- Entertainment
- Style
- Lifestyle
- Food & Drinks
- Tech & Auto
- Culture
AI generated summary, newsroom reviewed
If you've been putting off a Malaysia trip because the visa paperwork sounded like a hassle, 2026 is a good year to stop waiting. Indian citizens are currently exempt from Malaysia's tourist visa requirement until 31 December 2026, so anyone travelling for tourism, a short business trip or a family visit of up to 30 days does not need a conventional visa at all. That said, skipping the visa queue does not mean skipping paperwork altogether. You will still need to meet Malaysia's entry conditions, file the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of your flight, and carry a handful of standard documents. For everything else about the trip, from flights to destinations, see our Ultimate Malaysia Travel Guide 2026 For Indians. Here is what actually matters on the Malaysia visa and entry side of things.
For tourism, Indian passport holders are currently visa-exempt until 31 December 2026, according to multiple 2026 travel and immigration sources. India remains on Malaysia's visa-required list in principle, but the official position is that Indian citizens are temporarily exempt for tourism, social, business and transit visits of up to 30 days during this period.
For a standard holiday, that means Indian tourists do not need to obtain a conventional tourist visa before travelling during the exemption period, provided the stay is 30 days or less and the purpose is tourism, social, business or transit.
The rules are different for people travelling for employment, study, long-term stays or other purposes, so the appropriate immigration category should always be checked before departure.
Because of the current exemption, most Indian tourists travelling for a holiday do not need to apply for a tourist visa in 2026.
However, travellers who require an eVisa for their specific purpose (longer stays, non-tourism purposes, or if rules change) can use Malaysia's official MyVISA portal:
Official Malaysia eVisa website: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/
Malaysia's Immigration Department identifies malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my as the official government website for eVisa applications and warns applicants about using third-party websites.
eNTRI stands for Electronic Travel Registration & Information. Historically, it was an online registration facility for Indian (and Chinese) nationals travelling under Malaysia's visa-waiver programme, with an eNTRI note issued after registration and presented on arrival.
Under the old eNTRI rules, holders could stay in Malaysia for a maximum of 15 days per visit, with each registration valid for a single use and no extension permitted.
Important 2026 update: During the current 30-day visa-free exemption until 31 Dec 2026, Indian tourists generally do not need eNTRI for standard holiday trips. The 30-day exemption applies instead.
Travellers should therefore distinguish between the broader temporary visa exemption (30 days) and the specific, older eNTRI conditions (15 days). Your exact travel circumstances determine which process applies; for most 2026 holidaymakers, it will be the 30-day visa-free route, not eNTRI.
Even when a tourist does not need a visa, arrival formalities still matter. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a separate, mandatory requirement for most foreign visitors, including Indians, even under visa-free entry.
Key MDAC points for Indians in 2026:
MDAC must be completed online within 3 days before arrival in Malaysia.
It is free of charge when done on the official portal.
It is not a visa; it is a pre-arrival declaration used by immigration.
Failing to file MDAC can lead to delays or denial at immigration counters.
Official MDAC portal: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
Even with visa-free tourism, it is worth having your travel documents organised before departure. Keep the following readily accessible (digital and/or print):
Passport with at least six months' validity from the date of entry.
Confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Malaysia within the permitted stay.
Accommodation proof (hotel booking, homestay confirmation, or host details).
Evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, bank statement, or similar).
MDAC approval (printed or on phone) showing successful submission.
Indian travellers should also ensure that their travel details (name, passport number, dates) match exactly across bookings, MDAC, and immigration forms to avoid complications.
For eligible Indian tourists travelling under the current visa exemption, there is no tourist visa fee to pay because a conventional tourist visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
The cost question becomes relevant if your circumstances require another visa or immigration facility (e.g., long-term visit pass, employment pass, student pass, or eVisa if the exemption does not apply to your case). Fees can differ according to the visa category and current government rules, so travellers should check the official MyVISA portal rather than relying on third-party fee calculators.
MDAC itself is free when completed on the official Immigration website.
Malaysia's immigration rules can change, so the official government websites should be your final reference shortly before departure.
For general visa requirements and official notices: Malaysian Immigration Department: https://www.imi.gov.my/
For applicable eVisa applications (if needed): MyVISA portal: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/
For the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
The Immigration Department has also published notices confirming the official MyVISA portal, making it especially important to avoid unofficial application websites that may charge extra fees or provide incorrect information.
Now that you have all the information yiu need about the Malaysia visa, do not wait, just dust off your passport and start planning your next trip.
Do Indians need a visa for Malaysia in 2026?
Indian citizens are currently exempt from Malaysia's tourist visa requirement until December 31, 2026, subject to the country's entry conditions.
What is the official Malaysia visa website?
The official Malaysia eVisa portal is https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/. Malaysia's Immigration Department identifies it as the official government website.
Do Indian tourists need to fill the MDAC?
Yes. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a separate arrival requirement and can be completed through the official portal at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.
How long can Indians stay in Malaysia with eNTRI?
An eNTRI registration permits a maximum 15-day stay per visit, cannot be extended and is valid for one use.
What documents do Indians need for Malaysia?
Travellers should carry a valid passport, return or onward ticket and accommodation details. Additional documents may be required depending on the immigration route being used.
Is there a Malaysia tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?
Eligible Indian tourists travelling under the current visa exemption do not pay a conventional tourist visa fee because they do not need to obtain that visa. Other visa categories can have different fees and requirements.