Malaysia has become the fourth country, following Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand, to announce visa-free entry for tourists. The Malaysian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has announced policy changes regarding entry visas for citizens of China and India. Since December 1, Malaysia has removed entry permits for citizens of China and India. President Ibrahim announced this during his speech at the People’s Justice Party’s annual congress in Putrajaya.
What will change for Indian travelers?
Visa Elimination: Indian citizens visiting Malaysia will no longer require an entry visa from December 1.
Visa-free stay: Indians can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa.
Security Check: Although visa requirements are being waived, security checks will still be required for Indians visiting Malaysia. Why did Malaysia do this?
Why did Malaysia do this?
Prime Minister Ibrahim has announced plans to improve the visa office next year to boost the influx of tourists and investors, especially from India and China. China and India are important markets for Malaysia, ranking fourth and fifth respectively as sources of tourists.
Between January and June of this year, Malaysia recorded a total of 9.16 million tourists, of which India contributed 283,885 during the same period, strengthening its position as a source of tourists in Malaysia. The government hopes that by simplifying the entry process, it will attract more tourists and increase their spending in the country, thus contributing to Malaysia’s economic development.
Malaysia has become the fourth country, following Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand, to announce visa-free entry for tourists. Malaysia has become the fourth country, following Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand, to announce visa-free entry for tourists.
Since November 10, Thailand has waived visas for Indians, offering a generous 30-day stay. The policy is expected to last until May 10 of next year, with the possibility of an extension based on demand, as indicated by the Thai government.
Sri Lanka adopted a visa-free entry scheme in October for visitors from seven countries, including India, China and Russia. Started as a pilot project, the scheme started immediately and will extend till March 31, 2024.
