With its perfect blend of city life, rainforests, highlands, beaches, shopping and street food, Malaysia is one of the most visited international destinations by Indian tourists. And now, with the visa-free entry for Indians, planning your trip is now easier than ever.
This blog is your complete Malaysia travel visa guide for Indians – packed with answers to all tourist doubts: visa rules, documents, SIM, currency exchange, digital cards, UPI, do’s and don’ts, airport process and safety tips.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia?
NO Visa Required for Tourism, Indians can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days, under a temporary visa exemption announced by the Malaysian government.
Visa-Free Entry for Indians – Key Highlights
- Indian citizens can visit Malaysia without a visa until 31st December 2025.
- This temporary visa waiver is valid only for tourism.
- You can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days per entry.
- No online application, no eVisa/eNTRI and no fees are required.
- Overstaying is strictly prohibited and may result in penalties or a future ban.
- This facility cannot be used for work, study, internships or business travel.
Conditions for Visa-Free Entry
To enter Malaysia visa-free, Indian travelers must:
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Hold a confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
- Show proof of hotel bookings or a local host’s address.
- Be ready to undergo biometric registration (face and fingerprints) at the airport.
- Carry sufficient funds to cover their stay (around ₹40,000 or more recommended).
- Ensure their purpose is strictly tourism — no jobs or educational activities.
Documents to Carry (Even if Visa-Free)
- Travel insurance (not mandatory, but highly recommended).
- Valid Indian passport (with at least 6 months’ validity).
- Return or onward flight confirmation.
- Accommodation proof – hotel reservation or local host invite.
- Proof of funds – bank statement, forex card or international credit card.
- Printed itinerary (optional, but helps).
Also Read: International Travel Guide for Indians
What to Expect at Malaysian Airports (e.g., KLIA, Langkawi, Penang)
- Proceed to immigration upon arrival.
- Present passport, flight ticket, and accommodation proof.
- Undergo biometric scanning at the counter.
- Receive a 30-day entry stamp.
- Collect your bags and exit the terminal.
Currency, Forex & Payment Tips
- Indian Rupees (INR) are not accepted anywhere in Malaysia.
- You will need to spend in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
- Convert some currency to MYR in India or carry USD for exchange in Malaysia.
- Avoid exchanging currency at the airport (rates are poor).
- Forex or prepaid travel cards are the safest and most convenient option.
- UPI, PhonePe, Google Pay from India do not work in Malaysia.
- International debit/credit cards work but may charge 3–4% FX markup.
Recommended Forex / Travel Cards for Indians
- Niyo Global Card – Zero forex markup, international ATM access.
- Wise (TransferWise) Card – Real exchange rates, works globally.
- Axis Multicurrency Card – Multiple currencies, safe for shopping.
💡 Always carry one forex card and one backup debit/credit card for safety.
Mobile SIM Cards & Internet Access
- Buy a local SIM card at the airport or any 7-Eleven store.
- Popular providers: Hotlink, Digi, Celcom.
- Plans start from ₹250–₹400 for 5–10GB data.
- SIM cards work instantly with just a passport scan.
- Use for WhatsApp, maps, Grab Taxi, bookings, etc.
Local Apps to Download
- Grab App – For taxis and food delivery (highly recommended).
- Agoda / Klook – For hotel deals and activity bookings.
- Google Maps – For public transport and navigation.
- AirAsia – For local flights to Langkawi, Penang, Sabah, etc.
Taxis may not accept cards — use Grab for transparent pricing.
Top Places to Visit in Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur – Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves.
- Langkawi – Sky Bridge, beaches, mangrove tours, duty-free shopping.
- Genting Highlands – Theme parks, cable car rides, cool climate.
- Penang – Georgetown, street art, night markets, Penang Hill.
- Cameron Highlands – Tea estates, strawberries, colonial charm.
- Malacca – River cruise, heritage buildings, Jonker Street shopping.
Essential Travel Tips for Indian Tourists
What to Do:
- Carry printed bookings and passport copies.
- Load a forex card and keep backup cash.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly at temples.
- Purchase travel insurance for safety (₹300–₹700).
- Plan for rainy spells if visiting from November–February.
What to Avoid:
- Don’t assume all taxis accept cards — keep MYR in hand.
- Do not overstay even by one day — penalties are strict.
- Do not carry INR or rely on Indian UPI apps.
- Avoid fake hotel bookings — immigration may check.
Malaysia Visa FAQs for Indians
Can I re-enter Malaysia multiple times during 2025 under visa-free travel?
Yes, you can exit and re-enter Malaysia multiple times as long as each stay is within the 30-day limit and you meet all entry conditions every time. However, frequent back-to-back visits may raise suspicion, so allow a reasonable gap between visits.
Can I enter Malaysia via a cruise ship or ferry from Thailand or Singapore under visa-free entry?
Yes, sea entry is allowed, including via cruise ships or ferries from neighboring countries, as long as you’re entering through an official immigration checkpoint and meet visa-free requirements.
Is visa-free entry valid if I am already in another country (e.g., Thailand or Singapore)?
Yes, you don’t have to travel directly from India. You can fly or enter overland from nearby countries as long as you meet the eligibility (tourism only, valid passport, return ticket, etc.).
Do I need to fill any online form before arrival like IMUGA for Maldives?
No, Malaysia does not require any pre-arrival health or visa form like IMUGA (Maldives). You just need to carry the right documents and arrive directly at the airport.
Will I get entry if I don’t have hotel bookings but plan to stay with a friend or relative?
Yes, that is allowed. But you must carry a letter of invitation from your host, along with their address, contact number and a copy of their Malaysian ID or passport. Immigration may ask to confirm these details.
Can I use my Indian PAN card or Aadhaar for ID proof in Malaysia?
No, only your Indian passport is accepted as ID. Indian IDs like Aadhaar, PAN or driver’s license hold no validity in Malaysia for legal or verification purposes.
Are there any hidden charges at Malaysian airports or at immigration for visa-free travelers?
No. There are no hidden charges at immigration for visa-free entry. However, airport taxis, luggage trolleys and sim card counters may charge you — always ask for prices in advance.
Can I book flights and hotels after reaching Malaysia?
Technically yes, but highly discouraged. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. If you don’t have confirmed bookings, they may suspect your intent and deny entry.
Can I take domestic flights within Malaysia using only a soft copy of my passport?
No, you must show your original passport for all domestic flights and hotel check-ins in Malaysia. Soft copies are not accepted officially.
Can I travel with minors or kids under the visa-free rule?
Yes, children with Indian passports are also eligible for visa-free entry. However, if a child is traveling with one parent, you may be asked to provide a NOC or written consent from the other parent for added security.
