Malaysia – Updates on Entry Requirements

Two (2) key updates from Malaysia’s immigration authorities means that companies and their expatriate hires or receiving foreign visitors will experience some changes in procedures and entry/stay rules.

It is imperative for employers and foreign visitors to be updated on the latest entry requirements; these vary depending on the purpose of the visit to Malaysia and whether the foreign national holds a Long-term Pass issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.  When companies and travellers prepare the necessary entry documentation and comply with the rules, the end result can be a smooth entry and reduced immigration clearance time at the airport. 

Below are the two (2) key updates that a company should take note of in respect of its expatriate hires or if receiving foreign visitors:

1. Entry Visa – Under the Visa Liberalisation Plan,¹ effective from 1 December 2023 to 31 December 2024, passport holders of the People’s Republic of China and India will be granted a 30-day visa exemption to visit Malaysia only for a social visit or tour.  Foreign nationals entering Malaysia for other purposes, such as the endorsement of an approved Long-term Pass will still be required to apply for the single-entry visa.  In the event the single-entry visa is not applied for, and the Social Visit Pass is issued, endorsement of a Long-term Pass (e.g., Employment, Professional Visit, Dependent, etc.) cannot be processed as announced by the Expatriate Services Division.²
2. Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (“MDAC”)³ – Effective 1 January 2024, all foreign nationals need to complete and submit the MDAC application online as early as three days prior to one’s arrival date in Malaysia.  Exemption from MDAC is applicable for holders of the following:

i)   Singapore passport;

ii)  Diplomatic and Official passport;

iii) Permanent Resident;

iv) Long-term Pass e.g., Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, Student Pass, etc.

Foreign nationals entering Malaysia for endorsement of the newly-approved Long-term Pass are not exempted and need to proceed with an application for the MDAC.

For more details, kindly refer to the FAQs.⁴

Although relaxation of entry visas for Chinese and Indian nationals has not happened in cases where such nationals are entering Malaysia for purposes of the issuance of a Long-term Pass, the current process to apply online for an entry visa is efficient, eliminates trips to a Malaysian Embassy, and shortens the time needed to procure the entry visa.  The e-Visa for all types of visits can be applied for via https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp .  The entry visa can be issued in as fast as two days from the date of submitting the completed documents and successful payment.

Meanwhile, given the introduction of the MDAC, foreign nationals arriving in Malaysia can expect a shorter immigration clearance time due to digitalisation; Long-term Pass holders are also eligible to use the Autogate facilities. 

1  See Immigration Department of Malaysia, Announcement, Visa Liberalisation Plan .

2  See Expatriate Services Division, “Single Entry Visa for Chinese and Indian Nationality” (6 December 2023).

3  See Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) .

4  See FAQ Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). 

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Malaysia.