🇮🇩INDONESIA

🇲🇾MALAYSIAID-MY

Do Indonesia passport holders need a visa to visit Malaysia?

Q: Is MDAC mandatory?

Yes — all foreign visitors must complete the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival.

Q: Can I cross the land border in Borneo?

Yes — Entikong (Indonesia) / Tebedu (Malaysia) is the main land crossing. The 30-day visa-free pass applies the same as air entry. Submit MDAC before crossing.

Q: Can I work while visa-free?

No — visa-free entry covers only tourism, business meetings, and family visits. Indonesian workers must use the proper labour migration channels.

Q: Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?

No — tourist extensions are not generally granted. For longer stays apply for the appropriate visa at the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta.

Q: Can I drive with my Indonesian licence?

Yes — with the 1949 Geneva IDP. Both countries drive on the left.

Visa-free up to 30 days under ASEAN reciprocity. MDAC mandatory before arrival. Indonesian ordinary passport holders enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days per entry under the ASEAN reciprocal visa exemption agreement. The exemption covers tourism, business meetings, and family visits. All foreign visitors must complete the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arrival, which replaced the paper arrival card from 2024. The land border at Entikong / Tebedu in Borneo (Kalimantan / Sarawak) accepts the same 30-day waiver and is a busy crossing for Indonesian workers and traders. Malaysia's e-Gate system accepts Indonesian biometric passports for fast clearance after first manual enrolment. Indonesia-Malaysia is the highest-volume travel pair in Southeast Asia by far, dominated by family visits, religious tourism, and labour migration. For longer stays or work apply for the appropriate visa via the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta or consulates in Medan, Pekanbaru, or Pontianak.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27

Visa type

Visa-free entry (ASEAN reciprocal)

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days per entry

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

Free

consular fee only

Processing time

On arrival

standard track

Validity

Stable; MDAC mandatory

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check passport validity

Must be an Indonesian ordinary passport valid 6+ months on arrival with at least 1 blank page.

· 6 months validity

/02

Book return travel and accommodation

Onward ticket within 30 days and hotel booking are required at boarding and immigration.

· return ticket

/03

Submit MDAC

Complete the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac within 3 days before arrival.

· MDAC required

/04

Arrive in Malaysia

Use the foreign passport lane or e-Gate at KLIA, Penang, or land/sea borders. Receive a 30-day social visit pass.

· 30-day stamp

/05

Apply for long-stay visa if needed

For stays beyond 30 days, work, or study apply at the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta.

· embassy application

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Indonesian passport

Valid 6 months on arrival, 1 blank page

Return or onward ticket

Within 30 days of arrival

Accommodation address

Hotel booking or host's address

MDAC confirmation

Print or save on phone; immigration may check

Funds evidence

Cash or cards if asked at immigration

Travel insurance

Recommended; private healthcare in KL is good and reasonably priced

Mobile data plan

Maxis, Celcom, or Digi local SIM common option

Customs declaration

Required for cash over MYR 30,000 or USD 10,000 equivalent

International Driving Permit

1949 Geneva IDP recognised; required to drive

Embassy contact

Indonesian Embassy Kuala Lumpur for emergencies

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Visa-free entry (ASEAN)FreeUp to 30 days; MDAC mandatory

MDACFreeWithin 3 days before arrival

Long-stay visa (work/study)VariesThrough Malaysian embassy in Jakarta

Domestic worker permitVariesFor Indonesian workers under bilateral arrangements

Overstay penaltiesMYR 100/day, max MYR 3,000Plus possible blacklist for prolonged overstays

Total estimateFree — Freeincl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa-free arrival

Minutes

Standard or e-Gate entry at KLIA, Penang, or land borders with MDAC.

Long-stay visa

5-10 working days+

Required for stays beyond 30 days; apply at the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta.

Worker permit

Weeks to months

For Indonesian workers; through registered Malaysian employer and bilateral channels.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Missing or invalid MDAC

MDAC is mandatory and can lead to airport delays or refused boarding if not submitted.

Medium

/02

Suspected work intent

Officers are especially careful about Indonesians arriving on visa-free for what may be unauthorised work — carrying work gear or labour contracts can prompt refusal.

Medium

/03

Frequent land border crossings

The Entikong / Tebedu border is busy and officers may scrutinise back-to-back 30-day entries that look like residency.

Medium

/04

Insufficient travel evidence

No return ticket, vague itinerary, or unclear accommodation can lead to questioning.

Low

/05

Past Malaysian overstays

Any prior overstay heavily affects future visa-free entries.