“Indian passport holders: understand Malaysia’s 2026 visa-free entry rules, MDAC registration, the old eNTRI scheme, eVisa fees, documents and arrival process.”
Malaysia Travel Guide · Visa & Entry
Malaysia Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders: eNTRI, eVisa and MDAC Explained
Planning a holiday in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Langkawi? Before you pay for a Malaysia visa service, check whether you actually need a tourist visa. Under the current arrangement, eligible Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia for tourism without applying for a tourist visa until 31 December 2026. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a separate arrival requirement, and the older eNTRI programme should not be confused with today’s process.
Malaysia visa for Indians: the quick answer
For an ordinary short tourist visit during the current exemption period, an eligible Indian passport holder generally does not need to apply for a Malaysia tourist eVisa or register for the old eNTRI facility. You must still meet Malaysia’s entry conditions and complete the required MDAC registration.
Before you book, remember these three points
- Tourist visa: Indian citizens are currently exempt from the visa requirement for eligible social visits through 31 December 2026.
- MDAC: Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within the official three-day window before arrival.
- eNTRI: It is an older registration programme. Do not use historical eNTRI instructions as the current procedure without official confirmation.
The visa exemption is time-limited. Check the latest announcement if your travel date is on or after 1 January 2027.
| Option | What it means | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Current visa exemption | Eligible Indian visitors can travel for social visits without applying for a tourist visa during the exemption period. | Indian passport holders taking an eligible short tourist or social visit through 31 December 2026. |
| MDAC | A digital arrival declaration submitted separately from a visa application. | Travellers required to submit MDAC under the current Malaysian entry rules. |
| eNTRI | An older Electronic Travel Registration & Information facility with historical conditions. | Do not treat old eNTRI pages as proof that a new application is currently available. |
| Tourist eVisa | An electronic visa for eligible travellers who need a visa for the relevant visit. | Travellers whose nationality, purpose or current rules require a visa. Confirm eligibility on the official portal. |
| Visa for work, study or long-term stay | Separate rules and approvals may apply; a tourist exemption does not grant permission to work or study. | Anyone travelling for a purpose beyond an ordinary short social visit. |
Current Malaysia visa rules for Indian passport holders
Malaysia’s Immigration Department lists Indian citizens as exempt from the visa requirement for social visits until 31 December 2026. Malaysia’s High Commission in New Delhi describes the current arrangement as allowing eligible Indian nationals to visit for up to 30 days for business, tourism, social or transit purposes, subject to the applicable conditions.
This does not mean that every Indian passport holder is guaranteed entry. Immigration officers can assess your documents, purpose of visit, onward travel and eligibility at the border. A visa exemption also does not replace other required declarations or permissions.
Who is this guide for?
- Indian citizens planning a short holiday in Malaysia.
- Travellers who want to understand whether they need a tourist eVisa.
- Visitors preparing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
- People who have found old eNTRI instructions and want to know whether they still apply.
What if I travel after 31 December 2026?
Do not assume that the current exemption will continue automatically. Governments can extend, change or end visa arrangements. If your trip begins in 2027, check the Malaysian Immigration Department and the Malaysian High Commission in India shortly before booking or applying. Use the rules that apply on your actual travel date, not a screenshot or blog post saved months earlier.
Is Malaysia eNTRI still available for Indian tourists?
The term eNTRI stands for Electronic Travel Registration & Information. It was a registration facility associated with an earlier visa-waiver programme for Indian nationals. Some official pages and downloadable documents still describe the historic scheme, including its old route restrictions and a 15-day stay limit.
The problem is that an older page can remain online after the programme conditions have changed. Malaysia’s Immigration Department’s eNTRI page itself refers to the facility period ending on 31 March 2018. That historic page should not be treated as confirmation that a new eNTRI application is required or available for a trip in October 2026.
What should you do instead?
- Check the current visa-exemption notice for Indian nationals.
- Submit MDAC through the official Malaysian Immigration website within the permitted window.
- Check whether your travel purpose or travel date requires a visa or another approval.
- Use the official eVisa portal only when a visa is actually required for your circumstances.
Historical eNTRI details may still help explain old travel documents, but they should not be used to make a new application decision without checking current official guidance.
How to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
MDAC is an arrival declaration, not a visa. The official registration page states that the trip must fall within three days, including the date of submission. In practical terms, complete it within the official window before you arrive rather than trying to submit it weeks in advance.
