Malaysia Visa on Arrival: Pros and Cons
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To boost tourism, the process of acquiring a Malaysia visa is now far more straightforward. The Malaysian government developed new regulations for electronic Visas, also known as a Malaysia eVisa, and the Malaysia visa on Arrival.

Malaysia's tourism has seen an increase of 30% due to the simplified visa rules.

Malaysia Visa on Arrival

When someone arrives in Malaysia, a Visa on Arrival is the permit given. It functions in the same manner a visa does. It also allows the person to enter the country.

A Malaysia Visa on arrival is the permit given to an individual so they can stay in the country. A person will have to get in line at the immigration counter, then pay for the visa, and obtain a stamp of approval on their passport. The entire process occurs after someone reaches Malaysia.

The Visa on Arrival is available to only certain nationalities and at specific checkpoints.

Eligibility for a Malaysia Visa on Arrival

Citizens of only two countries are eligible for a Malaysia Visa on Arrival: China and India.

Other conditions:

  • Have $1,000 to prove self-sustenance

  • Have a valid visa from China or India

  • Arriving from Singapore, Thailand, or Indonesia

  • Ability to pay the $100 processing fee

Malaysia Visa on Arrival - Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • The process of getting a Malaysia Visa on Arrival is easy. A valid visa from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand means the only thing left is to pay the processing fee and have return ticket proof.

  • A Visa on Arrival is convenient when planning a short trip to Malaysia after visiting Thailand, Singapore, or Indonesia.

  • Entering Malaysia directly saves time. If the conditions are acceptable, there is no need to apply for a separate visa to Malaysia, submit documents, fill out forms, or get approval.

Cons:

  • A deposit of $1,000 is a requirement when entering Malaysia with a Visa on Arrival. A regular visa does not have the same conditions.

  • Unless traveling through Thailand, Singapore, or Indonesia, a Malaysia Visa on Arrival has no practical use.

  • A Malaysia Visa on Arrival is only valid for seven days. It is not extendable. If a visit is longer than a week, the specific visa will not work.

  • The processing fee for a Malaysia Visa on Arrival is $100, while standard single and multiple entry visas are cheaper.

Malaysia eNTRI Visa

A Malaysia eNTRI Visa is the best alternative for Indian citizens. Also known as Electronic Travel Registration and Information, the eNTRI Visa program is part of the Visa Waiver Program. Only Indian and Chinese citizens qualify for the eNTRI Visa.

Benefits of an eNTRI visa include:

  • An eNTRI Visa only costs $40. It is far less costly than a Visa on Arrival.

  • An eNTRI Visa allows a 15-day stay. It is also valid for three months.

  • An eNTRI Visa does not have a citizenship requirement. A person does not have to hold a valid visa for Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, nor are there specific entry points.

  • The eNTRI Visa does not require proof of $1,000.

  • The eNTRI visa only has a 48 hours wait time.