Malaysia extends visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026, ET TravelWorld

The Malaysian government has officially extended the visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. This extension aligns with Malaysia’s strategic goals for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and its preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The announcement was made by Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman on Friday, December 20.

In his statement, Awang Alik highlighted that the government had similarly extended the visa exemption to nationals from the People’s Republic of China, also until the same date. This move is part of Malaysia’s broader visa liberalisation plan, which was introduced on December 1, 2023. The initiative aims to promote the country’s economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector, while ensuring national security is upheld.

The plan grants a 30-day visa exemption to both Indian and Chinese nationals. “As part of this plan, a 30-day visa exemption is granted to nationals of the People’s Republic of China and India,” said Awang Alik. “This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a travel destination while ensuring the safety and security of the nation,” he added.

This extension is expected to attract more tourists from both India and China, further bolstering Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for international travellers while contributing to the country’s post-pandemic recovery. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to balancing ease of access with security considerations as part of its long-term growth strategy.