Malaysia visa extension: Rules, tips, and how to avoid overstaying

If you're in Malaysia and want to extend your stay past your eVisa's expiration, you'll need to exit the country and submit a new eVisa application.

Find out more in this article.

Read more here about applying for a new Malaysia Tourist eVisa.

Can I extend my Malaysia visa?

Unfortunately, the Immigration Department of Malaysia does not allow Malaysia tourist visa extensions. Foreign nationals must leave the country and apply for a new Malaysia tourist visa.

To avoid any legal issues, it's crucial to organize your travel plans to fit within your visa's allotted time frame. So-called "visa-runs" may cause scrutiny when you enter the country again:

"I attempted a visa run to a neighboring country to re-enter Malaysia, but immigration officers became suspicious due to my frequent short-term visits. I was questioned for hours and eventually denied entry. Be cautious, as authorities might perceive repeated visa runs as abusing the system." - Sam P., digital nomad.

You can apply for a new Malaysia eVisa with the Immigration Department of Malaysia or check if you are one of the nationalities eligible to apply for one online with us.

Consult the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate if you need a multiple-entry visa.

Guide to applying for a new Malaysia tourist visa

Follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the iVisa website or download the mobile app and enter your nationality, destination, and basic personal details.
2. Double-check your information carefully and continue with the payment.
3. Upload and attach all the required documents, fill out the rest of the required info, and submit your application.

Once we receive the completed application, our visa experts will review and process the information. Once it’s approved, you will receive an email confirmation of your eVisa with further instructions.

Key details about Malaysia tourist eVisa validity

Travelers should take note of the specific conditions tied to the Malaysia Tourist eVisa:

• Visa validity period: Typically, the Malaysia Tourist eVisa remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You must enter Malaysia within these 90 days.
• Permitted duration of stay: The duration allowed upon entry into Malaysia is up to 30 days for each entry.
• Entry type: The Malaysia Tourist eVisa usually allows for a Single Entry. This implies you're permitted a single entry into Malaysia with the eVisa. If you exit Malaysia, regardless of whether the 30 days have been fully utilized, the visa will no longer be valid for re-entry.

"Using a tourist visa for activities like work, volunteering, or extended business stays can raise red flags with immigration officials. If caught, this could lead to immediate visa cancellation, fines, deportation, or even a re-entry ban. Always ensure your activities align with the visa type." - Rachel T., travel blogger

What to do if you need to stay longer than your tourist visa permits

If you wish to stay in Malaysia longer than the expiration date of your visa, it's important to address this situation properly to avoid violating immigration laws.

Here are some steps and considerations:

• Check if you have the right visa for your needs: Ensure that your current visa type aligns with your planned activities in Malaysia. Using a tourist visa for work, volunteering, or extended stays may result in penalties or visa cancellations.

• Check visa extension possibilities: Then, determine if your visa type is eligible for extensions. While it is not possible to extend a tourist eVisa, other visa categories may have provisions for extensions under specific circumstances.

• Exit, apply again, and re-enter Malaysia: If your visa cannot be extended, you must leave Malaysia before it expires. If you wish to return, you can apply for a new visa outside the country. Some travelers use this method, known as a "visa run," to comply with immigration laws while planning a return to Malaysia, but frequent visa runs can lead to a ban.

• Consider applying for a different type of visa: If your travel plans or circumstances have changed, and you have a legitimate reason for a longer stay (such as study, work, or family reasons), you might consider applying for a different type of visa that suits your new situation.

• Consult with Malaysian Immigration: Immigration laws and policies can change, and specific advisories or exceptions may exist (for example, due to global health emergencies). It's wise to consult the Malaysian Immigration Department or the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate for the most current advice and solutions tailored to your situation.

Penalties for overstaying your Malaysia Visa

Penalties for overstaying include:

• Fines: Typically RM 30-50 (USD $6-10) per day
• Possible detention and deportation
• Re-entry ban depends on the duration of overstay

"I overstayed my Malaysia tourist visa by 15 days and was fined RM 750 at the immigration office. Although I wasn’t detained, I was warned about stricter action for future violations. It’s best to avoid overstaying altogether." - James K., solo traveler

How to avoid overstaying your visa

Overstaying your visa in Malaysia can lead to severe consequences such as fines, detention, deportation, or even a ban on re-entry.

To avoid overstaying:

1. Plan your departure: Ensure your travel itinerary aligns with your visa’s validity period. Account for any potential disruptions like flight delays.

2. Monitor your visa expiration date: Set reminders on your phone or calendar to alert you well before your visa expires. This gives you enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

3. Contact immigration if issues arise: If an unforeseen circumstance, such as illness or travel disruption, might prevent you from leaving on time, visit the nearest Malaysian Immigration Department office to discuss your options.

"I saw a traveler who overstayed and was flagged during immigration checks. Not only were they fined, but their passport was stamped with a warning, potentially affecting future visa applications for other countries. Always ensure compliance with visa regulations to avoid complications." - Mark R., from South Africa

Tip: If you anticipate difficulties departing Malaysia on time, act promptly to mitigate the consequences and avoid unnecessary penalties.

How to apply for a Malaysia Special Pass in exceptional cases

The Malaysia Special Pass is a temporary pass that allows foreigners to extend their stay in Malaysia due to ‘special’ circumstances.

Examples include illnesses, accidents, or conflicts in your home country. You must apply at least 7 days before your current visa expires to get this permit.

However, it must be noted that these circumstances are extreme and only if you have solid proof an extension may be granted.

When is a Special Pass approved?

1. Pending approval of an employment pass (or other related passes): For foreigners renewing work visas or similar passes.

2. Making arrangements to exit Malaysia: For those needing a short extension to finalize departure plans. Required documents include:

   • Copy of your original passport.
   • Copy of the current visa.
   • Reserved flight ticket within the next 30 days.
   • Typed letter explaining the reason for requesting the Special Pass.

3. Completing in-country immigration process: For foreigners needing extra time to complete immigration formalities.

"Applying for the Special Pass was smooth for me, but ensure your documents are complete. Any missing paperwork can lead to rejection or delays." - Anita L., expat in Malaysia

Other entry rules and considerations for Malaysia

Here are some additional considerations for entering Malaysia.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an electronic document that travelers must complete before entering Malaysia.

It serves as a pre-arrival declaration form, allowing authorities to streamline immigration processing and enhance security checks. Travelers fill out personal details, travel history, and basic health information online, typically within 3-7 days before arrival.

The card helps expedite entry procedures at checkpoints, reducing paperwork and wait times. Note that it is not a visa and should be submitted alongside a valid travel visa, if required. Failure to present the digital arrival card could lead to delays or denial of entry.

eGates or autogates at Kuala Lumpur

Autogate or eGate systems allow certain travelers (including those with biometric passports or frequent travelers) to bypass manual passport stamping. Instead of receiving a physical stamp, their entry and exit are recorded electronically via biometric scans (e.g., fingerprints or facial recognition).

Here's an entry and exit tip from Michael Angelo from the Project Kosmos:

"If you got a biometric scan to get into Malaysia through an eGate or autogate, meaning no stamp, you have to do it when you exit Malaysia. You should NOT wait in the long line for the typical immigration. No one will tell you this and you’ll waste an hour for nothing."

Need more info about the Malaysia Tourist Visa?

If you have more inquiries about how to apply for a Malaysian eVisa or any other travel document, don't hesitate to contact our support team via online chat or WhatsApp.