Malaysia limits multiple-entry visas to 31 nationalities and ends them for leisure trips

Malaysia ended multiple-entry visas for leisure trips Sept. 1 and limited them to nationals of 31 eligible countries, directing leisure visitors who need a visa into single-entry permits.

New limits on social visit visas

Under the revised framework, the Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) is no longer available for general tourism or casual social visits, the Immigration Department confirmed. Leisure travelers who need a visa must now apply for an eVISA Single Entry Visa (SEV) before every trip.

Each SEV permits one journey within six months of issuance, with stays capped at 30 days. Travelers who previously crossed borders to reset their status can't use multi-entry privileges for leisure, forcing repeat visitors to submit fresh visa requests and pay processing fees for every itinerary.

Four permitted tracks for multiple entry

Multi-entry permits remain available only to nationals of the 31 eligible countries and only for non-leisure travel. Applicants must submit supporting documentation showing their trip fits one of four authorized tracks:

• Business: Corporate meetings and commercial activities

• Fly and cruise: Combined air and sea itineraries departing from or stopping at Malaysian ports

• Medical treatment: Healthcare visits arranged through certified providers

• Wedding tourism: Travel organized specifically for wedding events

Adjustments for nomads and border crossers

The Immigration Department hasn't published the list of 31 eligible countries. Nationals of other countries can no longer get a multiple-entry visa for any purpose. The rule change applies strictly to visit visas and doesn't alter existing formal work passes or permanent residency frameworks, immigration officials stated.

Remote workers and frequent travelers who previously relied on MEVs to maintain a base in Southeast Asia must adjust their travel planning.

Anyone intending to base themselves in hubs like Kuala Lumpur or Penang should evaluate long-term options under Malaysia's residency rules, such as the DE Rantau digital nomad visa or professional visit passes, because bouncing in and out of the country on social visas now requires a separate SEV approval for each entry.

Correction, Sept. 23, 2026: An earlier version of this article described the 31 countries as the ones required to use single-entry visas for leisure trips and named 11 of them. When this article was published, the 31 were the only nationalities still eligible for multiple-entry visas, which were limited to business, fly and cruise, medical treatment and wedding tourism trips, and the Immigration Department had not named them.