Online Malaysia visa for US citizens

Are you a US citizen planning a trip to Malaysia? No visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days, but there is one requirement: you must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before your arrival. Here is everything you need to know to avoid any problems when entering the country.

Summary of entry requirements for Malaysia for US citizens:

• MDAC required: to be completed online before arrival.
• Visa-free stay: up to 90 days for tourism.
• Valid passport: at least 6 months after entry.
• Return or onward ticket required.
• Arrival control: proof of sufficient funds and accommodation required.
• Visa required: for stays longer than 90 days or for work.

→ MDAC for US citizens ←

Do US citizens need a visa for Malaysia?

US citizens wishing to travel to Malaysia can benefit from a visa exemption for short stays. It is possible to enter Malaysia without a visa for a tourist or business stay of up to 90 days. However, it is mandatory to comply with certain requirements before departure and on arrival in the country.

Requirements for entry into Malaysia for US citizens

To enter Malaysia without a visa, US citizens must meet several conditions:

• MDAC required: all travelers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before arrival. This form must be submitted within three days prior to entry into the country.
• Valid passport: it must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.
• Ticket out of the territory: proof of return or onward travel is required by the authorities on entry.
• Financial proof: the Malaysian authorities may request proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay.
• Reason for the stay: the visa exemption is valid only for tourist, family or business trips without paid activity.

Entry requirements for Malaysia for stays of more than 90 days

US citizens wishing to stay in Malaysia for more than 90 days must apply for an appropriate visa before their departure. Several types of visas are available depending on the reason for the stay:

• Long-term visa: for expatriates, retirees or students.
• Work visa: required to work in Malaysia.
• Internship or training visa: for students and professionals in training.

In all cases, the visa application must be made to the Malaysian authorities before departure.

How do I apply for a visa for Malaysia from the USA?

If you are a US citizen and need to obtain a visa for Malaysia, you must follow a specific procedure. Visa applications are handled by the Malaysian Embassy in the United States or by an authorized visa application center.

Steps to apply for a Malaysian visa from the United States:

Determine the type of visa required

• Stay longer than 90 days: long-stay visa.
• Work in Malaysia: work visa or specific permit.
• Studies or internships: student visa or training permit.

Prepare the required documents The necessary documents vary according to the type of visa, but generally include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• A duly completed visa application form.
• Recent passport photos that meet official requirements.
• Proof of round-trip flight reservation.
• Financial proof that you can support yourself during your stay.
• An invitation letter or employment contract if applicable.

Submit the applicationVisa applications can be submitted:

• In person at the Malaysian Embassy or a consulate in the United States.
• Through an authorized center if the service is available.
• Online, if an electronic visa (eVisa) is offered for the type of stay requested.

Pay the visa fee. The fees vary according to the type of visa and the duration of the stay. It is best to check the current rates on the website of the Malaysian Embassy.

Wait for approval. The processing time can vary from one to four weeks, depending on the type of visa requested. Once approved, the visa can be collected in person or delivered by post, if this option is offered.

Documents required by Americans to apply for a visa Malaysia

US citizens wishing to apply for a visa for Malaysia must provide several documents depending on the type of visa applied for. The following are the major documents required:

Required documents for all types of Malaysian visas

• Valid passport: valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Malaysia.
• Visa application form: to be completed online or in paper form depending on the procedure chosen.
• Recent passport photo: in accordance with official standards (white background, no dark glasses, passport size).
• Proof of travel: copy of the return or onward plane ticket.
• Proof of funds: bank statement proving the financial capacity to cover the stay.
• Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): required for all travelers, to be completed online before arrival.

Specific documents depending on the type of visa Malaysians

Tourist visa (more than 90 days)

• Proof of accommodation reservation or invitation letter from a Malaysian resident.

Work visa

• Signed employment contract with a company in Malaysia.
• Letter of approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Immigration.

Student visa

• Official letter of admission from a Malaysian educational institution.
• Proof of payment of tuition fees.

Business visa

• Letter of invitation from a Malaysian company.
• Proof of relationship with the company or reason for travel.

What is the price of the Malaysia visa for US citizens?

The cost of a visa for Malaysia depends on the type of visa requested and the length of stay. Here is an overview of the rates generally applied for US citizens.

Please note:

• Additional service fees may apply if the application is made through an authorized visa center.
• Some visas require required travel insurance, the cost of which varies depending on the coverage chosen.
• The eVisa Malaysia, when available to US citizens, is generally lower in cost (around 50 USD).

Malaysia visa processing time for US citizens

The processing time for a Malaysian visa varies according to several factors: the type of visa requested, the time of year and the method of submission of the application.

Average processing times

Important note:

• It is recommended that you submit your application at least one month in advance, especially for long-term visas.
• For applications made through the Malaysian Embassy in the United States, processing times may be longer if there is a high volume of applications.
• The eVisa, when available to Americans, is generally processed in 2 to 7 working days.

How can I speed up the visa processing time?

• Check that all documents are complete and compliant before submitting the application.
• Opt for an express procedure, if available (paid service).
• Use an authorized visa center, which can sometimes reduce waiting times.

Duration and validity of the Malaysian visa for US citizens

The period of validity of a visa for Malaysia varies according to the type of stay. US citizens who plan to stay longer than the authorized period without a visa must apply for a specific visa before their departure.

Duration of stay without a visa for Americans

US travelers can enter Malaysia without a visa for a maximum period of 90 days in the following cases:

• Tourist travel: vacations, family visits.
• Business travel: meetings, conferences, business negotiations, but without paid work.
• Transit: passage through Malaysia to another destination.

However, even without a visa, it is required to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival in Malaysia. This form must be submitted online within three days prior to travel.

Validity of Malaysian visas for US citizens

If a visa is required (for a stay of more than 90 days or for another reason), the periods of validity vary according to the type of visa requested:

Some visas allow a single entry (validity limited to a single trip), while others are multiple entry (valid for several stays during the period of validity of the visa).

Number of entries into Malaysia from the USA

The number of entries into Malaysia depends on the type of visa or visa exemption enjoyed by the American traveler.

Visa exemption (90 days without a visa)

• US citizens can enter and leave Malaysia as many times as necessary, up to a maximum of 90 days per stay.
• However, an extended stay and frequent entries may attract the attention of the immigration services, who may refuse entry if they suspect an attempt at extended residence without a visa.

Single-entry visa

• This type of visa is valid for a single entry into Malaysia.
• Once you have left the country, you will need to apply for a new visa to return.
• It is generally granted for extended stays or specific reasons (studies, professional assignment).

Multiple entry visa

• Allows entry into and exit from Malaysia as many times as necessary during the period of validity of the visa.
• Useful for professionals who travel frequently between the United States and Malaysia.
• Available mainly for business visas and long-term visas.

Good to know: If you wish to extend your stay after 90 days without a visa, it is advisable to leave the country and return after a few days (visa run). However, this practice may be scrutinized by Malaysian immigration, and it is preferable to apply for an extended visa in due form.