Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens

Malaysian citizens can visit 181 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. Popular visa-free destinations include Japan (90 days), South Korea (90 days), all 29 Schengen countries (90 days), United Kingdom (6 months), Singapore (30 days), Thailand (30 days), Turkey (90 days), and most of South America including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile (90 days each). Malaysia has the second strongest passport in Southeast Asia.

The US B1/B2 tourist and business visa costs $185 (approximately RM 820) for Malaysian applicants. This is a non-refundable application fee paid before scheduling your visa interview at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days after the interview, though wait times for interview appointments vary seasonally.

Malaysian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to the United Kingdom. Malaysians can stay up to 6 months as a Standard Visitor without a visa. For longer stays or work purposes, a visa is required with fees starting at £127 (approximately RM 710) for a Standard Visitor Visa, plus VFS Global service fees of around RM 150.

Malaysian citizens do not need a Schengen visa for tourist visits. Malaysians can travel visa-free throughout all 29 Schengen member countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Switzerland. No application or fees required for short tourist stays.

Standard visa requirements for Malaysians include: valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport-size photographs (specifications vary by country), bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds, employment letter or business registration, confirmed flight itinerary and hotel bookings, travel insurance where required, and cover letter explaining travel purpose. Requirements are generally less stringent than for weaker passport holders.

The US B1/B2 visa approval rate for Malaysian applicants is approximately 85% to 90% based on recent fiscal year data. This is significantly higher than many other Asian countries due to Malaysia's strong passport status and established diplomatic relations. Applicants with clear travel purpose, stable employment, and previous international travel history have even higher success rates.

Malaysian citizens require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa for Australia, which can be applied for online. The ETA costs AUD $20 (approximately RM 60) and is typically approved within minutes to 24 hours. For longer stays, a tourist visa (subclass 600) costs AUD $190 (approximately RM 560) and allows stays up to 12 months.

Malaysian applicants generally enjoy high approval rates across most destinations. The US has a rejection rate of approximately 10% to 15% for Malaysian tourist visa applications, while Canada and Australia have even lower rejection rates around 5% to 10%. Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial documentation, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete applications rather than concerns about immigration risk.

To maximize visa approval chances: apply at least 2 to 4 weeks before travel, provide 3 to 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income, include employment verification letter with salary details, show property ownership or other assets in Malaysia, document previous international travel stamps especially to Western countries, provide a detailed travel itinerary with confirmed bookings, and ensure all documents are complete and properly organized.