🇿🇦South Africa

🇲🇾MalaysiaZA-MY

South Africa to Malaysia visa requirements

Q: How long can I stay in Malaysia without a visa?

South African passport holders may stay up to 90 days per visit. The exact period is granted by the immigration officer on arrival, so always check the stamp or autogate record.

Q: What is the MDAC and is it mandatory?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a free online pre-arrival registration required of almost all foreign visitors. Submit it no more than 3 days before arrival and keep the QR confirmation; airlines may deny boarding without it. It is not a visa.

Q: How much does it cost to enter Malaysia?

There is no entry or visa fee for South African tourists, and the MDAC is free. Beware of third-party websites charging for the MDAC, which should always be done on the official IMI portal at no cost.

Q: Can I work in Malaysia on visa-free entry?

No. Visa-free entry is only for tourism, business meetings and social visits. Paid work or employment requires the appropriate work pass or visa arranged in advance.

Q: What passport validity do I need?

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, be undamaged and have at least one blank page. Failing this can result in denied entry or boarding.

South African ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Malaysia. You may enter visa-free and stay up to 90 days per visit. You must complete the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Malaysia grants visa-free entry to holders of South African ordinary passports for tourism, business and social visits. South Africa sits in Malaysia's most generous exemption tier with a permitted stay of up to 90 days per entry, confirmed by the Malaysian Immigration Department (IMI), which lists South Africa as "visa not required for any purpose of entry." No visa, eVisa or visa-on-arrival is needed for a short tourist stay. However, since 2024 Malaysia requires nearly all foreign visitors to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), a free online pre-arrival registration to be completed no more than 3 days before arrival; it is not a visa but airlines may deny boarding without the MDAC QR confirmation. Travellers should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds. Malaysia is in Southeast Asia and is not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 rules and ETIAS do not apply. Visa-free status does not permit employment. Overstaying carries fines and possible bans, so confirm the exact stamp granted on arrival.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

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.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa-free entry (visa exemption)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days per entry

per entry

Entries

Multiple (each visit re-assessed at the border)

from issue date

Visa fee

0 (MDAC is free)

consular fee only

Processing time

No visa processing; MDAC confirmation is instant/within minutes

standard track

Validity

Entry granted on arrival; stay period stamped by immigration officer

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your South African passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival and has at least one blank page. Damaged or near-expiry passports can lead to refused entry.

· 6 months validity· 1 blank page

/02

Book onward or return travel

Arrange evidence of onward or return travel and accommodation. Immigration officers may ask to see proof of departure within the 90-day window.

· Return ticket· Proof of stay

/03

Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Submit the free MDAC online at the official IMI portal no more than 3 days before arrival. Provide passport, travel and accommodation details and save the QR confirmation.

· Free· Within 3 days of arrival· Mandatory

/04

Carry supporting documents

Have proof of sufficient funds and your MDAC QR confirmation accessible (phone or printout). Airlines may request the MDAC at check-in.

· Funds· MDAC QR

/05

Pass immigration on arrival

Present your passport and MDAC confirmation at the immigration counter or eligible autogate. Confirm the entry stamp/stay period granted before leaving the counter.

· Up to 90 days· Check stamp

/06

Observe the permitted stay

Do not exceed the granted period and do not engage in employment. Apply to the Immigration Department in advance if you need to extend.

· No work· Avoid overstay

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

South Africa -> Malaysia · Visa-free entry (visa exemption)

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredSouth African ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredAt least one blank passport page

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredMalaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submitted and QR saved