How to apply for an eVISA for expatriates entering Malaysia from all countries

Application via the MYVisa system is compulsory, except for those incoming from Singapore, Israel, and South Korea. If an individual fails to obtain a visa prior to entry, they can be denied entry into Malaysia and charged with 'Not to Land' (NTL) for deportation, the ESD stated.

On Monday (10 January 2022), Malaysia's Expatriate Services Division (ESD) announced that effective 15 November 2021, the use of the MYVisa system (eVISA) has been extended to all respective nationalities, and has been made compulsory. With this, all applicants will need to apply for the Visa with Reference (VDR) through the MYVisa system (eVISA)/ Embassy/ High Commission/Consulate General of Malaysia in their respective countries.

If an individual fails to obtain a visa prior to entry, they can be denied entry into Malaysia and charged with 'Not to Land' (NTL) for deportation, the ESD stated.

It shared the following steps to follow in applying for the eVISA for Expatriate:

1. Once the approval and VDR letter have been obtained from ESD Online, you may proceed to apply for the eVISA here.
   • Applicants should note to apply for the eVISA with the following passes:
     • Employment Pass (EP) (Category I, II and III)
     • Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
     • Dependant Pass (DP)
     • Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP)
2. Upon submission of the expatriate/ dependant's application(s) on ESD Online, for nationalities that require Visa, please select 'Visa Collection Centre'.
   • Other eVISA selections such as Student Pass or Social Visit Pass (Tourist) are not convertible to any of the long-term passes mentioned above.
   • Applicants should also note that the eVISA can be applied from any country except Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, and North Korea as the applicant will not be able to register or log in to the MYVisa system if they are applying from these countries. [Note: Effective 27 March 2023, applicants can now access the portal in Singapore. Full updates here.]
3. Upon initiating the endorsement process in ESD Online, please upload a copy of the VDR for both Pass Delivery and Endorsement at the ESC KLIA1.

FAQs on applying for an eVISA

For clarity, the Malaysian government has shared responses to a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on eVISAs - application timelines, procedures, eligibility, and more. Excerpts below.

Q What is eVISA?

eVISA is an online application platform that enables foreign nationals to apply for an electronic visa to enter Malaysia at the comfort of their convenience.

Q How long does it take to obtain an eVISA?

It takes two working days for processing. These two working days processing period applies only for working days and, does not include weekends, public holidays, Malaysian holidays, and any other specific countries holidays.

The two working days processing time also does not include unforeseen or uncontrollable events including, but not limited to, system maintenance downtime, Internet Service Provider equipment failure, host equipment failure, communications network failure, power failure, natural events or acts of warWhat format should the eVISA be printed in?What format should the eVISA be printed in?

Q What format should the eVISA be printed in?

Your eVISA should be printed in an A4 format either in color or black and white.

 Q Who can apply for an eVISA for Expatriate/Student/Medical?

Individuals from the following nationalities may apply:

Q Are there any options that we can apply for the visa online in groups?

It is not recommended to get others to apply on applicant’s behalf. It is highly advisable for applicants to apply themselves instead.

Q What is the minimum passport blank pages prior to entry into Malaysia? The minimum required blank passport page is three.

Q What do I have to provide for accommodation documents if I am staying at a friend or relative’s place?

Addressing to the Immigration Officer, you may write a simple cover letter stating your details and the address you are going to stay in Malaysia. Kindly also provide your friend’s or relative’s details (i.e. Name, Identification card number, phone number) and merge these files together as one to be uploaded in the Accommodation section.

Q How many days can I stay in Malaysia with an eVISA?

You are allowed to stay in Malaysia subject to the eligibility of your nationality for each entry. You will be subjected to a fine by Malaysia local authorities and your next entry into Malaysia may be denied for a certain period of time if you failed to stay within the stipulated time.

Q How long before my travel date should I apply for an eVISA?

We advise you to apply for your eVISA at least two weeks prior to your departure to Malaysia.

Q What do I have to do if I do not have any invitation letter to provide in my eVISA application?

If you cannot provide the invitation letter, it is advisable that you write a cover letter in English (PDF format) and mention the reason why you cannot provide the documents requested by Malaysian High Commission/Embassy/Consulate.

Q Should I re-apply for a new eVISA if my departure date changes but the new date is within three months?

No. You do not have to re-apply for a new eVISA within three months from the approved visa issuance date by Malaysian High Commission/Embassy/Consulate to enter Malaysia.

Q Should I re-apply for new eVISA if my departure date changes and the new date is after three months?

Yes. You will need to re-apply a new eVISA since the approved visa issuance date by Malaysian High Commission/Embassy/Consulate is valid for three months only.

Q I have realised that some of the information that I provided in the eVISA application requires correction. What should I do?

You can amend and edit your information in the eVISA application page accordingly before payment.

Q Upon receiving my issued eVISA, I have realised that some of the information that I provided was wrong and needs corrections. What should I do?

You must re-apply for a new eVISA with the correct information as per your travel documents.

Q The information on my approved eVISA does not fully match the information on my travel document. Can I enter Malaysia with this eVISA?

No. Your eVISA will be considered invalid.

Read the full set of FAQs here.

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