Malaysia Extends 30-Day Visa Exemption for Indian Nationals Until December 31, 2026

Reaffirming its 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. Introduced under Malaysia's Visa Liberalisation Plan, this initiative aims to bolster economic and tourism growth ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

The announcement was welcomed by Mr. Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, as a pivotal step in fostering closer ties between the two nations.

“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,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, highlighted the importance of this policy in strengthening tourism and cultural exchanges.

“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.

Since its implementation on December 1, 2023, the visa exemption policy has allowed Indian nationals a 30-day stay in Malaysia. Travellers are required to present a return flight ticket and proof of adequate funds, such as a bank statement or credit card, upon arrival.

Tourism Malaysia is collaborating with airlines, travel agencies, and industry partners to launch special travel packages tailored for Indian tourists. These packages cater to various travel segments, including:

• Weddings & Social Events: Offering breathtaking locations for destination weddings and luxury venues for social gatherings.
• Business Events: Providing world-class facilities for conferences, meetings, and corporate events.
• Edu Tourism: Showcasing Malaysia as a hub for educational programs, cultural exchanges, and academic tours.
• Leisure Tourism: Highlighting diverse experiences in destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Indian travellers have been instrumental in Malaysia’s tourism growth, contributing over 735,000 arrivals in 2019. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed a record-breaking one million Indian tourists, with arrivals from January to November 2024 reaching 1,009,114—a 71.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a 47% rise from 2019.

For more details on travel opportunities in Malaysia, visit www.malaysia.travel or contact the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) in Chennai.