Summary of Malaysia entry and visa requirements

Australian citizens need to comply with several entry requirements when visiting Malaysia, even with the visa exemption privilege. Taking steps to meet these entry requirements will help make your entry into Malaysia smooth and hassle-free.

Visa exemption for Malaysia

Australian citizens can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes with a valid passport and a confirmed return or onward international ticket.

Visa on arrival in Malaysia

A visa on arrival (VOA) is not applicable for Australian citizens as they already have visa-free access to Malaysia for short-term visits.

Entry permit application

For stays longer than 90 days or purposes other than tourism, Australian citizens must obtain the appropriate entry permit for Malaysia before travel. Generally, the inviting person or entity will apply for the relevant permit on your behalf. Application processes may differ between entry permit types.

Supporting document

Purpose-specific documents depending on your specific entry permit such as employment contracts or acceptance letters from an educational institution.

Passport requirements

Australians need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay with at least two blank visa pages. The passport must be in good condition without any damage. Travellers may be able to use an electronic passport (e-passport) with a chip if they wish to use automated immigration gates.

Passport photos

Recent passport sized photograph with white background

Return ticket or onward travel ticket

Confirmed return flight booking or proof of onward international travel

Travel itinerary

Your planned activities in Malaysia

Accommodation details

Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from sponsor (relative or friend) including their full name, address and your travel dates. For Malaysian citizens include a copy of their passport. For non-Malaysians include a copy of their passport and residency pass.

Proof of sufficient funds

Bank statements or other financial evidence showing you can financially support your stay in Malaysia

Cash and bearer negotiable instrument (CBNI) declaration

Malaysia requires travellers to declare cash or bearer negotiable instruments (such as traveller's cheques, bearer cheques, promissory notes) if the total value exceeds USD $10,000 (approximately AUD $15,214). Declaration forms are available at customs checkpoints at all entry and exit points in Malaysia. Failing to declare may result in fines or legal penalties.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

All Australian travellers must complete the MDAC online form within 3 days before arrival.

Can Australians enter Malaysia without a visa?

Australian citizens can enter Malaysia without a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days under the visa exemption scheme provided they meet Malaysia’s entry requirements. This visa exemption makes Malaysia an accessible destination for Australian travellers planning short trips.

Does Malaysia have a visa exemption for Australians?

Malaysia offers visa-free entry to Australian passport holders for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business or social visits provided they meet the basic entry requirements under Malaysia’s visa exemption scheme including:

• Short-term stay: Your visit is up to 90 days (or 3 months) only

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date in Malaysia. Your passport will be stamped with an entry permit showing the authorised length of stay.

• Onward travel: You must show proof of a return ticket to Australia or an onward international ticket.

• MDAC: Travellers must also fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within 3 days of arriving in Malaysia.

• Cash and Bearer Negotiable Instrument Declaration: Travellers must also complete a CBNI declaration when carrying more than USD $10,000 (approximately AUD $15,214) when entering or leaving Malaysia.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Malaysia?

As Australian citizens already enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 90 days under the visa exemption scheme, there is no need for a visa on arrival. The visa exemption process is automatic at immigration checkpoints, provided you meet the entry requirements outlined above.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory pre-arrival registration form that all foreign visitors, including Australians, must complete before entering Malaysia. Introduced as part of Malaysia's digital immigration initiatives, the MDAC helps streamline the entry process.

What are the requirements for a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

To complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, Australian travellers need:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• Travel itinerary including flight details

• Accommodation information in Malaysia

• Personal contact details

The MDAC must be completed within 3 days before your arrival in Malaysia. The form is submitted online through the official MDAC portal of the Malaysian Immigration Department.

How to apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

Follow these steps to complete your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card registration:

1. Visit the official MDAC registration website within 3 days of your planned arrival

2. Complete the form with your personal information, travel details, and accommodation information in Malaysia

3. Submit the completed form

4. You'll receive a PIN number via email to check your registration status

5. Download and save the MDAC confirmation (either digitally or as a printed copy)

6. Present this confirmation along with your passport at immigration upon arrival

First-time visitors using automated gates will need to show their MDAC registration and verify their passport at an immigration counter.

