Do Canadians need a visa for Malaysia?

No. The Malaysian High Commission in Ottawa lists Canada as a country without a visa requirement, and the Government of Canada says no tourist visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.

Is it 3 months or 90 days?

Malaysia's High Commission in Ottawa says 3 months on arrival, and the Government of Canada says 90 days. They amount to roughly the same stay.

Can Canadians extend their stay by 2 months?

Sources differ. The Ottawa High Commission lists a 2-month extension, but the Immigration Department of Malaysia says extensions are given only on special consideration, such as illness or an accident.

Can Canadians use the e-gates in Malaysia?

Yes, according to the Government of Canada's travel advice. You still need to submit the MDAC before you arrive.

Does the MDAC cost anything?

No. The Government of Canada confirms the MDAC is a free service and warns of online scams, so use only the official website.

Malaysia visa for Canadians: do you need one?

No. Canadians do not need a visa to visit Malaysia as tourists. The Malaysian High Commission in Ottawa gives 3 months on arrival and the Government of Canada's travel advice says up to 90 days, which works out about the same. Before you go, check your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure from Malaysia and fill in the free MDAC arrival card.

Checked against official government sources on 27 October 2026.

Visa for a tourist visit: Not needed
How long you can stay: 90 days
Arrival form: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

How to fill in the MDAC, step by step

Visa rules for a tourist visit

The High Commission of Malaysia in Ottawa lists Canada under "Country Without Visa". The Immigration Department of Malaysia also names Canada (item 17) among the countries whose citizens do not require a visa for any purpose of entry. You are given a Short Term Social Visit Pass when you arrive.

The Government of Canada's travel advice (last updated 9 October 2026) agrees: a tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

How long you can stay

The High Commission of Malaysia in Ottawa lists 3 months on arrival for Canadians. The Government of Canada says up to 90 days. In practice these match, but the Malaysian wording is 3 months.

Extensions are where sources differ. The Ottawa High Commission's table lists a 2-month extension for Canadians, and the Government of Canada says stays over 90 days need an extension from any Malaysian Immigration office. The Immigration Department of Malaysia, which is the authority that grants extensions, says one may be given only on special consideration, for example illness, an accident or war in your home country, with evidence and a confirmed ticket home or to a third country. Do not count on getting the extra 2 months.

What to have ready

Passport: the Government of Canada says it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Malaysia. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks for more than 6 months' validity. The Government of Canada does not mention it, but the US State Department says you must show your passport to enter or leave Sabah and Sarawak, even on a domestic flight.
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. The Government of Canada does not mention 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 listed for Canadians, and the Government of Canada confirms the MDAC is a free service.
E-gates: the Government of Canada says Canadians can use the e-gates at entry.

The arrival form

Canadians 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.

The Government of Canada reports more online scams around the MDAC. Apply only through the official website.

Common questions

Do Canadians need a visa for Malaysia?: No. The Malaysian High Commission in Ottawa lists Canada as a country without a visa requirement, and the Government of Canada says no tourist visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
Is it 3 months or 90 days?: Malaysia's High Commission in Ottawa says 3 months on arrival, and the Government of Canada says 90 days. They amount to roughly the same stay.
Can Canadians extend their stay by 2 months?: Sources differ. The Ottawa High Commission lists a 2-month extension, but the Immigration Department of Malaysia says extensions are given only on special consideration, such as illness or an accident.
Can Canadians use the e-gates in Malaysia?: Yes, according to the Government of Canada's travel advice. You still need to submit the MDAC before you arrive.
Does the MDAC cost anything?: No. The Government of Canada confirms the MDAC is a free service and warns of online scams, so use only the official website.

Entry rules can change at short notice, and the border officer makes the final decision. Before you travel, check Malaysia's official immigration website or your own government's travel advice.

Official sources

Every fact on this page comes from these government pages and official travel advice.