Traveling to Malaysia as an Indian national? Here's essential information to be aware of before your flight departure
In recent times, Indian tourists have been facing increased scrutiny at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) due to strict immigration requirements. Despite the visa-free policy for up to 30 days, Indian nationals visiting Malaysia for tourism or short trips need to meet certain criteria to avoid entry refusal.
The visa-free program, extended until December 31, 2026, does not guarantee admission. Malaysian immigration officers may refuse entry if travel motives seem suspicious or documentation is incomplete. To minimize the risk of denial, Indian tourists must carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival, a return or onward flight ticket within 30 days, proof of confirmed accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds, and a completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submitted online at least 48 hours before arrival.
The MDAC is mandatory and failure to submit it properly can lead to being barred from entry and returned to India at the traveler’s expense. Recent heightened scrutiny at KLIA has resulted in some Indian travelers being refused entry due to suspicious intent, unclear documentation, or inadequate financial proof.
It is important to note that these refusals are not due to nationality, but rather due to "suspicious travel motives, unclear documentation, or flagged history." Being denied entry could result in being put on the Not To Land (NTL) list, kept in the airport's transit zone, and sent back to your departure city on the next available flight.
To prevent being turned away by Malaysian immigration officers, Indian travellers must present a valid passport, return or onward air ticket, proof of sufficient funds, verifiable accommodation details, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), travel insurance (recommended), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and carrying local currency for small expenses.
The visa-free policy is strictly for tourism and casual visits, not for employment, internships, studies, or long stays. It is part of Malaysia’s efforts to boost tourism ahead of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
In January 2025, Malaysian authorities conducted a special screening operation, denying entry to 10 Indian nationals due to suspicious travel intent, unclear documentation, or financial insufficiency. In a recent seven-hour airport operation, Malaysian authorities screened over 400 passengers arriving on targeted flights, and 99 travellers were denied entry.
Despite the tightened checks, the number of Indian tourists visiting Malaysia has increased significantly, reaching over 1 million between January and November 2024. The Malaysian government has confirmed that the visa-free policy for Indian tourists will continue until 2026.
Apart from visas, nearly all visitors must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), an electronic arrival card introduced in January 2024 to streamline entry. The MDAC is a mandatory electronic travel form for all foreign arrivals (except Singaporeans) and must be submitted at least 48 hours before arrival via Malaysia’s official immigration website.
In summary, while the visa-free policy provides easier access for Indian tourists, strict immigration checks and document requirements remain critical to avoid entry refusal and potential return flights at personal cost. Indian travellers are advised to ensure they have all necessary documents to facilitate a smooth entry into Malaysia.
- To ensure a smooth entry into Malaysia and avoid any inconvenience, Indian tourists should ensure they carry a valid passport, return or onward flight ticket, proof of sufficient funds, verifiable accommodation details, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), travel insurance (recommended), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and enough local currency for small expenses.
- Strict immigration checks and document requirements remain critical for Indian tourists visiting Malaysia, as the visa-free policy does not guarantee admission, and Indian travelers may be refused entry if travel motives seem suspicious, documentation is unclear, or financial proof is inadequate.