You can check your MDAC registration information online using your passport number, nationality or citizenship and PIN.

What entry permit do I need for Malaysia?

The type of entry permit you might need for Malaysia depends on the purpose and duration of your trip to Malaysia. Australian citizens planning to stay in Malaysia for longer than the visa-free period of up to 90 days for social visits, work or study will need to apply for the appropriate entry permit. An entry permit is not a visa. However, it can be considered a residence permit that includes a visa for entry and stay during the approved time period and approved travel purposes.

What are the Malaysia entry permit requirements for Australian citizens?

Australians travelling to Malaysia will still need to meet the general entry requirements outlined below. Depending on the purpose of your trip, you will need to obtain the relevant permit for your trip.

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay

• Passport photos: Recent passport sized photograph with white background

• Return ticket or onward travel ticket: Confirmed return flight booking or proof of onward international travel

• Travel itinerary: Your planned activities in Malaysia

• Accommodation details: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from sponsor (relative or friend) including their full name, address and your travel dates. For Malaysian citizens include a copy of their passport. For non-Malaysians include a copy of their passport and residency pass.

• Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statements or other financial evidence showing you can financially support your stay in Malaysia

• Entry permit application: Generally, the inviting person or entity will apply for the relevant permit on your behalf. Application processes may differ between entry permit types.

• Supporting documents: Purpose-specific documents depending on your specific entry permit such as employment contracts or acceptance letters from an educational institution.

Below is a breakdown of common entry permits for Malaysia and their specific requirements for Australians travelling to Malaysia.

Malaysia visit passes and entry permits

A Malaysia Visit Pass, also called an ePass, is an electronic pass or entry permit allowing foreign nationals to enter and stay in Malaysia for a specific purpose and duration, such as tourism, social visits, or professional engagements. Malaysia offers the following visit passes:

• Short-Term Social Visit Pass

• Long-Term Social Visit Pass

• Employment Pass (EP)

• Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

• Student Pass

Below is a brief summary of the entry permits in Malaysia for Australian citizens.

Short-term social visit pass (SVP)

Under Malaysia's visa exemption arrangements, Australians staying in Malaysia for less than 90 days for the purpose of tourism or social visits won't need to apply for a visa before entering Malaysia. Australian citizens do not need to apply for a SVP before they travel to Malaysia because short-term social visits fall under the Visa exemption scheme. The short-term social visit pass is issued to Australian citizens upon arrival provided they meet the general entry requirements outlined above.

What are the requirements for Malaysia short-term social visit pass?

To be eligible for a Short-Term Social Visit Pass, Australian must meet the general entry requirements and provide the following documents:

• Valid Australian passport

• Return/onward flight ticket

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Completed MDAC confirmation

• Completed CBNI declaration

Visitors may be able to apply in person to extend the social visit pass due to special circumstances such as illness, accidents or war in their home country. The documents required for extending the social visit pass include:

• Passport

• Supporting documents if required

• Proof of confirmed ticket to home country or possession of visa (if required) and ticket to a third country

Long-term social visit pass (SVP)

The long-term social visit pass may be issued to Australian citizens for temporary stays in Malaysia for a period exceeding 6 months. Long-term social visit passes typically require sponsorship from a local sponsor, being a Malaysian spouse (citizen or resident) or employer. Applicants may need to complete a health screening for longer stays.

What are the requirements for Malaysia long-term social visit pass?

Required documents for a long-term social visit application may include:

• Passport

• Sponsor’s citizenship or passport (if foreign)

• Marriage/birth certificates (for spouse/child)

• Sponsorship letter

• Proof of relationship (photos, communication)

• Health screening (for long stays)

• Application fee payment

Professional visit pass

The professional visit pass (PVP) is issued to foreigners with specific skills or qualifications to work temporarily in Malaysia for a company on behalf of an overseas company, typically for up to 12 months. Applications for a professional visit pass should be submitted by your sponsor in Malaysia prior to your entry. This means that the Malaysian host company or institution submits an application through the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Expatriate Services Division (ESD).

