Malaysia Short Term Social Visit Pass
Short-term social visits, family gatherings, and tourist activities (30-90 days)
What is a Short Term Social Visit Pass?
Foreign nationals who travel to Malaysia will receive a Pass on the Malaysian entry point upon arrival. A Pass is a stamp on the traveller's passport which allows them to remain in Malaysia for a specific amount of time.
The type of Pass you receive depends on how long you want to stay in Malaysia and your purpose of travel. The Short Term Social Visit Pass is issued for tourism, business, or social visit purposes.
Important Note
You must request a Short Term Social Visit Pass from Malaysian immigration officers at your point of entry, regardless of whether you required a visa beforehand or entered visa-free.
Pass Overview
Duration
7 to 90 days depending on nationality
Issued At
Point of entry into Malaysia
Entry Points
All air, land, and sea entry points
Work Rights
No work allowed on this pass
Who Needs a Short Term Social Visit Pass?
This pass is required if you are travelling to Malaysia for any of the following purposes
Social Visit
Visiting friends, family members, or relatives residing in Malaysia
Tourism
Leisure travel, sightseeing, vacation, and exploring Malaysia
Journalism
Working as a journalist or reporter covering stories
Business Meeting
Attending meetings, discussions, or signing agreements
Seminar/Conference
Participating in conferences, seminars, or educational events
Investment Survey
Conducting surveys for investment opportunities or factory setup
University Exam
Taking examinations at Malaysian universities
Goodwill Mission
Students participating in goodwill missions
Sports Competition
Participating in sporting events and competitions
Important Restriction
You cannot take up any work while in Malaysia with a Short Term Social Visit Pass. This pass is strictly for non-employment purposes only.
Do You Need a Visa Before Arrival?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check if you need to apply for a visa beforehand.
Visa-Exempt Nationals
If you're from a visa-exempt country, you can travel to Malaysia without applying for a visa beforehand. Simply request the Short Term Social Visit Pass at the entry point.
Note: Even if you're visa-exempt, you must still request a Short Term Social Visit Pass from immigration officers upon arrival.
Visa-Required Nationals
If you're from a visa-required country, you must apply for a Malaysia visa before travelling. After receiving your visa, you'll request the Short Term Social Visit Pass at entry.
Important: You need both the visa AND the Short Term Social Visit Pass stamped in your passport at the entry point.
Countries Requiring Visa Before Travel
Required Documents Upon Arrival
When you arrive in Malaysia, you must have these documents to convince Immigration Officers you are fit to enter
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the time you intend to enter Malaysia
MandatoryVisa (if applicable)
Your approved Malaysia visa if you're from a visa-required country
If RequiredProof of Funds
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay (cash, cards, bank statements)
MandatoryAccommodation Proof
Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from your host
MandatoryReturn Flight Ticket
Confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure
MandatorySupporting Documents
Any documents relevant to your purpose of travel or visa application
As NeededArrival/Departure Card
You will receive a completed Arrival/Departure Card at the point of entry. Fill it out completely and submit it to immigration along with your other documents.
How to Apply for Malaysia Visa
If you need a visa before travelling to Malaysia, you can apply through two convenient methods
Apply In Person
Visit your nearest Malaysian Embassy or Consulate
Find Embassy/Consulate
Locate the nearest Malaysian Representative Office and visit their website for details
Download Application Form
Get the Malaysia Visa Application Form from the embassy website or immigration department
Submit Documents
Gather required documents and submit with your passport and application form
Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the affixed visa from the embassy
Apply Online (eVisa)
Fast, convenient application from anywhere
If you're eligible for Malaysia eVisa, you can apply online through our secure portal. The process is faster and you can apply from anywhere in the world.
Visa Type
For short term social visits, you need to apply for a Malaysia Tourist Visa, which is:
- Single Entry Visa: Allows you to enter Malaysia once only
- Visa Without Reference: Issued directly by the Embassy/Consulate without needing approval from Malaysia's Immigration Department
Short Term Social Visit Pass Validity
The validity of your pass depends on your nationality and visa type
Duration by Category
Up to 90 Days
Visa-exempt nationals (certain countries)
Up to 30 Days
Visa-exempt nationals (30-day limit) OR holders of Malaysia tourist visa
Up to 15 Days
Indian or Chinese nationals with eNTRI visa
Up to 14 Days
Visa-exempt nationals (14-day limit)
Up to 7 Days
Indian or Chinese nationals with Malaysia Visa on Arrival
Important Notes
Not Guaranteed Duration
Being allowed "up to X days" doesn't mean you'll automatically receive that duration. The Immigration Officer decides the actual length.
Officer's Discretion
The immigration officer at entry has full authority to determine your stay duration based on their assessment.
Check Your Stamp
Always check the stamp in your passport to see exactly how many days you're allowed to stay.
Can You Extend Your Stay?
Extensions are rarely granted and only in extreme circumstances
Extension Policy
In most cases, extensions of Short Term Social Visit Pass are not possible.
When Extensions May Be Granted
Extensions are only issued in extreme circumstances, such as:
Medical Emergency
You fell seriously ill or had an accident during your stay
Safety Concerns
Dangerous events in your home country (war, natural disaster, etc.)
Other Emergencies
Life-threatening situations requiring you to remain in Malaysia
How to Apply for Extension
1.Download and complete Form IMM.55 (Application For Extension Of Visit Pass)
2.Gather documents proving your emergency or extreme circumstance
3.Submit the form and supporting evidence at an Immigration Office in Malaysia
Warning: Do Not Overstay
Staying in Malaysia illegally (overstaying your pass) is a punishable offense under Malaysian law.
Penalties include: Heavy fines, imprisonment, deportation, and potential ban from re-entering Malaysia.
Need a Visa Before Your Visit?
Planning a short visit to Malaysia? Let us help you understand the visa requirements for your trip.