Do British citizens need a visa for Malaysia?

No. The Immigration Department of Malaysia lists the United Kingdom among the countries that do not require a visa for any purpose of entry.

How long can I stay in Malaysia on a British passport?

GOV.UK says the normal stay is 90 days on arrival. Malaysian government pages we could read do not state a figure for British visitors.

Can my airline ask for the MDAC?

Yes. GOV.UK says airlines may ask to see your MDAC at check-in, so submit it before you go to the airport, within 3 days before arrival.

Will a damaged passport be a problem?

It can be. GOV.UK says your passport must be undamaged with no missing pages, and must expire at least 6 months after you arrive.

Can I extend my 90 days?

Do not count on it. The Immigration Department of Malaysia gives extensions only on special consideration, such as illness or an accident, while the Malaysian High Commission in Ottawa lists a 2-month extension for Canadians. The sources differ.

Malaysia visa for British citizens: do you need one?

No. British citizens can visit Malaysia as tourists without a visa, and GOV.UK says the normal stay is 90 days on arrival. Make sure your passport is undamaged and valid for at least 6 more months, and fill in the free MDAC arrival card before you fly, because your airline may ask to see it.

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 Immigration Department of Malaysia names the United Kingdom (item 47) among the countries whose citizens do not require a visa for any purpose of entry. The United Kingdom is also not on its list of countries that must apply for a visa.

On arrival you are given a Short Term Social Visit Pass, which covers tourism and social or family visits.

How long you can stay

GOV.UK's Malaysia travel advice (updated 19 March 2026, still current on 27 October 2026) says the normal stay is 90 days on arrival. The Malaysian government pages we could read do not give a length of stay for British visitors, so this figure comes from the UK government.

GOV.UK 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 your 90 days.

What to have ready

Passport: GOV.UK says it must expire at least 6 months after the date you arrive, and it must be undamaged with no missing pages. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks for more than 6 months' validity. GOV.UK adds that you must carry your passport, and get entry and exit stamps, when travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah or Sarawak.
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. GOV.UK 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: neither GOV.UK nor the Malaysian pages mention a visa fee for British citizens, and the MDAC arrival card is free.

The arrival form

British visitors must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arriving, and GOV.UK says airlines may ask to see it at check-in. It is mandatory and free on the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website, and we have a separate page that walks you through it.

Common questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Malaysia?: No. The Immigration Department of Malaysia lists the United Kingdom among the countries that do not require a visa for any purpose of entry.
How long can I stay in Malaysia on a British passport?: GOV.UK says the normal stay is 90 days on arrival. Malaysian government pages we could read do not state a figure for British visitors.
Can my airline ask for the MDAC?: Yes. GOV.UK says airlines may ask to see your MDAC at check-in, so submit it before you go to the airport, within 3 days before arrival.
Will a damaged passport be a problem?: It can be. GOV.UK says your passport must be undamaged with no missing pages, and must expire at least 6 months after you arrive.
Can I extend my 90 days?: Do not count on it. The Immigration Department of Malaysia gives extensions only on special consideration, such as illness or an accident, while the Malaysian High Commission in Ottawa lists a 2-month extension for Canadians. The sources differ.

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.