India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan citizens travelling to Malaysia must carefully prepare before flying, as Malaysian immigration has tightened entry procedures even for visa-free visitors. Ensuring valid passports, return tickets, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and completion of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is now essential to avoid “Not to Land” orders or airport detentions. This comprehensive advisory highlights key travel rules, documentation requirements, and expert tips for a smooth and hassle-free thirty-day visa-free visit.

Malaysia’s Visa-Free Entry for Indians: Key Guidelines and Entry Challenges

Malaysia’s recent extension of its 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens until December 31, 2026, was initially seen as a smooth pathway for Indian travellers. The initiative is part of Malaysia’s larger tourism strategy, aligned with its hosting of the ASEAN leadership summit this year and the upcoming “Visit Malaysia Year 2026.” The move was intended to attract more tourists from India and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia.

However, recent experiences at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) reveal that holding a visa-free passport is just the first step. Indian visitors are increasingly being refused entry if they do not meet Malaysia’s strict immigration standards. While the visa-free policy simplifies paperwork, authorities continue to enforce regulations rigorously to prevent misuse of the facility.

Why Travellers Are Being Denied Entry

The 30-day visa-free entry is exclusively for tourism or casual visits. It does not permit employment, internships, business engagements, or longer stays. Several travellers have reported being issued “Not to Land” (NTL) orders at KLIA for failing to meet immigration requirements, despite holding a valid visa-free status.

According to the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur, travellers lacking proper documentation—such as confirmed return tickets, proof of accommodation, or sufficient funds—have been denied entry and often left stranded inside airport transit areas until alternate flights can be arranged.

During an intensive seven-hour screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysian immigration authorities inspected more than four hundred passengers from selected flights, ultimately denying entry to ninety-nine individuals, including ten Indian citizens, eighty travellers from Bangladesh, and nine visitors from Pakistan. This included 10 Indian nationals, 80 from Bangladesh, and nine from Pakistan. The refusals were based not on nationality but on “suspicious travel motives, incomplete documentation, or previously flagged travel histories.” Following standard legal procedures, these travellers were deported after careful verification.

Updated Visa-Free Entry Guidelines (Valid Until 31 December 2026)

Indian citizens visiting Malaysia for tourism or short-term visits must follow these rules carefully:

• No visa or eVisa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
• Entry is solely for tourism or casual visits; business, employment, or study purposes are explicitly prohibited.
• Submission of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory. Introduced in January 2024, this electronic form replaces the traditional paper disembarkation card. Travellers are required to submit it on the official IMIGRESEN portal at least three days before their arrival. Travellers are advised to avoid unofficial websites charging fees, as MDAC submission is completely free.

Essential Documents and Preparations

Indian travellers should ensure they have the following to prevent entry denial:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival.
• Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from Malaysia within 30 days is compulsory.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Immigration may request evidence of financial stability, such as recent bank statements showing balances of ₹40,000–₹50,000.
• Accommodation Details: Confirmed hotel bookings, guest invitations, or the address of a host in Malaysia.
• Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Travelers are required to complete and submit this online form no less than forty-eight hours before reaching Malaysia.
• Travel Insurance (Recommended): While optional, travel insurance protects against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or theft.
• Local Currency (MYR): Carrying Malaysian Ringgit for minor expenses is advisable.

Failure to present any of these can lead to:

• Issuance of a “Not to Land” (NTL) order.
• Being confined to the airport transit area until deportation.
• Repatriation to India at the traveller’s expense.

Taking these steps is vital to prevent unexpected delays and expensive complications during airport arrivals.

Why Documentation Matters

Malaysian immigration authorities are exercising heightened scrutiny, even for travellers entering under the visa-free scheme. The authorities screen arrivals to ensure travellers genuinely intend to visit for tourism and comply with legal entry requirements. Tourists without proper documentation are flagged during routine checks, which can result in detention or immediate deportation.

The MDAC system is a central part of this process. Submitting the card accurately ensures a smoother entry and helps authorities verify travel intent. Travellers must double-check all information, including flight details, accommodation, and contact numbers, to avoid discrepancies that could delay entry.

Growth in Indian Tourist Arrivals

Despite these challenges, the visa-free facility has significantly increased Indian tourist arrivals. In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 587,703 Indian visitors. By November 2024, the number had surpassed one million—a 71.7 per cent increase compared to 2023 and a 47 per cent growth since 2019.

This rise demonstrates the popularity of Malaysia as a short-term travel destination for Indian tourists. Destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and the Cameron Highlands remain highly sought after for their scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant cuisine.

Final Advice for Indian Travellers

The key message is clear: “Visa-free” does not mean “entry guaranteed. Indian travellers should plan meticulously to ensure a smooth experience. Confirm flight schedules, hotel bookings, MDAC submission, sufficient funds, and valid documentation before departure.

India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan citizens travelling to Malaysia must follow strict entry rules even under the visa-free scheme. Proper documents, MDAC submission, and proof of funds are essential for a smooth thirty-day stay.

Being fully prepared can prevent complications at the airport and allow tourists to enjoy Malaysia’s attractions, from tropical beaches to heritage cities, without unnecessary stress. Malaysian tourism remains welcoming, but enforcement of regulations is strict. Proper planning ensures that your visit remains enjoyable, safe, and hassle-free.