Malaysia Visa for Indians 2026: The Complete Application Guide

I remember standing at KLIA immigration in 2019, watching an Indian family get turned away because they thought visa on arrival was available. The father kept showing documents on his phone, the mother was in tears, and their kids looked confused. That scene stuck with me, and it is exactly why I am writing this guide. Malaysia visa for Indians is not complicated once you understand your options, but getting it wrong means a wasted flight and a trip that never happens.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Malaysia visa for Indians in 2026. The Malaysia visa for Indians application process — the two visa types available, exact costs in INR, required documents, the step-by-step online application process, and what to expect at immigration. I have helped dozens of friends and family members navigate this process, and I will share the same advice I give them.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Malaysia? Understanding Malaysia Visa for Indians

Yes, absolutely. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Malaysia. There is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival facility for Indians — despite what some outdated websites claim. You have two options: eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information) or eVisa. Both are applied for online through the same official portal.

The good news about Malaysia visa for Indians? Both options are straightforward, affordable, and processed quickly. Most travelers get their eNTRI approved within hours and eVisa within 2-3 days. Embassy visits are not required. There are no paper applications to submit. And you certainly do not need agents (though plenty will try to convince you otherwise).

Malaysia Visa for Indians: eNTRI vs eVisa Comparison

This is the most common question I get from Indian travelers planning their first Malaysia trip. Here is a straightforward breakdown to help you decide.

eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information)

Think of eNTRI as the quick and budget-friendly option for short trips. It costs approximately INR 1,700 (USD 20) and allows a single entry for up to 15 days. Processing is usually instant — I have seen approvals come through in under 5 minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours during busy periods.

The catch? eNTRI is only valid for entry through specific points:

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA and KLIA2)
• Penang International Airport
• Langkawi International Airport
• Kota Kinabalu International Airport
• Kuching International Airport
• Johor Bahru (Senai) International Airport

If you are flying into any of these airports for a trip of 15 days or less, eNTRI is your best bet. It is cheaper, faster, and perfectly adequate for most first-time visitors.

eVisa (Electronic Visa)

The eVisa is more flexible and suitable for longer trips or complex itineraries. It costs between INR 2,500 to INR 4,200 (USD 30-50) depending on whether you choose single entry or multiple entry. Stay duration is up to 30 days, and you can enter through any Malaysian entry point including land borders from Singapore and Thailand.

Processing takes 48-72 hours typically, though it can extend to 5 working days during peak season (December-January and summer holidays). I recommend applying at least one week before your travel date to be safe.

Choose eVisa if:

• Your trip exceeds 15 days
• You plan to enter via land border (e.g., from Singapore by bus)
• You want multiple entry flexibility (day trips to Singapore, for example)
• You are entering through an airport not on the eNTRI list

Malaysia Visa for Indians: 2026 Fees and Costs

Here are the current fees. Note that these are approximate INR equivalents — the official fee is in USD and slight variations occur based on exchange rates:

• eNTRI: INR 1,700 (USD 20) — single entry, 15 days
• eVisa Single Entry: INR 2,500 (USD 30) — single entry, 30 days
• eVisa Multiple Entry: INR 4,200 (USD 50) — multiple entry, 30 days per visit

These fees are paid online via credit card, debit card, or net banking. The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, and some Indian bank cards. Payment confirmation is instant.

Required Documents for Malaysia Visa Application

Before you start the application, gather these documents. Missing or incorrect documents are the number one reason for visa delays and rejections.

Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Malaysia
• Ensure minimum 2 blank pages are available for immigration stamps
• Prepare a clear scan of the bio-data page (the page with your photo and details)
• If you have an older passport with previous Malaysia visas/stamps, keep it handy

Passport Photo Specifications

• Recent photo taken within the last 3 months
• White background (not blue, not colored)
• Size: 35mm x 50mm (standard passport size)
• Face must occupy 70-80% of the frame
• No glasses, no head covering (unless religious)
• File format: JPEG, file size under 2MB

Pro tip: Use a photo booth at a mall or get it done at a professional studio. Phone selfies against a white wall technically work, but a proper photo reduces your rejection risk.

