an eVISA (for stays beyond the visa-free window or purposes not covered under the waiver), here is the application process:
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to the official Malaysia eVISA website at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my. This is the only authorised portal. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra fees.
Step 2: Create an account
Register with your email ID and create a password. You will receive a verification email — click the link to activate your account.
Step 3: Fill the application form
Log in and fill in your personal details: full name (as on passport), date of birth, passport number, travel dates, and purpose of visit. Upload your passport-size photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents
Attach your return flight ticket, hotel booking, bank statement, and travel itinerary. Make sure all documents are clear and in the accepted format (JPEG or PDF, within the file size limits).
Step 5: Pay the fee
Pay the eVISA fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is approximately USD 30 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry.
Step 6: Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 48 to 72 hours. During peak travel seasons, it can take up to 5 working days. You will receive the approved eVISA via email.
Step 7: Print and carry
Download the approved eVISA, print a copy, and carry it along with your passport when you travel. Immigration at the Malaysian airport will verify it on arrival.
MDAC: The Mandatory Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Even if you are entering visa-free, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory for all foreign nationals arriving in Malaysia. Think of it as a digital replacement for the old paper arrival/departure card.
How to fill the MDAC:
- Visit the official MDAC portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac.
- You can submit the form within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date — not earlier.
- Fill in your personal details: full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and contact information.
- Enter your travel details: flight number, arrival date, and your accommodation address in Malaysia.
- Submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email with a PIN.
- Use your passport number and PIN to download the confirmation PDF with a QR code.
- Save this PDF on your phone and also print a backup copy.
Important MDAC tips:
– The MDAC is free of charge on the official portal. If any website asks you to pay, it is not the official portal.
– Submit your MDAC 1-2 days before arrival. Avoid filling it at the airport to prevent last-minute connectivity issues.
– Airlines may check your MDAC confirmation at check-in, so keep it accessible.
– One MDAC is needed per person, including children.
Transit Through Malaysia: Do Indians Need a Visa?
If you are simply transiting through a Malaysian airport (e.g., connecting in KLIA on your way to Bali or Bangkok), here is what you need to know:
Airside transit (no immigration clearance): If you remain within the international transit area of the airport and do not pass through immigration, you generally do not need a visa or MDAC. Your boarding pass for the connecting flight is sufficient.
Landside transit (clearing immigration): If your layover requires you to exit the transit area — perhaps because your bags are not checked through, or you want to explore KL during a long layover — the visa-free entry rules apply. You will need to complete the MDAC and carry all the standard documents (return ticket, accommodation proof, etc.).
Transit Without Visa (TWOV): The TWOV facility, which previously allowed Indian nationals holding valid visas for certain countries (USA, UK, Schengen, etc.) to transit without a visa, is currently suspended. Do not rely on this facility when planning your trip. Always check the latest status with the Malaysian High Commission or the official immigration website before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Malaysia in 2026?
No. Indian passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. This covers tourism, business, social visits, and transit. You must complete the MDAC online before arrival and carry standard travel documents.
What is the difference between MDAC and eVISA?
The MDAC is a free, mandatory digital arrival card that all foreign visitors must fill out within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia. The eVISA is a paid electronic visa required only if you fall outside the visa-free arrangement (for example, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days or for purposes like work or study).
Can I enter Malaysia from Singapore by road as an Indian?
Yes, if you are entering under the visa-free arrangement (or hold an eVISA), you can enter Malaysia from Singapore via the Johor-Singapore Causeway or the Second Link. Note that the eNTRI is restricted to entry via KLIA/KLIA2 airports only, so it is not valid for land border crossings.
How much money should I carry for immigration clearance in Malaysia?
There is no fixed official amount, but it is advisable to show proof of at least MYR 1,000-1,500 (approximately INR 18,000-27,000) per person for your stay. This can be in the form of cash, a credit card, or a recent bank statement. Immigration officers may ask for proof of funds to ensure you can support yourself during your visit.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Malaysia?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for visa-free entry into Malaysia. However, it is strongly recommended. Medical treatment in Malaysia can be expensive for foreigners, and travel insurance covers flight cancellations, lost baggage, and medical emergencies. A good policy costs as little as INR 300-500 per day.
Ready to book your Malaysia trip? Find the best flight deals from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and other Indian cities to Kuala Lumpur on HappyFares. We compare fares across airlines to help you fly for less.
Information in this guide is accurate as of March 2026. Visa policies can change — always verify the latest rules on the official Malaysian Immigration Department website or the Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi before you travel.
