Procuring a Malaysia Visa
Overview
Malaysia, also known as the Federation of Malaysia or Malaysia Federation, is one of the most popular and visited countries in South East Asia. Malaysia has experienced the best and most stable economic records of all the countries on the Asian Continent. Natural resources of the nation have been a major contributor to the economy. However, over the past couple of decades, Malaysia has emerged as popular location for tourists. The nation has further expanded the tourism industry to include special features for medical tourism and eco-tourism. Additionally, the extensive transportation network along with excellent educational institutes and facilities, make Malaysia a place worth visiting for everyone.
Why is Malaysia Visa Needed?
Indians travelling to Malaysia, either for studies, leisure or business, mandatorily require a visa. The purpose of the visit is the basis of deciding which visa will be required.
Malaysia Visa Eligibility
The eligibility requirements of visa for Indian citizens are comparatively lenient. The first requirement is that the visitor must be a holder of a valid Indian passport. Furthermore, he or she should meet the eligibility requirements of the visa application process. Moreover, the visitor should possess a healthy financial record so that they are able to manage their visit and travel properly. Some people are prohibited to enter Malaysia under Section 8 of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Further eligibility criterion is dependent in the nature of the visit even under tourist visa. For example, if a visitor is coming to Malaysia as a student applying to an educational institute would need to meet the eligibility criteria and may need to fulfill additional requirements.
Malaysia Visa Application Process
How to Apply for Malaysia Visa
Application for a Malaysian visa can be made in two ways. They are application for a visa without reference and application of a visa with reference.
Malaysian visa without reference is approved by the High Commission of Malaysia while an application for a visa with reference is referred to and approved by the Department of Immigration Malaysia/ Other Agencies of Authority.
Process for Different Types of Visas
There are two ways for initiating Malaysia visa process, offline and online, but the process could also depend on the type of visa you are applying for. Visa applications will need to be made at the nearest Malaysian Representative Office Abroad near your residence. Based on the purpose and nature of your visit, you will need to apply to visa with or without reference. However, for Indian citizens, online applications will need to be made through the I-Visa system.
In case of a social visit, you will need to apply for a visa without reference. Visits that are not social require a reference. This type of visa is required for students, dependants, professionals that are visiting Malaysia for business, and those seeking employment.
Where to Apply for Malaysia Visa?
You will need to visit the nearest Malaysian Representative Office Abroad to apply for the visa. However, a tourist from India can apply online through I-Visa system.
You can also visit the VAC (Visa Application Centers) in select cities in India at following addresses:
- Ahmedabad: 1st Floor, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce Building, Ashram Road
- Bangalore: Global Tech Park No 11, First Floor O' Shaughnessy Road, Langford Town
- Chandigarh: Elante Offices, Entry from Gate No. 3, Unit no. B 208, Second Floor, Office Block B, Plot no. 178- 178A, Industrial Business Park, Phase - I
- Hyderabad: Shop no:203, Mekins Maheshwari Mayank Plaza, Greenlands, Ameerpet
- Kolkata: 5th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba
- Pune: 4th Floor Marvel Edge F core, near Bajaj Finserv, Vimannagar
How to Book Appointment?
If you are applying online through I-Visa, then you do not need to make an appointment to initiate the application process. However, if you intend to visit any of the VACs mentioned above, then you will need to call to schedule an appointment, or you can visit the center to schedule the appointment.
Malaysia Visa Eligibility
The eligibility criterion for entry into Malaysia is not too strict. The visitor must be a current holder of a valid national passport. Additionally, they need to meet all visa requirements and possess sufficient funds to manage their travel. The only people prohibited to enter Malaysia are classified under Section 8 of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
How to Check Status of Malaysia Visa
You can check the status of Malaysian Visa application on the online portal of the Embassy of Malaysia. A code will be provided to you that will also act as verification that your application process has been initiated.
How to get Malaysia Visa
The Malaysia visa process is straightforward; you will have a face-to-face interview once the application is submitted and approved. After the interview, you will receive your passport by courier at home with a Malaysia visa stamp.
