In a significant move to bolster tourism and economic growth, the Malaysian government has extended the visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s preparations for its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship and the much-anticipated Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Announcing the decision on Friday, December 20, Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman highlighted that a similar extension has also been granted to Chinese nationals. These exemptions are part of Malaysia’s broader visa liberalisation plan, introduced on December 1, 2023, to enhance the country’s appeal as a premier travel destination while safeguarding national security.
A 30-Day Visa-Free Stay for Indian and Chinese Nationals
The visa exemption permits a 30-day visa-free stay for nationals of India and China. Awang Alik stated, “This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a travel destination while ensuring the safety and security of the nation.” The exemption is expected to serve as a vital tool for attracting more tourists, boosting economic activity, and positioning Malaysia as a key player in the global tourism sector.
Tourism Malaysia’s Role
Tourism Malaysia, the promotional arm of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, has been instrumental in establishing the country as a preferred destination on the international stage. With the next Visit Malaysia Year scheduled for 2026, the nation aims to showcase its commitment to sustainable tourism, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
Additionally, Malaysia actively promotes regional collaboration through the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). As part of the IMT-GT Visiting Year 2023-2025, the initiative seeks to position the region as a unified tourism hub.
The Road Ahead
The visa exemption extension is a strategic move to attract millions of tourists from two of the world’s largest outbound travel markets—India and China. It is expected to not only boost tourism revenue but also strengthen Malaysia’s ties with these nations.
Tourists can look forward to enjoying Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. As the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaches, the country is set to leave an indelible mark on the global tourism map.