Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at a Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country. Three types of visas are issued:

1) Single Entry Visa, valid for three months and usually issued for social visits;
2) Multiple Entry Visa, issued for periods of between three and sixty months and usually for business or government matters;
3) Transit Visa - for those requiring a visit to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries.

Entry Passes

Foreign nationals who wish to visit Malaysia have to obtain a pass at the point of entry besides a visa (where required) which allows them to stay temporarily. A pass is an endorsement in the passport constituting permission to stay for the approved duration.

A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business or professional work in Malaysia. A Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter Malaysia for business negotiations or inspections but not for employment purposes.

Apart from applications for entry for the purpose of tourist, social or business visits, all applications for other types of passes must be made before arrival in the country, and applicants must have a sponsor in Malaysia. The sponsors must agree to be responsible for the maintenance and repatriation of the visitors from Malaysia if it should become necessary.