If you’re headed to Malaysia and wondering what paperwork or procedures you’ll face at the border, this post will save you from Googling 17 different things. Here’s what you need to know about visas, vaccines, forms, and what not to bring, so you’re not the person holding up the line at immigration.
Visa requirements: Do you need one?
The good news: Malaysia is visa-free for up to 90 days for many nationalities, including citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. Many others can enter Malaysia visa-free for 30 to 90 days, depending on your passport.
China and India citizens are visa-exempt until 31 December 2026.
A visa is not required for stays of less than one month for ASEAN nationals, except citizens of Myanmar.
If you’re unsure, double-check with the official immigration website or your nearest Malaysian embassy.
Tip: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Malaysia. This is strictly enforced.
How to apply for a visa
If you’re required to apply for a visa, there are two possible ways to do so:
- Through a Malaysian Representative Office in your country (visit the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s Official Portal for further information).
- Online via eVisa
The eVisa is an electronic visa that foreign nationals can apply for online through the MYVISA portal before traveling to Malaysia. All eVisa applications are subject to approval and are typically completed within two working days. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit additional supporting documents or attend an interview, either in person or online.
Visit the official website for more info.
Digital arrival card
All foreign citizens visiting Malaysia must complete and submit the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arrival, unless you’re from Singapore, have a Malaysian long-term pass, or fall under a few other exceptions.
Click here to register for MDAC.
Vaccination & health requirements
Malaysia doesn’t require proof of routine vaccinations for most travelers. There’s no Covid vaccine certificate needed to enter, and no PCR/antigen testing either.
But here’s what you should know:
- Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever is present (mostly parts of Africa and Latin America).
- You may be asked about health conditions or recent illness, especially if arriving from areas with current outbreaks (monkeypox, Ebola, etc.).
Tip: It’s smart to be up to date on your tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and typhoid vaccines if you plan to stay long-term.
What to expect at immigration
Malaysia’s immigration process is usually straightforward and polite — but efficient. Here’s what they might ask:
- The purpose of your visit (Tourism, visiting friends, etc.)
- Duration of your stay
- Your address in Malaysia
- Your return ticket
Have your MDAC registration, flight confirmation, and hotel address handy (print or on your phone) just in case. Your passport will be stamped with an entry date, and you’ll be allowed in for your visa-free period (30, 60, or 90 days).
E-gate eligibility
Starting June 2024, visitors from 63 countries are eligible to use the autogates for immigration clearance, provided they complete the digital arrival card (MDAC) within three days of arriving.
This can speed things up — just scan your passport and face, and you’re in.
Important notes:
- The passport must have a digital chip and meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- The Autogate facilities are currently only available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
- When using the Autogate, you may need to have your fingerprints, iris, and facial biometrics scanned.
- Remember to remove any items that might obstruct the image scanning (sunglasses, caps, face masks, etc.)
Customs & what not to bring
Once you’re through immigration, you’ll collect your luggage and go through customs. Most travelers go through the Green Lane if they have nothing to declare.
Here’s what you’re not allowed to bring into Malaysia:
🚫 Drugs – Malaysia has extremely strict drug laws. Possession of certain drugs (even small amounts) can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Marijuana is also illegal
🚫 Pornographic material – This includes magazines, videos, or anything deemed “obscene” under Malaysian law.
🚫 Weapons/firearms – Also includes stun guns and pepper spray.
🚫 Counterfeit goods or currency
🚫 Excessive alcohol or tobacco – You’re allowed 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free.
This is not an exhaustive list. Please refer to the Royal Malaysian Customs website for more information on prohibited and restricted items.
Departure tips
When leaving Malaysia:
- No exit tax or forms required.
- Just be at the airport at least 2–3 hours early, especially at KLIA1 & 2 (which are huge and will take you around 30 minutes to get to your gate).
- Double-check that you haven’t overstayed your visa — penalties apply even for a single day.
Final thoughts
Getting into Malaysia isn’t complicated, but it’s always worth knowing the basics — especially when it comes to visa rules, customs restrictions, and what to expect at immigration. A valid passport, some common sense, and a bit of advance reading (like this post!) will save you stress when you land. Don’t be that person holding up the line because you packed some mystery supplements or forgot how long you’re staying.
If this post helped you sort out the logistics, the rest of the blog has you covered for everything else. Head over to the starter page if you haven’t already — it has everything laid out in one place: where to go, what to do, practical tips, food breakdowns, local culture, and more.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below.
