Applying for a Malaysia tourist visa: A handyguide for Indian travellers

Malaysia has been attracting tourists from all over the world, and India is no exception, as many Indians travel to this country to spend quality time with their loved ones. So, if you plan to visit this beautiful country for varied purposes, it is important to stay aligned with all the information, including Malaysian visa procedure. In this article, we guide you through the application process for a Malaysia visa for Indians and how you can apply for one seamlessly.

Are Indians required to apply for a Malaysian visa?
Yes, Indians must apply for a valid visa when travelling to Malaysia for varied purposes. However, if you plan to visit the country for tourism purposes for less than 30 days, you can enter Malaysia without a visa till 31st December 2024. In addition, when you apply for a Malaysian visa, you must fulfil the eligibility criteria to enjoy a smooth application process.

What are the different types of Malaysian visa?
When you plan to visit Malaysia, you can select from the following visa types according to your travel purpose:

1. Tourist Visa

It is useful for Indians wanting to visit Malaysia for tourism purposes. You can apply for this visa type to explore the rich culture and heritage of the country or visit your friends and family in Malaysia.

2. Business Visa

If you plan to visit Malaysia for business purposes, you must apply for this visa type. With the help of this visa, you can attend conferences, explore business opportunities or conduct meetings with clients in Malaysia.

3. Employment Visa

Through the Malaysian employment visa, you can enter the region and work under a Malaysian employer. However, you must have a valid offer from the Malaysian employer to apply for this visa type.

4. Student Visa

You must apply for a Malaysian student visa when you plan to obtain higher education in Malaysia. In addition, you must have a valid offer from the Malaysian educational institute to apply for this visa, as it allows you to stay in the country till your course duration.

5. Transit Visa

If you plan to pass through Malaysia to visit any other destination, you must apply for a Malaysian transit visa. It enables you to stay in Malaysia for 5 days or 120 hours while you wait for your connecting flight to your original destination.

6. Visa on Arrival

The Visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens is applicable when you land in Malaysia via Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or Brunei and hold a valid visa for any of these countries. This is generally valid for single entry and can be used to visit friends or family in Malaysia.

Malaysia visa requirements for Indians
When applying for a Malaysian visa, you must ensure your passport is valid for more than 6 months before your intended travel date. In addition, you must submit the following documents when applying for a Malaysia visa for Indians:
1. You must have a valid Indian passport with two blank pages.
2. 2 recent passport-size photographs in white background with 35mm and 45mm in size.
3. Proof of accommodation in Malaysia, such as an invitation letter from the host or accommodation booking.
4. Copy of your travel itinerary.
5. Copy of your round-trip ticket from Malaysia.
6. Proof of financial evidence to support your stay in Malaysia.
7. When applying for a work visa, you must submit an offer letter from a Malaysian employer and a valid employment contract.

How to apply online for a Malaysian tourist visa?
You can follow the simple steps mentioned below to apply for a Malaysian tourist visa online:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Step 2: Click the 'I'm New! Apply!' tab, and it will redirect to your other webpage.
Step 3: Fill out the registration form by entering your details, such as name, nationality, gender, passport number and date of birth.
Step 4: Once you have registered, log in to your account using the details.
Step 5: Start a new application and fill out all your details in the visa application form.
Step 6: Upload all the necessary documents and double-check them to avoid any discrepancies.
Step 7: Pay the visa application fees and submit your application form.
Step 8: Once you have the form, the Malaysian visa officials will verify your details and send your visa to your registered email address.

Travel insurance for Malaysia
Although travel insurance is not mandatory for Indians travelling to Malaysia, it is recommended to get one to avoid any financial issues during the trip. With a comprehensive insurance plan, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from any unforeseen situations during your stay in Malaysia.

For instance, insurance companies, like ACKO, offer you financial support to deal with medical and other emergency scenarios so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. Moreover, it ensures you do not pay anything from your pockets, ensuring your Malaysian trip is splendid and memorable.