You may be able to transit in a Malaysian airport and even enter the country without a Malaysia transit visa.
The Malaysian government issues the Malaysia Transit Without Visa Pass (Transit Pass) to nationals of certain visa-required countries provided that they meet a set of specific requirements.
Additionally, even if you are a visa-required national, you don’t need a transit visa for Malaysia if you don’t pass through immigration.
This article will detail the Malaysia transit visa requirements and the Malaysian Transit Pass.
Who needs a Malaysia Transit Visa?
You need a Malaysia transit visa if:
- You are from a country whose nationals need a Malaysia visa, and
- You will transit in Malaysia for more than 24 hours and/or
- You have to pass through immigration to board another flight/get your luggage or you have to switch between terminals.
- You are transiting in an airport other than Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
If you are a visa-required national, you do not need a Malaysia transit visa if:
- You will transit in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and
- Your transit is shorter than 24 hours, and
- You will arrive and depart through the same point (ie. you do not have to pass through immigration/switch between terminals KLIA and KLIA2), and
- You will continue your journey on the same flight; or
- You are eligible for the Malaysia Transit Pass (see below).
How to Get a Malaysia Transit Visa?
If you have to pass through immigration during your transit in Malaysia, it counts as if you are entering the country. As such, you will have to apply for a Malaysia transit visa the same way as a regular Malaysian visa – by one of the following two ways:
- In person, at a Malasyian Representative Office Abroad (Embassy/Consulate) or an authorized Visa Application Center.
- Online, for nationals of specific countries only.
Applying for a Malaysian Transit Visa in person
To apply online, you have to find the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate and submit your application there.
The Malaysian visa application process is as follows:
- Visit the embassy/consulate’s website to learn about their opening hours.
- Download the Malaysia visa application form from the embassy/consulate’s website (if available) or the official website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
- Complete the application form.
- Gather the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee. Depending on the country, you may have to pay the fee beforehand by bank or you can pay in cash.
- Submit your passport, application form, and required documents in person.
The Malaysian visa processing time depends on the country, however, you should expect about a week waiting time, if not more.
If approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport and you must go and collect it.
Applying for a Malaysian Transit Visa online
Nationals of the following countries can apply for a Malaysian visa online:
- China
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Myanmar
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Bhutan
- Serbia
- Montenegro
There are two types of online visas for Malaysia:
The Malaysia eVisa (available to all the above-mentioned nationals)- The Malaysia eNTRI (available only to Indian and Chinese nationals)
The online visa works like a regular visa but it is processed quicker and you can apply from your home. If approved, you will receive the visa in about two-three days electronically, and you will have to print it.
What to put down as accommodation in Malaysia if I am simply transiting?
One of the Malaysian visa requirements is proof of accommodation in Malaysia, such as a hotel reservation. However, if you are only transiting in an airport, it goes without saying that you won’t need accommodation in a hotel.
In this case, you could put the address of the airport as the address of accommodation in Malaysia, and explain you’re only going to transit.
If that is not accepted, you may have to book inexpensive accommodation.
What is the Malaysia Transit Pass?
The Malaysia Transit Pass is issued on the basis of the Transit Without Visa Facility. With a Malaysia Transit Pass, certain visa-required nationals can clear immigration and enter Malaysia for stays of up to 120 days even if they don’t have a transit visa.
However, whether you will receive a Transit Pass or not (even if you meet the eligibility requirements) is fully up to the immigration officers at the airport.
Who is eligible for the Malaysia Transit Pass?
There are two instances when visa-required foreign nationals can receive a Malaysia Transit Pass.
Instance 1
You are eligible for a Malaysia Transit Pass if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are from one of the following countries:
- Bhutan
- China
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Vietnam
- You will arrive in Malaysia through Kuala Lumpur International Airport
- You have an onward flight ticket within the 120 hours.
- Your departing flight is either with Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines.
Instance 2
You are eligible for a Malaysia Transit Pass if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are from one of the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- India
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- You have a valid visa or residence permit issued by one of these countries:
- Australia
- China
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- United States of America
- You are arriving and/or departing from one of the above-mentioned countries.
- You will arrive and depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).
- You will arrive and depart from the same terminal airport and
- You have an onward flight ticket within the 120 hours.
Requirements for the Malaysia Transit Pass
In order to receive a Malaysia Transit Pass, you will have to pass through immigration and present the following to the immigration officers:
- Your passport, which is valid for at least another six months from the date of entry.
- Original departing flight ticket. A photocopy or booking number won’t be accepted.
- Printed copy of flight itinerary.
- Valid visa or residence status from: Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or the USA (if applicable).
- You must be able to provide proof you can financially support yourself, for example, via bank statements.