Malaysia visa-free policies to 134 countries boost tourism and business travel, while strategic initiatives aim for 35.6 million visitors by 2026, enhancing international relations.
Malaysia provides visa-exemption to travelers from various nations, allowing them entry for specified periods. Starting December 1, 2023, citizens from India and China, along with passport holders from several countries, including ASEAN member nations, can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. Additionally, individuals carrying Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permits are allowed a 14-day visa-free stay. Moreover, GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and UAE are allowed to visit and stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days for either tourism or business purposes.
TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “The introduction of the new visa-free policy is seen as a sustainable move for Malaysia’s tourism industry. Easier access for travelers from 134 countries, including key markets like ASEAN, GULF and Schengen Countries is expected to result in a surge in tourism and business travel. Growth is being supported by strategic partnerships, such as the one with Mastercard, and B2B sessions, ensuring Malaysia remains a top global destination.”
Tourism Initiatives and Achievements
B2B Session and Strategic Roadmap
Tourism Malaysia organized a B2B session with industry stakeholders on June 12 to refine and enhance the strategic roadmap towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). The session was attended by key players from the travel industry, including travel agents, hoteliers, and airlines. This initiative reaffirmed Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to realizing the vision of VM2026, which aims to attract 35.6 million tourist arrivals and generate 147.1 billion ringgit (US$31.2 billion) in receipts.
Tourism Growth in 2024
During the first quarter of 2024, Malaysia witnessed significant tourism growth, welcoming 5.8 million foreign tourists, representing a notable increase of 32.5 percent compared to the previous year. Key contributing markets to this success include Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Philippines.
Branding and Marketing Campaigns
To bolster Malaysia’s tourism branding and visibility, Tourism Malaysia plans to launch robust branding and marketing campaigns, leveraging both digital (70 percent) and traditional (30 percent) media platforms. The agency will also forge strategic partnerships with airlines, online travel agents (OTAs), and border operators to enhance tourist arrivals. Tourism Malaysia also announced plans for strategic partnerships through joint promotions or tactical campaigns, aiming to attract 35.6 million international tourist arrivals and generate RM147.1 billion in receipts for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Strategic Partnership with Mastercard
Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard have announced a strategic partnership to transform the traveler experience and support outreach efforts in preparation for Visit Malaysia (VM) 2026. Additionally, the GMTI 2024 report, released on May 30, recognized Malaysia as the “Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)” in Singapore. These achievements generated RM14.70 billion in revenue for Malaysia last year.
Key Infrastructure and Airline Highlights
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main international airport serving Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. KLIA is the largest and busiest airport in Malaysia. In 2023, it handled 49,224,000 passengers, 980,040 tonnes of cargo, and 819,026 aircraft movements, making it the world’s 30th-busiest airport by total passenger traffic.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines, the flag carrier of Malaysia, is headquartered at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airline flies to destinations across Europe, Oceania, and Asia from its main hub at KLIA. As of the third quarter of 2023, the number of air passengers in Malaysia reached 22.5 million, indicating an increase compared to 20.9 million passengers in the previous quarter.
Hotels Market Forecast in Malaysia
By 2024, the projected revenue in Malaysia’s Hotels market is expected to reach US$1.43 billion. Looking ahead, the market is forecasted to experience an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 4.11%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$1.68 billion by 2028.
Visa-Exemption Overview
Malaysia provides visa-exemption to travelers from various nations, allowing them entry for specified periods.
90 Days Visa-Free Entry
Travelers from the following countries can enjoy a visa-free stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days: United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Qatar, Jordan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Uruguay, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Argentina, Albania, Algeria, Hong Kong, South Korea, Maldives, Cuba, Norway, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, all European Union member states, Bahrain, Switzerland, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Tunisia, Iceland, South Africa, Japan, Yemen, Sudan, Turkey, Syria, United Kingdom, Egypt, United States, and Peru. Citizens from Schengen Agreement countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Poland, also enjoy the privilege of visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 90 days. This policy facilitates tourism and business travel, simplifying access for travelers from these European nations. This arrangement highlights Malaysia’s commitment to fostering international relations and encouraging economic and cultural exchanges by easing travel restrictions for European visitors. Similarly, travelers from the United States and the United Kingdom are afforded the same convenience, with visa-free entry into Malaysia for up to 90 days. This agreement is part of Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen ties with these key global partners, promoting an influx of tourists and business professionals. The ease of access for citizens of the US and UK supports cultural exchange and enhances mutual understanding, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a welcoming destination for international visitors. For travelers from Australia and New Zealand, Malaysia extends visa-free entry privileges for up to 90 days as well. This policy underscores Malaysia’s aim to strengthen connections with these important Pacific nations, facilitating hassle-free travel for both tourism and business purposes. The arrangement encourages an exchange of cultures and ideas, boosting tourism and economic activities, and showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to fostering international goodwill and cooperation.