-
Open the official MDAC website.
Use the Malaysian Immigration registration page: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card registration. Check that the domain is the official Malaysian government service. -
Enter your personal details.
Keep your passport available. Enter your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, passport expiry date, email address and contact information exactly as requested. -
Add your travel information.
Provide your arrival and departure dates, flight or transport details, last port of embarkation and accommodation information. Use the information from your confirmed itinerary. -
Check every field before submitting.
A passport number typo or incorrect arrival date can create avoidable problems. Compare your entries with the passport and booking confirmations. -
Save your submission confirmation.
Keep a digital copy or screenshot for reference. Follow any instructions shown by the official system about confirmation and presentation. -
Keep the underlying travel documents ready.
MDAC does not replace your passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation details, evidence of sufficient funds or any visa required for your circumstances.
MDAC timing example
If your scheduled arrival is Friday, use the official MDAC system during the three-day window that includes the arrival date. Do not submit it far in advance and assume it will satisfy the requirement for a later trip.
The registration website’s own date validation is the final reference. Check the current instructions before submitting, especially if your flight is rescheduled.
Documents Indian travellers should prepare
A visa exemption does not remove the need to meet entry conditions. Prepare your documents before departure and keep them accessible during check-in and immigration.
| Document | Why it matters | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Indian passport | Identifies you and establishes your travel-document validity. | Malaysia’s published entry guidance requires passport validity of more than six months; confirm the rule before travel. |
| Confirmed return or onward ticket | May be requested to assess your travel plan. | Keep the booking confirmation and ticket details accessible. |
| Confirmed accommodation | Helps demonstrate where you intend to stay. | Keep the hotel address and booking confirmation available. |
| MDAC submission | Required for eligible travellers subject to the current MDAC rules. | Submit in the official window and save the confirmation. |
| Proof of sufficient funds | Immigration may assess whether you can support your visit. | Be ready to show appropriate bank, card or other financial evidence if asked. |
| Visa or approval, if applicable | Some nationalities and travel purposes require a visa or separate approval. | Do not assume the tourist exemption covers employment, study or long-term stays. |
Requirements can vary by travel purpose, status and date. Follow the official instructions that apply to your specific circumstances.
When do Indian passport holders need a Malaysia eVisa?
Under the current tourist visa-exemption arrangement, eligible Indian visitors travelling for a short social visit generally do not need to apply for a tourist eVisa before travelling through 31 December 2026. However, the eVisa system remains relevant to foreign nationals who require a visa and to circumstances where a separate visa or approval is required.
A tourist visa exemption should not be used as permission to work, study, take up employment or remain in Malaysia long-term. These activities can require different passes, approvals or visa procedures.
How to apply if your circumstances require an eVisa
- Check the official visa requirement for your nationality and purpose of travel.
- Open the official Malaysia eVisa portal.
- Read the current eligibility rules, required documents and fees before creating an application.
- Complete the form using accurate passport and itinerary information.
- Upload clear, readable supporting documents in the specified formats.
- Pay the applicable official fees and retain the payment reference.
- Wait for the decision and check the approved document for the permitted validity, entries and stay conditions.
- Print the approved eVisa if the official instructions require a printed copy, and keep a digital copy as backup.
Submission is not approval. The official eVisa terms state that a complete application may take approximately 2–7 working days to process, excluding weekends, public holidays and certain unexpected delays. This is a stated processing window, not a guarantee. Do not book non-refundable travel on the assumption that a visa will be approved by a particular date.
Malaysia visa fees and cost comparison
The most useful cost comparison is between the current tourist visa-exemption route and a visa application where one is required. Do not pay an intermediary for an eNTRI registration simply because an old page mentions it.