Travel Documents

• Confirmed return flight tickets — must show arrival and departure from Malaysia. One-way tickets will get rejected.
• Your hotel booking confirmation should cover your entire stay. If staying with friends or relatives, you will need an invitation letter with their Malaysian ID copy.
• A travel itinerary is optional but helpful. Prepare a simple day-by-day plan showing places you intend to visit.

Financial Proof

• Bank statement for the last 3 months
• Maintain a minimum balance of INR 50,000 (or equivalent USD 600)
• Ensure your statement is recent — within the last 2 weeks ideally
• Include salary slips or income proof if you are self-employed

Step-by-Step Application Process

The entire application happens on the official Window Malaysia portal. Do not use third-party websites or agents — they charge extra and provide the same service.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit windowmalaysia.my (this is the only official portal). Click "Register" and create an account using your email address. You will receive a verification email — click the link to activate your account. Use an email you check regularly as all communication happens here.

Step 2: Start New Application

Log in and click "Apply" or "New Application." Select your visa type — eNTRI or eVisa. The system will show you requirements and fees before you proceed.

Step 3: Fill Personal Information

Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport. I mean exactly — if your passport says "KUMAR" in capitals, type "KUMAR" in capitals. Common fields include:

• Full name (as in passport)
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality (India)
• Gender
• Current address in India
• Occupation and employer details

Step 4: Enter Travel Details

• Intended date of arrival in Malaysia
• Port of entry (which airport/border)
• Flight number and airline
• Address in Malaysia (your hotel name and address)
• Duration of stay
• Purpose of visit (select "Tourism")

Step 5: Upload Documents

This is where most applications fail. Upload these carefully:

• Passport bio page — clear, color scan, all four corners visible, no glare
• Passport photo — white background, JPEG format, under 2MB
• Flight tickets — PDF showing both arrival and return
• Hotel booking — PDF confirmation with your name and dates
• Bank statement — recent, showing sufficient funds (optional for eNTRI, recommended for eVisa)

Step 6: Review and Pay

Double-check everything. Once submitted, you cannot edit the application. Pay the fee via card or net banking. Save the payment receipt — you will need it if there are any issues.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

eNTRI: Usually instant to 24 hours. Check your email and the portal dashboard.

eVisa: 48-72 hours typically. Do not panic if it takes 3-4 days during busy periods.

Step 8: Download and Print

Once approved, download the visa approval letter from the portal. Print a color copy on A4 paper. Carry this with your passport when you travel — immigration officers will ask for it.

Malaysia Visa for Indians: Common Rejection Reasons

Based on my experience helping others with their Malaysia visa for Indians applications, here are the most common reasons for rejection:

Photo Issues

Wrong background color, blurry photo, photo too old, face too small in frame. Solution: Get a fresh professional photo with white background.

Passport Scan Problems

Blurry scan, corners cut off, glare obscuring text, black and white instead of color. Solution: Scan at a print shop with a flatbed scanner, ensure all edges are visible.

Flight Ticket Mismatch

Name on ticket does not match passport exactly, one-way ticket only, dates do not match application. Solution: Book refundable tickets before applying, ensure names match perfectly.

Insufficient Financial Proof

Bank balance too low, statement too old, statement not in applicant's name. Solution: Maintain INR 50,000+ and get a recent statement.

Previous Travel Issues

Overstayed previous Malaysian visa, entry denials in other countries, criminal record. Solution: Be honest in your application. If you have any past issues, consider applying through the embassy instead.

Visa on Arrival for Indians: Current Status

Let me be crystal clear: Visa on arrival is NOT available for Indian passport holders in Malaysia. This has been the case for years, and as of 2026, there is no change. I still see travel agents and outdated blog posts claiming otherwise — ignore them.

If you arrive at KLIA without a valid eNTRI or eVisa, you will be denied entry and put on the next flight back to India at your own expense. I have seen it happen. Do not risk it.

