Malaysia not expanding visa-on-arrival beyond China and India
The Malaysian government has confirmed that there are no plans to extend the visa-on-arrival programme for travellers from countries other than China and India. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the current visa-on-arrival policy is limited to Chinese and Indian visitors entering Malaysia.
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that the government does not plan to grant visa exemptions for tourist entry to India and China, as both countries also impose visa requirements on Malaysians travelling to their respective nations. The minister’s statement came in response to a query from Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng about the government’s intentions to exempt visas for tourists from China and India and the use of an automated clearance system facility for international tourists visiting Malaysia.
In addition, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail mentioned that visitors from China and India can take advantage of the automated clearance system facility provided by the Immigration Department. He said, “Starting September 16, India and China tourists from long-term pass holders are allowed to use the e-visa facility at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.”
This announcement follows a proposal made in February by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Tiong King Sing, for a visa-on-arrival scheme for tourists from all countries to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the global tourism industry. However, the government’s recent statement clarifies that the visa-on-arrival programme will not be expanded beyond travellers from China and India for the time being.
