Planning a trip to Malaysia next year? Indian travellers can breathe easy as Malaysia has extended its visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. The extension aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and aims to attract more tourists, boost the local economy, and strengthen its position as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia.
Under the visa-free rules, which began on December 1, 2023, Indian nationals can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days. Travellers need to show a return flight ticket and proof of sufficient funds for their stay, such as a bank statement or credit card. Additionally, completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory before arrival.
The visa exemption policy mirrors a similar initiative for Chinese nationals. Indian tourists have played a vital role in Malaysia’s tourism industry, with over 735,000 arrivals recorded in 2019 before the pandemic. After introducing the visa exemption, Malaysia saw a sharp rise in Indian tourists, crossing one million arrivals in 2024.
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Between January and November 2024, Malaysia welcomed 1,009,114 Indian visitors compared to 587,703 during the same period in 2023 and 686,338 in 2019. This reflects a 47 percent increase over 2019 and a 71.7 percent jump over 2023.
To benefit from the visa-free policy, Indian travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their stay. While the exemption primarily targets tourists, those visiting Malaysia for short business trips can also avail of the facility.