Malaysia Transit Visa: Guide and Information

A Malaysia transit visa lets you pass through Malaysia en route to another destination. It’s important to know that this entry document is different to the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).

Transit visa requirements depend on your nationality, travel itinerary, and the duration of your stay in Malaysia.

This page covers everything you need to know about Malaysia’s transit visa, including:

When Do I Need a Malaysia Transit Visa?

You may need a Malaysia transit visa in the following situations:

If you stay within the international transit area of the airport for less than 24 hours without passing through immigration, a transit visa might not be necessary. However, specific requirements can vary based on nationality and airport regulations.

Differences Between Malaysia Transit Visa and Transit Pass

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between a transit visa and transit pass:

Malaysia Transit Visa

This visa is issued to travelers from specific countries who need a visa to transit through Malaysia. It must be obtained prior to arrival and allows the traveler to pass through immigration and stay in Malaysia for a short amount of time.

Nationalities who need a Malaysia Transit Visa

Travelers from the following countries are required to obtain a transit visa to pass through Malaysia:

Note: Certain nationalities are allowed to enter Malaysia by air only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend contacting a Malaysian embassy or consulate.

Malaysia Transit Pass (Transit Without Visa - TWOV)

This is a short-term entry permit granted on arrival to eligible travelers from certain countries, allowing them to enter Malaysia for up to 120 hours (5 days) without a visa.

Eligibility is based on nationality, possession of valid visas or residence permits from specific countries, and other criteria. The issuance of a Transit Pass is at the discretion of the immigration officers upon arrival.

Nationalities who need a Malaysia Transit Pass

Travelers from the following countries may be eligible for a Malaysia Transit Pass if they meet specific criteria:

Instance 1:

Criteria: Arriving through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), holding an onward flight ticket within 120 hours, and departing via AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines.

Instance 2:

Criteria: Holding a valid visa or residence permit from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or the USA; arriving and/or departing from one of these countries; transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT); and having an onward flight ticket within 120 hours.

Note: The issuance of a Transit Pass is at the discretion of Malaysian immigration officers upon arrival.

Documentation to Obtain the Malaysia Transit Visa

To apply for a Malaysia transit visa, you’ll probably need:

Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances or specific embassy requirements.

Transit Visa for Malaysia Cost

The cost of a Malaysia transit visa varies depending on your nationality and the Malaysian consulate or embassy where you apply.

Fees typically range from $10 to $50 USD. We suggest confirming the exact amount with the specific Malaysian diplomatic mission handling your application.

How to Apply for a Malaysia Transit Visa

The application process usually involves the following steps:

It’s important to check Malaysia’s entry requirements before you travel. The majority of visitors must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before entering.