Consider if you need travel insurance for a business trip to Malaysia.

What are the requirements for Malaysia professional visit pass?

The following documents may be required for a Malaysia Professional Visit Pass:

• Valid passport with biodata page

• Sponsorship letter from Malaysian host

• Letter from foreign employer confirming continued employment and approval of assignment

• Academic or professional certificates

• Resume or CV

• Company or business registration of Malaysian sponsor

• Detailed assignment description

Employment pass

If you're planning to work in Malaysia, you'll need to obtain the appropriate Employment Pass (EP) before your arrival. The Employment Pass is a work permit that enables an expatriate to take up employment with an organisation in Malaysia. Employment Passes are usually valid for up to 60 months, or 5 years subject to the contract of employment. Before you can receive an Employment Pass for Malaysia, your employer must get approval to hire you as an expatriate and must register with the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Expatriate Services Division (ESD).

Employment Passes are primarily available for senior or technically skilled professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) with specialist work experience, generally on higher salaries. Below is a summary of Employment Pass categories and their conditions.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a working holiday to Malaysia.

What are the requirements for Malaysia employment pass?

For Australians to be eligible for a Malaysia Employment Pass, they must meet the following requirements:

• Qualifications: You must have proper academic qualifications required for the job

• Experience: You must have at least three years worth of relevant work experience.

• Approved jobs: You must work in a role as a technically skilled professional, manager, executive or technician (PMET).

• Salary requirements: You must meet the required salary requirements.

• Employer eligibility: Your employer must be eligible to apply for an Expatriate Post to be able to hire you

• Application: Your employer must submit the Employment Pass application through their account on the Immigration Department of Malaysia Expatriate Services Division website. You cannot submit the application yourself.

• Pass validity: The employment pass is valid for up to 60 months, or 5 years, based on your employment contract within the EP categories outlined above.

• Employees rights: As an employee, you can only work for the company named on the Employment Pass. Any changes will require a new application to be submitted. You cannot take up work in a sector which is considered restricted.

How to apply for a Malaysia employment pass

As a foreign employee, your employer has to submit the application for an Employment pass on your behalf in Malaysia, before you arrive. There are 2 key steps for applying for an Employment Pass:

Expatriate post approval

Your employer has to request approval to hire you through the Expatriate Committee (EC) or another authorised approval agency depending on the sector in which you will be employed including:

• Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) for the sectors of manufacturing and services.

• Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) for the technology sector

• Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) for the sectors of finance, insurance, and banking

• Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp - BC) for the sector of biotechnology

• Securities Commission (SC) for the sector of securities and futures market

• Expatriate Committee (EC) for sectors other than the ones mentioned above

Submit application for employment pass

Once the Expatriate Post application is approved, your employer has to submit the Employment Pass Malaysia application at the Immigration Department of Malaysia with the following supporting documents:

• Employment Pass application form

• Passport size picture of you, in line with Malaysia photo requirements

• A copy of your passport which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to enter

• Letter or approval for Expatriate Post

• Authorisation from the company to submit the application

• Your Employment Contract or an Offer and Acceptance Letter

• Your CV and copies of your diplomas and certificates

• A copy of your employer’s company profile from the Companies Commission of Malaysia

• Proof of health insurance coverage

While nationals from most countries need to apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR), meaning that they had to get approval such as the Employment Pass before they could be issued with a visa, Australian citizens are exempt from holding a VDR. This means Australian citizens can enter Malaysia without a Visa with Reference, and will only need the approved Employment Pass.

Malaysia student pass

Australian citizens planning to study in Malaysia need to obtain a Student Pass before arriving in the country. The application process typically starts after you've been accepted by a Malaysian educational institution. The enrolling institution process the application via Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). The institution will then apply for a student pass approval letter from the Malaysian Immigration Department on your behalf.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a student trip to Malaysia.

