Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Malaysia?

No, not for tourism or visiting acquaintances. The Malaysian embassy in Tokyo says no visa is needed for a social visit of up to 90 days.

Is it 90 days or 3 months?

The Malaysian embassy in Tokyo says 90 days, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says within 3 months. Planning to leave within 90 days fits both.

Do I need a visa for filming or research in Malaysia?

Yes. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says religious activities, research and filming need a visa.

Does the MDAC cost anything?

No. It is free on the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is mandatory.

Malaysia visa for Japanese citizens: do you need one?

No. Japanese citizens do not need a visa to visit Malaysia as tourists. The Malaysian embassy in Tokyo says no visa is needed for a social visit of up to 90 days, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives up to 3 months under the visa exemption arrangement between the two countries. Before you go, check that your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity 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 Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo (visa information updated 10 January 2025) says Japanese nationals do not need a visa if the purpose of the trip is a social visit and the stay does not exceed 90 days. Japan is also not on the Immigration Department of Malaysia's list of countries whose citizens must apply for a visa, and you are given a Short Term Social Visit Pass when you arrive.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (updated 24 December 2025) says the visa exemption arrangement between Japan and Malaysia covers tourism and visiting acquaintances. Religious activities, research and filming need a visa.

How long you can stay

The Malaysian embassy in Tokyo says up to 90 days, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says up to 3 months. The ministry adds that the entry stamp states that the stay under the visa exemption arrangement is within 3 months.

Neither source describes extending a visa-free stay. The Immigration Department of Malaysia says an extension 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.

What to have ready

Passport: Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it must have at least 6 months of remaining validity when you enter Malaysia.
Fees: no visa fee applies to a visa-free visit, and the MDAC is free.

The arrival form

Japanese citizens must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arriving, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is mandatory. It is free on the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website, and we have a separate page that walks you through it.

Common questions

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Malaysia?: No, not for tourism or visiting acquaintances. The Malaysian embassy in Tokyo says no visa is needed for a social visit of up to 90 days.
Is it 90 days or 3 months?: The Malaysian embassy in Tokyo says 90 days, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says within 3 months. Planning to leave within 90 days fits both.
Do I need a visa for filming or research in Malaysia?: Yes. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says religious activities, research and filming need a visa.
Does the MDAC cost anything?: No. It is free on the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is mandatory.

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.