Malaysia visa for Australians: do you need one?

Visa rules for a tourist visit

The High Commission of Malaysia in Canberra says Australian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Malaysia. The Immigration Department of Malaysia also names Australia (item 3) among the countries whose citizens do not require a visa for any purpose of entry.

Smartraveller words it differently: it says that in most circumstances Australians can get a 90-day tourism "visa on arrival". This is a difference in wording only. Malaysian sources say no visa is needed, and on arrival you are given a Short Term Social Visit Pass. There is nothing to apply for in advance.

How long you can stay

Smartraveller says 90 days in most circumstances. The Canberra High Commission confirms that no visa is needed but does not say how long you can stay, and the other Malaysian government pages we could read do not give a figure for Australians.

Smartraveller does not cover extensions, and Malaysian sources differ. The Immigration Department of Malaysia says an extension may be given on special consideration, for example illness, an accident or war in your home country, and that you must show evidence and a confirmed ticket home or to a third country. The Malaysian High Commission in Ottawa lists a 2-month extension, but only for Canadians. Plan to leave within 90 days.

What to have ready

• Passport: Smartraveller gives general 6-month validity guidance, and says you need at least six months left to use the autogates. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks for more than 6 months' validity. Smartraveller adds that you need your passport when travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah or Sarawak.
• Autogates: Smartraveller says autogate users submit the MDAC 3 days before arrival.
• Return or onward ticket: the Immigration Department of Malaysia lists a confirmed ticket home, or a ticket and any needed visa for a third country, among the documents for a Short Term Social Visit Pass. Smartraveller does not cover this.
• Money: the same Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs page asks for enough funds to cover your stay, without giving an amount.
• Fees: no visa fee is mentioned for Australians, and the MDAC arrival card is free.

The arrival form

Australians must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arriving. It is mandatory and free on the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website, and we have a separate page that walks you through it.