Travel visa · Asia · 2026

Malaysia visa from the UAE (2026)

Malaysia is one of the easiest Asian trips from the UAE: Emirati, Russian and most Western passports enter visa-free for 30 days, and as of 2026 Indian and Chinese passport holders also travel visa-free under the temporary policy running through 31 December 2026. All foreign travellers must file the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arrival. Visa-required nationalities use the official eVisa portal or the consulate.

UAE citizens: Visa-free 30 days tourism and business visits; extension possible locally
Indian & Chinese passports: Visa-free (temporary policy) as of 2026, runs through 31 December 2026
Visa-required nationalities: eVisa or sticker visa official eVisa portal or the consulate covering the UAE
MDAC: Mandatory, free, online filed within 3 days before arrival

Visas

Who needs this visa

UAE citizens enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
Indian and Chinese passports are visa-free under the temporary policy extended through 31 December 2026 — confirm the current end date before booking.
Russians and most Western passports are also visa-exempt; a shorter list of nationalities still needs a visa via the official eVisa portal or the consulate.
Every traveller files the free MDAC online within 3 days of arrival.

Document checklist

Passport valid at least 6 months at entry
MDAC submission confirmation
Confirmed return or onward ticket
Accommodation booking or host address
Proof of sufficient funds — may be checked at immigration
For eVisa applicants: passport scan, photo and bookings uploaded online
Onward visa or residence evidence for the next destination, if transiting to a third country
Yellow fever certificate only for travellers arriving from endemic countries

Process

How it works

Check the exemption list
day 0

Most UAE residents travel visa-free; visa-required nationalities file the eVisa first.
File the eVisa if needed
day 1-2

Upload the passport, photo and bookings on the official portal and pay the fee online.
Receive the eVisa
day 3-5

Approval typically arrives within 1-3 working days as a printable note.
Submit the MDAC
3 days before arrival

Everyone completes the free digital arrival card within 3 days of arrival.
Clear immigration
departure

Keep the return ticket, booking and funds evidence at hand; officers grant the stay.
Extend if eligible
after arrival

Some visa-free entries can be extended at a local immigration office before expiry.

Fees and rules checked September 2026 — confirm with the application center before booking.

Visa fees

Fee item	Amount
Visa-free entry (exempt passports)	No fee
eVisa fee (required nationalities)	Set by nationality; paid online on the official portal
MDAC	Free — avoid third-party sites charging for it
Visa extension at a local office	Set by the immigration department

Government fees are set in local currency; service fees are set by the application center. Checked Sep 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Do UAE citizens need a visa for Malaysia?

No. Emirati passports enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and business. The only pre-departure step is the free MDAC.

Do Indian passport holders in the UAE need a visa for Malaysia?

As of 2026, no — India and China passports travel visa-free under the temporary policy extended through 31 December 2026. Confirm the current end date before booking, since the policy has been extended in stages.

What is the MDAC?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a free online form every foreign traveller files within three days before arrival. It is an entry registration, not a visa.

How do visa-required nationalities apply?

Through Malaysia's official eVisa portal or the consulate, with a passport scan, photo and travel bookings. Avoid third-party intermediaries that resell the free MDAC or inflate the eVisa fee.

Can I extend a visa-free stay?

Some nationalities can extend at a local immigration office before the entry stamp expires, with bookings and funds evidence. Decisions are discretionary, so plan the original trip inside the granted 30 days.