Indian travellers get a happy travel news, as Malaysia has announced an expansion to its visa-free policy for Indian tourists, for another 10 years. This historic initiative enables Indian leisure and business travelers to travel to Malaysia without a visa and is expected to further enhance the attractiveness of the country as a preferred destination for Indian tourists.PTI TRS BAL 05202225 NNNI. This extension will allow through passage to one of Southeast Asia’s most prosperous countries, opening their door to further explore Malaysia’s diversity, natural beauty and strong economy. The move will further enhance the booming tourism cooperation between India and Malaysia, providing the best example of both the countries offering easy and hassle free travel for Indian tourists seeking to explore both work and play.

Malaysia has announced the extension of its visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals until December 2026. This move is expected to make travel more accessible for Indians looking to explore Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and bustling cities. With this extension, Indian tourists can now visit Malaysia without the need for a visa, streamlining their travel plans and reinforcing the growing tourism ties between both countries.

Simplified Travel for Indian Tourists

The Visa Liberation Plan, initially launched in December 2023, allows Indian citizens to visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without requiring a visa. Now, the extension of this exemption for two additional years makes Malaysia a more attractive destination for Indian tourists who want to experience its natural beauty and vibrant cities.

This visa-free policy not only simplifies travel but also opens up new opportunities for Indian citizens who wish to explore Malaysia for leisure, business, or short-term vacations. The visa exemption continues to enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a holiday destination, offering hassle-free entry for Indian nationals.

Essential Requirements for Indian Visitors

While the visa exemption is a welcome move, travelers are still required to meet specific conditions for entry:

1. Passport Validity: Indian travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Malaysia.
2. Return or Onward Ticket: A confirmed return or onward flight ticket must be shown upon arrival, with a departure date within 30 days.
3. Hotel Confirmation: Travelers need to provide proof of a confirmed hotel booking with payment confirmation for their stay in Malaysia.
4. Proof of Sufficient Funds: It’s necessary to demonstrate financial capability for the duration of the stay, with at least \$50 per day shown via a bank statement or credit card.
5. Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Indian travelers are required to complete the MDAC online through the official JIM portal prior to their journey.
6. .Immigration Screening: Upon arrival, travelers will undergo a profiling process by Malaysian Immigration for final entry clearance.
7. Indian tourists have grown to play a vital role in Malaysia’s tourism industry.
8. For Minor Travelers: A birth certificate along with a copy of the parent’s passport is required for minors.

It’s important to note that this visa-free policy applies strictly to tourists, and those visiting Malaysia for work, education, or other purposes must secure the appropriate visa. Business visas generally allow stays of up to 30 days, while work visas can be valid for up to two years.

Indian Tourists’ Growing Contribution to Malaysian Tourism

In 2019, prior to the pandemic, over 735,000 Indian tourists visited Malaysia, contributing significantly to the local economy. Since the introduction of the visa-free entry policy in December 2023, the number of Indian visitors has surged, crossing the one million mark in 2024.

From January to November 2024, Malaysia saw a total of 1,009,114 Indian tourists, marking an impressive 47% growth compared to 2019 and a remarkable 71.7% surge over 2023. This growth is a clear indication of the success of the visa exemption policy, which has made it easier for Indian nationals to visit Malaysia and has fostered stronger ties between the two nations.

Airlines Respond to Increased Demand

To accommodate the growing influx of Indian visitors, airlines are expanding their services between India and Malaysia. Direct flights, particularly between major cities such as Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur, are in high demand. As the number of tourists increases, more flight routes and services are expected to be introduced, further easing travel between the two countries.

The expanded connectivity will help ensure that Indian tourists have convenient access to Malaysia, whether they are visiting for short leisure trips or extended vacations, making it even easier for them to explore the country.

Strengthening India-Malaysia Tourism Relations

This extension of the visa-free travel arrangement aligns perfectly with Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to attract more Indian tourists. Malaysia’s blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, rich culture, and warm hospitality continues to captivate Indian travelers. With the ease of entry offered by the visa exemption, Malaysia is well-positioned to become a top choice for Indian tourists looking for new travel experiences in Southeast Asia.

India, with its vast and diverse population, represents a significant source of potential tourists, and the removal of visa requirements will help maximize that potential. Malaysia’s tourism authorities are eager to tap into this market, as the country has long been a favored destination for Indian nationals due to its close cultural and historical ties, as well as its accessibility.

Conclusion

The fact that Malaysia is extending its visa free travel policy for Indian citizens till December 2026 is a big positive towards for further strengthening of tourism ties between the two nations. This will not only ease travel for the Indian nationals but also symbolize Malaysia’s effort to facilitate Indian tourists to explore and experience all that Malaysia has to offer.

Given enhanced air connectivity, robust bilateral relations and increasing visitor numbers, this extension enhances Malaysia’s appeal as a preferred destination for Indian travelers. It rates India as no.7 top tourist arrivals and this is as a result of the easing of visa making it possible for Indians to enjoy the world class hospitality, beautiful landscapes and rich culture that Malaysia offers.