Indians can travel to this country without a visa until 2026..!?

There is good news for indians who are planning to travel abroad. Now indian travelers can travel to this country without a visa until december 2026. In a significant move to boost tourism and economic growth, malaysia has officially extended its visa exemption scheme for indian citizens until december 31, 2026. The announcement, made by home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Zeman, is in line with Malaysia's major plans as it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025 and host the Visit malaysia 2026 campaign. The Visa Waiver Program, which was introduced in december 2023, allows indian travelers to visit malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days. However, visitors will need to submit essential documents such as a return flight ticket and proof of sufficient funds - a bank statement or credit card. This visa waiver also applies to Chinese nationals. Currently, two airlines operate direct flights between kolkata and Kuala Lumpur, making travel even easier.
Indian tourists have proven to be vital to Malaysia's tourism industry. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 735,000 indian tourists visited malaysia in 2019. Following the introduction of the visa waiver program, indian tourist arrivals crossed one million in 2024. Between january and november 2024, malaysia recorded 1,009,114 indian visitors. This is a 47% increase over 2019 and a 71.7% growth over the previous year. indian citizens planning to travel to malaysia must meet specific entry requirements. These include a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed return or onward flight ticket within 30 days, and a pre-paid hotel reservation. In addition, travelers must demonstrate sufficient financial means of at least $50 per day for their stay and complete a malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online through the JIM portal. Upon arrival, visitors will also need to undergo a final debriefing process by Malaysian Immigration.

For minor travelers, a birth certificate and a copy of the parent’s passports are required. While the visa waiver facilitates short-term tourism, travelers visiting malaysia for work or other purposes must obtain the appropriate visa. It is also said that the validity of these visas depends on the purpose of the trip. For example, business visas typically allow a 30-day stay, while work visas can be extended for up to two years. Malaysia’s decision to extend visa-free travel reflects its commitment to strengthening ties with india and boosting its tourism-based economy. With simplified entry procedures and increased connectivity, the country is poised to attract more indian tourists and achieve its goals for ASEAN 2025 and the Visit malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
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Sowmiya Sriram

17/01/2025 10:36 AM