Malaysia has extended its visa exemption for Indian nationals, allowing up to 30-day stays without a visa until 31 December 2026.
The initiative, launched in December 2023, is part of Malaysia’s strategy to boost tourism and economic growth as it prepares for its ASEAN 2025 chairmanship and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Secretary-General of the Home Ministry, announced this decision, affirming its alignment with broader economic and diplomatic goals.
Record-breaking arrivals in 2024
Indian visitors have become a cornerstone of Malaysia’s tourism industry, with 1,009,114 arrivals recorded from January to November 2024. This is a significant leap compared to 587,703 during the same period in 2023. The numbers represent a staggering 223% increase in Indian tourist arrivals since the programme’s implementation.
In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia welcomed 735,000 Indian tourists. The visa waiver has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, indicating a 47 percent growth over 2019 figures.
The surge in Indian tourists has significantly benefited Malaysia’s economy, generating income and creating job opportunities for local communities. Businesses, especially in hospitality, retail, and transport sectors, have witnessed remarkable growth.
Visa-Free Entry: What Indians need to know
Indian passport holders travelling to Malaysia without a visa must:
- Present a passport valid for at least six months.
- Show confirmed return or onward flight tickets within 30 days.
- Provide hotel booking confirmations and proof of sufficient funds (USD 50 per day).
- Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before arrival.
Additional protocols include final immigration profiling and strict adherence to security checks. Malaysian authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining rigorous screening to ensure both national security and a seamless travel experience.
Also Malaysia’s Immigration Department (JIM) has implemented measures such as special monitoring teams and compliance with the MDAC system to maintain control over visitor movements. According to Director Zakaria Bin Shaban, the department continues to refine processes to ensure efficient and secure entry for visitors.
Currently, two airlines operate direct flights between Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur, further easing connectivity for Indian travellers.