Malaysia is one of the most diverse countries in the world with picturesque beaches, stunning architecture, the best hiking trails and extremely good value for money to travel in. There are two ways to get the Malaysia Visa either electronically i.e. Malaysia eVisa or in offline mode by applying for the Malaysia visa at a Malaysian consulate or the VFS Center. Applying for a visa can be a daunting experience but luckily the Malaysian Government has made it easy to apply for a Malaysia visa for Indians with the Malaysia eVisa. The Malaysia eVisa can be applied online from the comfort of your home. These electronic visas get issued in 48 hours, provided all documents are in order. However, the Malaysia eVisa program comes with its limitations, and in this case, applicants have the option to apply for the Malaysia sticker visa which gives more freedom if you’re travelling for longer durations, or in multiple countries in the region.

Visa Information:

Types of Malaysia Visa:

1. Single-Entry Malaysia Tourist eVisa: The single-entry Malaysia tourist eVisa is valid for a period of 3 months and grants only a single entry into Malaysia. It takes about 3-4 days to process the single-entry Malaysia visa. It can also be used for business purposes.

2. Multiple-Entry Malaysia Tourist eVisa: The multiple-entry tourist eVisa is valid for a period of 3-12 months and grants multiple access into the country. It takes about 6-8 days to process the multiple-entry Malaysia tourist visa.

3. Other types of Malaysia visas and passes: If you have a specific purpose other than tourism or business in Malaysia, there are specific types of visas and passes available for the same. For eg. Malaysia Transit Visa, Malaysia Student visa, Malaysia Work Visa, Short Term/ Long Term Social Visit Pass, Employment Pass, etc.

The difference between the Validity of a visa, number of entries and Duration of stay of a Visa:

Validity of a Visa:

• Validity of a visa refers to the period that the visa holder is allowed to enter Malaysia. Unless otherwise specified, a visa holder may enter Malaysia at any time prior to expiryaslong as the entries granted on the visa have not been used up. The visa becomes effective from the date of issuance. The visa automatically becomes invalid once its period of validity expires regardless of whether its entries are used up or not. However, even if an applicant holds a valid visa, he or she might be refused entry by the immigration authorities.

Number of Entries of a Visa:

• Malaysia visas are generally issued for Single or Multiple entries. The number of entries of a visa refers to the number of times the visa holder is permitted to enter Malaysia within the visa’s validity. When the entries are all used up, the visa becomesinvalid. The visa is not valid either if its validity has already expired, irrspective of the count of unused entries. In either case, the visa holder should apply for a new visa if another visit to Malaysia is planned. An applicant will be refused entry to Malaysia if all the visa entries have been used up.

Duration of Stay:

• The Duration of stay of a Malaysia visa refers to the longest period the visa holder is allowed to stay in Malaysia from the day following entry to Malaysia. The Malaysia eNTRI note is issued for a stay period of 15 days, whereas the e-Visa and sticker visas are issued for 30 days.

There are a valid set of documents that are vital for Malaysia visa requirements. This requirement can change based on your type of Malaysia visa, purpose and duration of the visit. However, some common documents are applicable essentially for all Malaysia visas. They are as follows:

• A valid passport: The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of travel. Additionally, there should be two blank pages for the purpose of stamping. 2 copies of the passport should be submitted along with the completely filled Malaysia visa application form.
• Photographs: Submit 3 recently clicked passport-sized photographs. The photos have to comply with the Malaysia visa photo specifications.
• Flight tickets: You need to present confirmed flight ticket details. Either for the return flight home or an onward ticket to a third country.

Documents required for Malaysia eNTRI Application:

• Colored scanned copy of passport first and last page. Applicant’s passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Malaysia with two blank pages
• Colored scanned photograph with white background taken in last 3 months, 35 mm X 45 mm in size and 80% face coverage
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Birth Certificate for minors (below 14 years)

Note: All documents to be shared over email or Whatsapp

Documents required for Malaysia e-Visa Application:

• Colored scanned copy of passport first and last page. Applicant’s passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Malaysia with two blank pages
• Colored scanned photograph with white background taken in last 3 months, 35 mm X 45 mm in size and 80% face coverage
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Hotel reservation or Invitation letter, Passport or Resident Permit copy of Inviter (If visiting family & friends)
• Covering letter from Indian company, Invitation letter from host company (For Business Visa)
• Birth Certificate for minors (below 14 years)

Note: All documents to be shared over email or Whatsapp

Documents required for Malaysia Sticker Visa Application:

• Original Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Malaysia with minimum two blank pages
• Dully completed and signed Visa Application Form
• Two recent colored photographs with white background taken in last 3 months, 35 mm X 45 mm in size, matt finish and 75% face coverage
• Cover letter explaining purpose of trip. (For Employed-Plain paper/Self-Employed-Letterhead)
• Bank Statement for last six months with minimum balance of Rs.30,000/- for Individual or Rs 60,000/- for family; updated and attested
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Confirmed Hotel Reservation
• School/College ID Card (If student)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from parent, ID proof of parents (If minor travelling without parents)
• Invitation letter, Passport or Resident Permit copy, address proof of Inviter (If visiting family & friends)
• Sponsorship letter, Sponsor ID proof, Updated bank statement (if sponsored)
• Invitation letter from the host company, Covering letter from the Indian company (For Business visa)

*Note: For Passports not issued in the state of current residence, any two of the below documents can be submitted as Residence proof (any two):

• Leave & License Agreement;
• Original Society letter;
• Letter from the Employer;
• MTNL/BSNL/Electricity/Gas bill (any utility bill)
  
  Further, the Malaysia visa documents & requirements vary depending upon your choice of visa.