The recent announcement of the Visa Liberalization Plan by the government aims to encourage the entry of foreign tourists into the country.

The Visa Liberalization Plan is designed to generate national income and will be implemented by enhancing the existing immigration facilities enjoyed by travelers to Malaysia, including those from Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and West Asia.

Implementation Date

The improvements to existing immigration facilities under the Visa Liberalization Plan will take effect from December 1, 2023.

5 Initiatives of the Visa Liberalization Plan

1. Visa Exemption for Chinese and Indian CitizensVisa exemption for a period of 30 days will be granted to citizens of China and India from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
2. Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) FacilityThe introduction of the Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facility allows all tourists to enter Malaysia for a duration of up to 30 days.
3. Graduate PassThe issuance of a Social Visit Pass (Long-Term) with a validity of up to 12 months for international students who have completed their studies in Malaysia. This pass is for the purpose of continuing education, traveling, and working part-time in sectors permitted by the country’s laws.
4. Umrah Transit VisaThe provision of a transit visa for Umrah for a period of seven days through registered Umrah agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC).
5. Extension of Visa Validity Period and Social Visit Pass Qualification PeriodThe extension of visa validity period from 3 to 6 months and the alignment of the Social Visit Pass qualification period to a minimum of 30 days for all countries requiring a visa to enter Malaysia.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Starting from December 1, 2023, the Malaysian Immigration Department mandates all foreign nationals to fill in their data on the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online through the JIM portal. The MDAC can be accessed through the link https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.

The government continues to enforce the issuance of Notices of Entry Denial (NTL) and the standard operating procedures (SOP) without compromise, even with the improvements to immigration facilities under the Visa Liberalization Plan. This refutes claims by some parties that the implementation of the plan would loosen the entry procedures for foreign tourists.