Malaysia refreshes entry rules for 90-day visa-free stays

How the updated visa table works

Malaysia's Immigration Department refreshed its consolidated "Visa Requirement by Country" page on June 14, 2026, restating which nationalities need a visa, which can enter visa-free and which face air-only entry restrictions. The same page reiterates the yellow fever certificate requirement for arrivals from risk countries, pointing to the Ministry of Health for the country list.

ASEAN passport holders skip the visa for stays under one month, except Myanmar. Brunei and Singapore citizens get more generous terms. Most European, North American, Australian and New Zealand passports enter visa-free for 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality. Nationals of countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Colombia, Serbia and Montenegro must apply for a visa before travel. Several African nationalities, including Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia, are restricted to air-only entry. Afghan nationals need a visa approval letter before lodging an application.

India passport holders keep their 30-day visa-exempt stay for tourism and business, now extended through Dec. 31, 2026.

Who feels the change

Short-term tourists from visa-required countries should budget time for a consular visa, since the standard Multiple Entry Visa runs one year but caps each stay at 30 days with no extension.

Digital nomads entering as social visitors fall under the same nationality-based table. Overstays and frequent visa runs draw scrutiny at Immigration. Long-term expats on work, study or dependant passes still need a Visa With Reference (VDR/eVDR) or Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) issued before arrival.

Travelers from yellow fever risk countries face stricter checks. The rule covers anyone aged 1 or older arriving from a risk country, including those who transited more than 12 hours through an airport in such a country. No valid certificate means quarantine of up to six days on arrival.

What to check before flying

Confirm the entry category for the specific passport on the Immigration Department's country table, since stay lengths and air-only flags vary. Travelers from yellow fever zones should carry the International Certificate of Vaccination, valid for life starting 10 days after the shot per the WHO standard Malaysia follows.

Passports must be valid at least six months, with proof of accommodation, an onward ticket and sufficient funds ready at the counter.

Read our full Malaysia guide for the complete picture.