Malaysia has officially extended the visa exemption for Indian nationals for an additional two years, now valid until December 31, 2026. This extension, initially set to end on December 31, 2024, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism and economic growth while maintaining national security.
Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Secretary-General of the Home Ministry (KDN), confirmed that the extension aligns with Malaysia’s strategic role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and its preparations for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026. “This extension supports Malaysia’s broader goals of strengthening ties with key international markets and encouraging greater tourism inflows,” he said in a statement.
Introduced on December 1, 2023, the visa exemption is part of Malaysia’s Visa Liberalisation Plan, designed to facilitate travel while ensuring that national security measures are upheld. Under this policy, Indian and Chinese nationals are allowed to visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days, making it easier for both tourists and business travelers to explore opportunities in the country.
Earlier, a similar extension was also granted for Chinese nationals, effective until the same date, reflecting Malaysia’s focus on strengthening relationships with key Asian markets.
This move is expected to significantly boost tourism from India, one of Malaysia’s largest sources of international visitors, and further solidify Malaysia’s position as a top destination for travelers in the region.
