All visitors to Malaysia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Malaysia (other than Indonesia passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Singapore who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Singapore visa on arrival).
If you are planning to visit Malaysia for a business event such as a conference, trade fair, seminar or expo, you may be able to apply for one of the following visas.
The appropriate visa will depend, amongst other things, on your purpose for visiting Malaysia.
I am attending IBDC&EXPO 2022 as a delegate
1. Short Term Social Visit Pass
Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and Short Term Social Visit Pass will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds. The Short Term Social Visit Pass is a quick, online, charge free process, but incurs a Malaysian Ringgit service provider charge, and/or a further charge if applied for through a travel agency, airline agency or specialist service provider. Further information on the eVisa can be found on the website at: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/pass.html?id=293
2. eVisa
Eligibility for an eVisitor visa will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds. The eVisitor visa is an online visa process, with a one working day processing time for low risk applications. There is no visa application charge or service fee. Further information on the eVisitor visa, including how to apply online, can be found on the website at: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/visa/evisa.html
3. Visit Pass (Professional)
Passport holders who are not eligible to apply for an eVisa or a Short Term Social Visit Pass should apply for a Visit Pass (Professional) for a foreign nationals who wish to remain and provide specific professional visit for a short period in Malaysia.. There are two options for applying for this visa; online application or paper application.
Things to consider before lodging an application
Although this is a separate process to lodging your visa application, when assessing whether you meet the criteria for the grant of a visa, the department may take into account whether you are registered or were invited to attend the event.
Confirmation of registration, or a copy of your letter of invitation, should accompany visa applications. For online subclass 400 and subclass 600 applications, information about documents that need to be attached will be provided as part of the application process.
To request a letter of invitation please contact the Conference secretariat at registration@IBDCEXPO.com
You should apply for a visa at least two months prior to the intended date of departure, and four months prior if there are any character or health concerns.
More information about visa processing times is available on the department’s website.
See: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/entry-requirements-into-malaysia.html
All visa applicants must be assessed against Malaysia’s health and character requirements. These requirements are designed to protect the safety and security of the Malaysian community.
As part of the visa application process you may be required to undertake a medical examination, chest x ray and/or other health checks.
The Immigration department will advise you of the applicable health checks (if any), based on your individual circumstances.
Information on which health checks may apply to you is available on the department’s website.
See: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/entry-requirements-into-malaysia.html
As part of the visa application assessment process the onus is on you to satisfy the character requirements. Further information on the character requirement is available on the department’s website. See: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/entry-requirements-into-malaysia.htmlr
If you are unsure whether you satisfy the character requirements because of prior criminal convictions, you should lodge a paper-based application at the Malaysian visa office nearest to your current place of residence, at least four months prior to the event start date.
Contact information for Malaysian visa offices is available on the department’s website.
See: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en
For information on countries subject to travel sanctions, please refer to the Immigration Department website. Nationals of these countries may not be permitted to travel to and enter Malaysia.
See: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/
Biometrics may need to be collected at an Malaysian Visa Application Centre for visitors and business people lodging a visa application from the countries listed on the department’s website.
See: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/visa/apply-for-visa.html
If you lodge your application online, the department will advise you in writing if you need to provide your biometrics.
On arrival at Malaysia’s border you must identify yourself, present your travel documents, and complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). The IPC requires visitors to declare their health status and any prior criminal convictions.
If you do not meet immigration clearance requirements, you may be refused entry to Malaysia.
More information on immigration clearance processes at Malaysia’s borders is available on the department’s website.
See: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en
You must comply with your visa validity and visa conditions while in Malaysia. When you receive your Malaysian visa you are issued with a visa grant notice that explains the conditions of the visa including period of validity and entry requirements. You are advised to carry this visa grant notice when travelling for your own reference.
Your visa may be cancelled if you breach any of the conditions.
If your visa expires while you are still in Malaysia, you become an unlawful non-citizen. Unlawful non-citizens are liable to be detained and removed from Malaysia.