Transit Visa Requirements

Good news for those connecting through Kuala Lumpur: Indians do not need a transit visa if staying airside (within the airport terminal without clearing immigration). This applies if:

• You have a confirmed onward ticket departing within 24 hours
• You remain in the international transit area
• You do not leave the airport

However, if your layover is long and you want to explore Kuala Lumpur (which I recommend — even 8 hours is enough to see the Petronas Towers), you will need either an eNTRI or eVisa to clear immigration.

If you are planning a trip that includes both Malaysia and Singapore, check out our Penang street food guide for the Malaysian portion of your journey.

What to Expect at KLIA Immigration

Malaysian immigration is generally efficient but thorough. Here is what happens when you land:

Before Reaching Immigration

Fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before your flight or at the kiosks in the airport. This replaced the paper arrival card in 2023. Go to imigresen-online.imi.gov.my and complete it up to 3 days before arrival.

At the Immigration Counter

Have ready: passport, printed visa approval letter (eNTRI or eVisa), return ticket (on phone is fine), and hotel booking. The officer may ask:

• Purpose of visit
• How long you are staying
• Where you are staying
• How much money you are carrying

Answer calmly and honestly. Processing typically takes 2-5 minutes.

Customs Declaration

Malaysia has strict rules on what you can bring in:

• Duty-free allowance: 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes
• Declare if carrying more than USD 10,000 equivalent in cash
• Absolutely no drugs — Malaysia has the death penalty for trafficking
• Restricted items: vape devices (technically banned), certain foods, plants

Extending Your Stay in Malaysia

Need more time? Extensions are possible but not guaranteed.

For eNTRI holders: Extensions are not permitted. You must exit Malaysia before your 15 days expire.

For eVisa holders: You can apply for an extension at an Immigration office in Malaysia. Visit the nearest Jabatan Imigresen (Immigration Department) with:

• Passport
• Completed extension form (IM.12)
• Valid reason for extension
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Confirmed onward travel

Extensions cost RM 100-150 (approximately INR 1,800-2,700) and are granted for up to 30 additional days at the officer's discretion. Apply at least a week before your visa expires.

Malaysian Embassy and Consulate Contacts in India

For complex cases or if you prefer applying in person, contact the Malaysian diplomatic missions:

High Commission of Malaysia, New Delhi

Address: 50-M, Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Phone: +91-11-2611 1291
Email: mwdelhi@kln.gov.my
Working hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Consulate General of Malaysia, Mumbai

Address: 1102, Maker Chamber V, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Phone: +91-22-2287 0024
Email: mwmumbai@kln.gov.my

Consulate General of Malaysia, Chennai

Address: 77, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600004
Phone: +91-44-2811 8066
Email: mwchennai@kln.gov.my

These offices handle special cases, appeals for rejected applications, and visa types not available online (work visas, student visas, etc.).

Pro Tips for Malaysia Visa for Indians

After numerous trips to Malaysia and helping countless friends with their visas, here is my practical advice:

• Apply at least 2 weeks before travel — even though processing is fast, buffer time prevents panic
• Always use the official portal only — agents charge 2-3x the fee for the same service
• Make sure to screenshot everything — your application, payment receipt, approval letter
• Never forget to carry printouts — phone batteries die, WiFi fails, always have paper backup
• Consider booking refundable hotels and flights — in case your visa is delayed or rejected
• Keep your documents consistent — same name spelling everywhere, matching dates
• Remember to check your email spam folder — approval notifications sometimes land there

If you are planning a longer Southeast Asia trip that includes Malaysia, you might also want to read our Singapore travel guide as many travelers combine both destinations. For tour package options, browse our curated travel packages that often include visa assistance.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Malaysia visa for Indians is straightforward when you follow the right process. The online system works well, fees are reasonable, and processing is fast. The key is choosing the right visa type for your trip, gathering proper documents, and applying through the official portal only.

I have seen too many travelers stress unnecessarily about this or fall for agent scams. Do not be that person. Follow this guide, apply early, and you will have your approval in hand before you know it. Malaysia is worth the paperwork — from the food to the islands to the cities, it is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding destinations for Indian travelers.