Malaysia Extends Visa Exemption for Indian Nationals
To reinforce Malaysia's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and people-to-people ties with India, the Malaysian government has announced the extension of the 30-day visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. This initiative, launched as part of Malaysia's Visa Liberalisation Plan, aims to promote economic and tourism growth in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, Mr. Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, welcomed this announcement as a significant milestone in fostering closer relations between Malaysia and India.
“This is a golden opportunity for the people of Tamil Nadu and across India to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities without the hassle of applying for a visa. With Malaysia being a key destination for Indian travellers, this extension reflects our dedication to enhancing connectivity and ensuring seamless travel for all”, said Mr. Saravana Kumar.
Adding to this, Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, emphasized the importance of this initiative in bolstering tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
“This visa exemption not only simplifies travel but also reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to being a preferred destination for Indian travellers. With strategic partnerships and robust promotional campaigns, we are focused on introducing Indian tourists to Malaysia’s unparalleled hospitality, culinary delights, and unique attractions. We are also keen to work closely with Indian travel agencies and airlines to develop customized travel packages that cater to the needs of every traveller”, he said.
The visa exemption policy, which has been in place since December 1, 2023, grants Indian nationals a 30-day stay in Malaysia. Indian tourists must present a return flight ticket and demonstrate adequate funds for their stay, either in the form of a bank statement or credit cards, upon arrival.
Tourism Malaysia is already working closely with airlines, travel agencies, and industry players to roll out special travel packages and promotions targeting Indian travellers. These tailored packages will be available for various group travel segments, including:
Weddings & Social Events: Malaysia offers stunning locations for destination weddings and social events, with venues that cater to every need, from beachside ceremonies to luxury resorts.
Business Events: With world-class conference facilities and a vibrant business ecosystem, Malaysia is an ideal destination for business meetings, conferences, and corporate events.
Edu Tourism: Malaysia is a growing hub for education, offering a wide range of opportunities for students and educational groups, whether for short-term language programs, cultural exchange, or specialized academic tours.
Leisure Tourism: Focused on offering diverse experiences in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, Sabah, and Sarawak, with options ranging from heritage and cuisine to adventure and eco-tourism.
Indian travellers contributed significantly to Malaysia’s tourism industry, with over 735,000 arrivals from India in 2019, before the pandemic. With the visa exemption, Malaysia welcomed a million Indian tourists this year. Tourist arrivals for Jan-Nov 2024 reached 1,009,114, compared to 587,703 in Jan-Nov 2023, and 686,338 in Jan-Nov 2019, showing an increase of 47% more travellers in 2024/2019 and 71.7% more travellers in 2024/2023.
