Malaysia requires eVisa for citizens of 31 countries for social visits
From 2026, travellers from 31 listed nations must obtain a Single Entry eVisa before arriving in Malaysia for tourism, family visits or short events.
The short version
- 31 nationalities now need a Single Entry eVisa for social visits
- Applications must be submitted before arrival and cannot be processed in Malaysia, Israel or North Korea
- Multiple Entry eVisa remains available to all except Israel and North Korea, with a 30‑day stay limit per entry
New eVisa rule overview
The Malaysian government announced that, starting in 2026, citizens of 31 identified countries must secure an electronic visa before travelling for social purposes such as tourism, family visits or short‑term events. The move is presented as part of a broader effort to tighten border control and enhance national security while still encouraging legitimate travel.
The rule targets the Single Entry Visa (SEV) and ties eligibility directly to the traveller’s nationality. Applicants are required to complete the eVisa process online prior to departure, and the visa cannot be issued from within Malaysia, Israel or North Korea, meaning those locations are excluded from the application pipeline.
The 31 countries on the list
The nationalities affected, alphabetically: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Liberia, Mali, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Serbia and Sri Lanka.
Two pairs on that list are easy to misread. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (capital Kinshasa) and the Republic of the Congo (capital Brazzaville) are separate countries and both appear, so check which passport you hold rather than assuming one entry covers both. Niger and Nigeria are likewise distinct entries.
How the single entry visa works
The SEV permits one entry into Malaysia for the approved purpose and is valid for a single trip only. Prospective visitors must submit supporting documents such as a valid passport, travel itinerary and proof of sufficient funds through the official eVisa portal, then wait for electronic approval before boarding their flight.
In contrast, the Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) is open to all nationalities except citizens of Israel and North Korea. Holders may enter Malaysia several times, but each visit is capped at 30 days and the passport must remain valid throughout the stay. The MEV therefore offers greater flexibility for repeat travellers who are not subject to the new SEV requirement.
Implications for travellers and visa planners
For applicants from the 31 listed nations, travel planning now needs to accommodate the extra lead time required for eVisa approval. Failure to obtain the SEV before departure will result in denial of entry at the border, making early application essential, especially during peak tourism periods.
Other visa categories, such as the Visa With Reference (VDR) for work or study, continue to operate under existing rules. The earlier exemption for 15 African countries also remains unchanged, meaning those travellers are still not required to obtain a VDR regardless of purpose.
“The requirement applies specifically to a Single Entry Visa (SEV) for social visits, and eligibility is determined by nationality.”
What it means
What this changes for an applicant
- Applicants from the 31 listed countries must complete the online Single Entry eVisa before leaving their home country, otherwise they will be refused entry on arrival.
- Existing SEV holders need to ensure their visa remains valid for the intended trip and must follow the same pre‑departure application process for any renewal.
- All other nationalities can still use the Multiple Entry eVisa, but each stay cannot exceed 30 days and the passport must stay valid throughout.
Source
This article was written by Malaysia Visa Guide, based on reporting by legit.ng. We summarise and explain the news in our own words; we do not reproduce it. Read the original report for the publisher's full account.
Last updated 16 September 2026.
News is a starting point, not advice.
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