30 Days Visa-Free Entry
Malaysia grants 30-day visa-free entry to travelers from numerous countries, enhancing accessibility and fostering international ties. This policy includes all ASEAN member states (except Myanmar) and extends globally from Andorra to Zimbabwe. It covers diverse regions such as North and South America, Europe, Africa, and multiple island nations, simplifying travel for a broad spectrum of international visitors. Countries benefiting from this policy include Seychelles, Namibia, Nauru, Dominican Republic, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Timor-Leste, Belize, Honduras, Zambia, Guyana, Venezuela, Madagascar, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Sierra Leone, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Iraq, India, Tajikistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Micronesia, Somalia, Uganda, Solomon Islands, Vietnam, South Sudan, Comoros, Moldova, Russia, Bolivia, Cambodia, Mauritius, Togo, Nicaragua, Monaco, Bahamas, Lesotho, Panama, Ghana, Mexico, Samoa, Senegal, Malawi, Suriname, Ukraine, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Vatican City, Tonga, Costa Rica, Saint Lucia, Cape Verde, Benin, Zimbabwe, Mauritania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Eswatini, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Vanuatu, Belarus, Gambia, Tuvalu, Andorra, Marshall Islands, Botswana, Guinea, Taiwan, Gabon, Paraguay, China, Kiribati, Tanzania, Dominica, Fiji, Antigua and Barbuda, Ecuador, Kenya, El Salvador, Chad, Guatemala, Macao, and Georgia.
14 Days Visa-Free Entry
Malaysia offers 14-day visa-free entry to passport holders from Iran and Libya. Additionally, individuals possessing Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permits can also enter Malaysia without a visa for 14 days, regardless of their nationality.
Schengen Agreement Countries
Holders of passports issued by Schengen Agreement countries enjoy visa-free entry into Malaysia for a period of 90 days. This policy facilitates easier travel and enhances cultural exchange, making Malaysia an accessible and appealing destination for tourists and business travelers from these regions. Citizens from Schengen Agreement countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Poland, enjoy the privilege of visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 90 days. This arrangement highlights Malaysia’s commitment to fostering international relations and encouraging economic and cultural exchanges by easing travel restrictions for European visitors.
United States and United Kingdom
Similarly, travelers from the United States and the United Kingdom are afforded the same convenience, with visa-free entry into Malaysia for up to 90 days. This agreement is part of Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen ties with these key global partners, promoting an influx of tourists and business professionals. The ease of access for citizens of the US and UK supports cultural exchange and enhances mutual understanding, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a welcoming destination for international visitors.
Australia and New Zealand
For travelers from Australia and New Zealand, Malaysia extends visa-free entry privileges for up to 90 days as well. This policy underscores Malaysia’s aim to strengthen connections with these important Pacific nations, facilitating hassle-free travel for both tourism and business purposes. The arrangement encourages an exchange of cultures and ideas, boosting tourism and economic activities, and showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to fostering international goodwill and cooperation.
Malaysia’s visa-free policy for citizens from the Schengen Agreement countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and GCC nations significantly boosts international tourism and business travel. This initiative simplifies access, fosters cultural and economic exchanges, and underscores Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening international relations. By allowing longer stays for tourists and business professionals from these key regions, Malaysia enhances its global standing as an attractive and accessible destination for travelers worldwide.
Top 10 Tourist Spots in Malaysia
- Petronas Twin Towers – Kuala Lumpur: The iconic twin skyscrapers offer stunning views of the city from the observation deck and Skybridge.
- Batu Caves – Selangor: A limestone hill with a series of caves and cave temples, famous for its large statue of Lord Murugan and the annual Thaipusam festival.
- George Town – Penang: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and diverse food scene.
- Langkawi Sky Bridge – Langkawi: A curved pedestrian bridge offering panoramic views of the Langkawi archipelago, accessible via a cable car ride.
- Mount Kinabalu – Sabah: Malaysia’s highest peak, popular with climbers and nature enthusiasts, located in the biodiversity-rich Kinabalu Park.
- Cameron Highlands – Pahang: A cool escape from the tropical heat, known for its tea plantations, strawberry farms, and picturesque landscapes.
- Taman Negara – Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu: One of the world’s oldest rainforests, offering jungle trekking, canopy walks, and wildlife spotting.
- Gunung Mulu National Park – Sarawak: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its incredible limestone karst formations, caves, and diverse ecosystems.
- Perhentian Islands – Terengganu: Renowned for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.
- Malacca Historic City – Malacca: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history, featuring colonial architecture, museums, and the famous Jonker Street.