| Item | Current position for eligible Indian tourists | Cost planning advice |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa application | Generally not required during the current exemption period for an eligible social visit. | Do not pay a visa fee unless your circumstances require a visa. |
| MDAC registration | Submit through the official immigration website if required. | Use the government portal and avoid unofficial sites that charge for a basic submission. |
| eNTRI | Historical facility; not the default route for a new tourist trip under the current exemption. | Do not rely on old fee listings or third-party eNTRI offers. |
| eVisa processing fee | Relevant only where an eVisa application is applicable. | The Malaysian High Commission lists a processing fee of RM105, plus the applicable visa fee and payment convenience charge. Verify the current amount at application time. |
| Payment convenience charge | May apply to an eVisa transaction. | Official guidance lists charges that vary by payment method; check the final total before paying. |
| Travel agency or service fee | Optional for ordinary trip planning; it is not the same as a government fee. | Ask for a written breakdown and check whether the service adds anything you need. |
The Malaysian High Commission’s published eVisa guidance lists a RM105 processing fee, the visa fee applicable to nationality and a payment convenience charge. These amounts apply to relevant eVisa applications; they are not a fee that every Indian tourist must pay under the current exemption. Confirm all charges in the official portal before submitting.
A simple budgeting example
For an eligible Indian tourist taking a short visit during the exemption period, the visa-application line may be zero because a tourist visa is not required. You should still budget for flights, accommodation, transport, meals, activities, travel insurance and any other applicable travel costs.
This is a planning example, not a guarantee of admission or a quote for any particular trip. Government requirements and fees may change.
What happens when you arrive in Malaysia?
After landing, follow the airport signs for immigration and have your travel documents ready. An MDAC submission does not automatically authorise entry, and visa-free status does not prevent an immigration officer from checking your eligibility.
- Present your valid passport and any visa or approval required for your circumstances.
- Be ready to explain the purpose and duration of your visit.
- Show your return or onward ticket and accommodation details if requested.
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds if asked.
- Follow the immigration officer’s instructions and keep the entry record or stamp details safely.
Do not treat a visa-free arrangement as a guarantee of entry. The final decision rests with Malaysian immigration authorities at the point of entry.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Following old eNTRI instructions: historic pages can remain online even after a programme has ended or changed.
- Confusing MDAC with a visa: MDAC is an arrival declaration, not permission to work or stay indefinitely.
- Submitting MDAC too early: use the current official submission window, which is limited to three days including the date of arrival.
- Assuming visa-free means guaranteed entry: immigration officers can still check documents and eligibility.
- Using an unofficial application website: begin with the Malaysian government portal and verify the domain before uploading passport data.
- Applying under the wrong travel purpose: employment, study and long-term residence have separate requirements.
- Ignoring the exemption end date: check for a new announcement before travelling from 1 January 2027 onward.
- Booking too close to a visa deadline: if you need an eVisa, allow for the official processing window and possible delays.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a tourist visa for Malaysia in 2026?
Eligible Indian citizens are currently exempt from the visa requirement for social visits through 31 December 2026, subject to Malaysia’s entry conditions. Check the latest official announcement before travel, especially for dates in 2027.
Is eNTRI still required for Indian tourists?
No new tourist should assume eNTRI is required based on historic instructions. The Malaysian Immigration Department’s eNTRI page refers to a facility period that ended in 2018. Check the current visa-exemption and arrival requirements instead.
Is MDAC compulsory for Indian passport holders?
Malaysia’s High Commission in New Delhi states that eligible Indian visitors must submit MDAC three days before arrival. Follow the current official instructions and use the registration window specified on the government website.
How many days can Indians stay in Malaysia without a tourist visa?
The current published exemption allows eligible Indian nationals to visit for up to 30 days, subject to applicable conditions and the exemption period ending on 31 December 2026. Confirm the rules for your travel date.
How much does a Malaysia eVisa cost for Indians?
Eligible Indian tourists generally do not need a tourist eVisa during the current exemption period. Where an eVisa is applicable, the Malaysian High Commission lists a RM105 processing fee plus the applicable visa fee and payment convenience charge. Check the official portal for the final amount.
How long does Malaysia eVisa processing take?
The official eVisa terms state an indicative processing period of 2–7 working days after complete submission and payment. Weekends, public holidays and unexpected delays are excluded, so processing can take longer.
Does MDAC guarantee entry into Malaysia?
No. MDAC is an arrival declaration, not an entry approval. Immigration officers can check your documents and decide whether you meet the entry requirements.
What passport validity is required for Malaysia?
Malaysia’s published entry guidance requires a passport with more than six months of validity. Check your passport expiry date well before departure and confirm the current official rule.
Will Indians need a visa for Malaysia in 2027?
The current exemption is stated to run until 31 December 2026. Whether it will continue depends on a new government announcement. Check the Malaysian Immigration Department or Malaysian High Commission in India before planning a 2027 trip.