What are the requirements for a Malaysia student pass?

To apply for a Malaysian student pass, Australian students need:

• Passport photo: 1 x passport size photograph on white background (35mm x 45mm)

• Passport: Your passport bio-data page, and all pages with Visa information

• Passport validity: Passport validity duration must be 18 months and above.

• Offer letter: Letter of acceptance/offer from your university/college

• Health declaration form: Submit a copy of the health declaration form

• Academic certificates and transcripts: Provide copies of all academic records, certificates or transcripts of studies previously undertaken

• Personal bond: Education institutions in Malaysia are required to sign a personal bond on behalf of the candidate. To comply with this requirement, the institution will require Australians to lodge RM 1,500 (approximately AUD $546) for this purpose which will be returned to you upon completion or withdrawal of your study in the institution provided there is no violation of immigration laws.

• English language requirement: Most courses in universities in Malaysia are conducted in English, so you need to show your English language proficiency is good enough to participate fully in the course.

• Student pass fee: RM 60.00 (approximately AUD $22) per year

Do I need to apply for a visa to Malaysia?

Australian citizens planning to stay in Malaysia for longer than the visa-free period of 90 days, or if their visit involves business activities, temporary work, or study, will need to apply for the appropriate entry permit. Ensure you allow enough processing time and have all required documents ready to avoid delays.

How to apply for a Malaysia entry permit

Follow the steps below to apply for an entry permit to Malaysia from Australia.

1. Identify the relevant entry permit

Determine which entry permit matches your travel purpose:

• Long-Term Social Visit Pass

• Employment Pass (EP)

• Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

• Student Pass

2. Gather supporting documents

Collect all required documents based on the entry permit you need. Ensure all documents are complete and meet the specific requirements set by the Malaysian Immigration Department.

3. Application methods

Applications for an entry permit are generally submitted by your Malaysian sponsor on your behalf. For work permits such as the Employment Pass, or Professional Visit Pass, your employer or sponsor will generally apply through their account with the Expatriate Services Division. Make sure you provide them with all of your relevant information.

4. Pay the entry permit fee

Entry permit fees vary depending on the type of entry permit and duration. As most applications are made online, fees must be paid at the time of application and are typically non-refundable even if the application is rejected.

5. Wait for processing

Standard processing time for Malaysia entry permit applications is approximately 3-5 working days, although more complex applications such as work or student passes may take longer. Plan your application timeline accordingly, allowing sufficient time before your intended travel date.

What happens if I overstay my visa or permit in Malaysia?

Overstaying an entry permit in Malaysia can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Fines of approximately RM500 (about AUD160) per day of overstay

• Possible detention at an immigration depot

• Deportation and being blacklisted from future entry to Malaysia

• Requirement to attend court proceedings for prolonged overstays

To avoid these penalties, ensure you monitor your entry permit expiry date carefully and either extend it before it expires or leave Malaysia before the authorised stay period ends. If you have overstayed unintentionally due to exceptional circumstances like medical emergencies, you should contact the nearest Immigration Office immediately with supporting documentation to explain your situation.

How much does a Malaysia entry permit cost?

Entry Permit fees for Malaysia vary depending on the type and duration of stay. All fees are subject to change, so it's advisable to check with the Malaysian diplomatic mission for the most current information. Approximate entry permit’s costs include:

These fees are approximate and may vary. Always check the current fee structure with the Malaysian diplomatic mission in Australia or on the official Immigration Department website.

Travel insurance for your trip to Malaysia

When planning your trip to Malaysia, it's important to consider travel insurance to help protect against some of the unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies. Depending on the policy chosen, it can also provide some protection for many other unexpected situations such as lost luggage, trip cancellation and many activities you might be planning on participating in on your trip. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to Malaysia.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with Malaysia's visa, entry permit, or other entry requirements for Malaysia. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to Malaysia.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.