Malaysia Visa Requirements
Documents Required for Malaysia Visa application
The documents required for Malaysian Visa Application depends on the nature and purpose of your visit.
Social Visit
According to the Malaysia visa requirements for Indian citizens for a social visit, you have to apply for a visa without reference. The documents required under the same are:
- Original passport
- Two (2) photocopies of the applicant’s passport
- Two (2) photocopies of the visa application form (Form IMM.47)
- Two (2) passport size photographs of the applicant
- Original and two (2) photocopies of the ticket (confirmed and returned ticket)
- Bank statement / traveler’s cheque
- Invitation letter (if any)
- Payment of visa fee
Business or Educational Visit
In case the nature of the visit is not social then the following documents will be required:
- An approval letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia/other authority agencies
- Original passport
- Two (2) photocopies passport of the applicant
- Two (2) photocopies of Form IMM.47, i.e., the visa application form
- Two (2) passport size of the applicant’s photograph
- Original and two (2) photocopies of an air ticket
- Payment of visa fee
Malaysia Visa Eligibility
Malaysian visa requirements for Indians are subject to the purpose and nature of the visit. Applications for employment, visits, business, and tourism are subject to factors such as application forms payment of visa fee, documentation, and other regulations depending on the nature of the visit.Depending on the nature and purpose of your visit, you will either be applying for a visa without reference or visa with reference
Applications for a Visa Without Reference (VTR)
Applicants that intend to visit the Federation of Malaysia for short durations apply for VTR applications. However, the same is subject to the High Commission Malaysia’s approval. Visitors entering on VTR applications are provided with a pass of social visit at entry points that are gazette. The following reasons are considered for issuing VTR:
- Tourism
- Journalism/ reporting news
- Business
- Visiting Family and/ or friends
- Sports competition or any other activity that has been approved by the Immigration Department of Malaysia
Applications for a Visa with Reference (VDR)
Applicants that intend to visit the Federation of Malaysia with VDR fall under the purview of Malaysian Representative Offices in other countries. The applications for VDR are approved and referred by the Immigration Department of Malaysia in addition to agencies, firms or departments under the following programs:
- Student Pass
- Social Visit Pass
- Employment Pass
- Professional Visit Pass
- Dependent Pass
Malaysia Tourist Visa
What is Malaysia Tourist Visa?
Malaysia Tourist Visa falls under the Single Entry Visa. The purpose of the visit is social rather than business. Moreover, the visitors can only enter and exit the country once. Tourist visa can be availed by people belonging to different ilk including but not limited to:
- Expats with extraordinary abilities
- Athletes and sports people
- Expats with extra-ordinary abilities
- Travellers for off-site, meetings, conferences, events, etc.
- Artists
- Religious travellers
- People transiting the country
- Crew members
- Exchange visitors
- Spouse of children visiting a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the country
- Expat military professionals
- Medical travellers
- Short term worker and laborers
- Victim of criminal activity
- Physicians and Doctors
- Academic or vocational students
- Business travellers
- Temporary agricultural worker
- Cultural exchange travellers
- Travellers for journalism and media related work
- Leisure travellers
- Investors
- Victim of human trafficking
The wide range of tourism options available in the nation including medical tourism and ecotourism make it a global tourist hub. Additionally, the excellent infrastructure of the country along with the extensive and state of the art national and international transport network have transformed Malaysia into one of the best, if not the best, tourist locations. Furthermore, the excellent educational system of Malaysia has led to many of the institutes being ranked among the top educational institutions of the world. As a result, the Federation of Malaysia witnesses many expat students. Furthermore, the booming economy that has been steadily growing over the last few decades has led to a marvelous international business environment.
Duration of Malaysia Tourist Visa
The duration of the Malaysia tourist visa is maximum three months. Since tourist visas fall under Single Entry Visas, the visitor can only enter and exit the country once. However, the period of three months begins from the date of issue. Multiple Entry Visa has a validity of anywhere between 3 months and 12 months. However, tourists cannot apply for multiple entry visa. Tourists can also apply for a transit visa, but a transit visa is not issued for more than a day.