Are you planning a trip from Australia to Malaysia? It's an exciting destination, offering lively cities, breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural experience. But one question we often get asked at Crown Currency Exchange is: 'Do I need a visa to visit Malaysia from Australia?'
This blog is here to answer that question for you. We'll break down the Malaysia visa requirements, making your travel preparation a breeze and setting you up for a memorable Malaysian adventure. Ready? Let's dive in!
Quick Answer
Good news for Australian passport holders! You're all set if you're planning a short trip to Malaysia and have an Australian passport. As long as your stay is less than 90 days, there's no need to worry because YOU DO NOT NEED A VISA to enjoy the beautiful country of Malaysia.
Of course, just make sure to have your Australian passport ready at the Immigration desk upon your arrival. Upon entry, you will be granted a 90-day tourism visa, making it super easy to plan your trip without any extra hassle.
The No-Visa Visit: What You Need to Know
As an Australian passport holder, you're in a great position to enjoy a trouble-free trip to Malaysia. But while you don't need to go through the process of securing a visa for stays under 90 days, there are still a few things you should be aware of to make the trip as smooth as possible.
Here's what you need to know:
Before Departure
Weeks prior to your trip, make sure to do a quick check of your passport's expiry date. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry into Malaysia. If it's expiring within that timeframe, make sure to renew it before you depart.
Upon Arrival
When arriving in Malaysia, make sure to have your return ticket ready. This is a requirement for entry and may be checked by Immigration officers. It's also good to note that Malaysia has strict laws when it comes to overstaying your visa, so make sure to adhere to the 90-day limit.
Purpose of Visit
You'll only be eligible for a 90-day tourist visa if your purpose of visit is for tourism, social visits, and business, not for employment. If you're planning to work or study in Malaysia, you'll need to obtain the necessary visas beforehand.
Beyond the 90-day Limit
If you're planning an extended stay in Malaysia, unfortunately, the no-visa privilege does not apply. You'll need to obtain a visa before your trip and meet the requirements set by the Malaysian government. The good news is that they offer various types of Malaysia visas for long-term stays, such as student visas, work visas and retirement visas.
Tourist Visa Extension
If you're wondering whether you can extend your 90-day tourist visa, the answer is, sadly, no. The Malaysian Immigration Department does not grant extensions for tourist visas. In other words, once your visa expires, you'll need to exit the country and re-enter so you can apply for a new 90-day tourist visa.
Important Documents to Carry
To help you organise your travel documents and make the most out of your trip, here's a list of important documents you should carry with you:
1. Passport
Make sure your passport isn't about to expire - it needs at least six months left on it. This is a common rule across many countries to prevent visitors from being stranded abroad.
2. Proof of onward travel
This is basically something that shows you're planning to leave Malaysia, like a ticket for a return or onward flight. It's a way to confirm to immigration officers that you won't overstay your welcome.
3. Proof of funds
You should have some evidence (such as bank statements) that you've got enough money to support yourself during your stay. Although you won't be likely asked to present this, it's always good to have it on hand as a precaution.
4. Proof of purpose of the trip
This could be things like your travel itinerary, hotel reservations, or letters of invitation. It helps to show why you're visiting Malaysia.
5. Travel insurance
This one isn't really mandatory by the Malaysian government, but we highly recommend it for any trip abroad. Because let's be realistic - you'll never know what can happen while you're travelling. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and covers any unforeseen circumstances like lost baggage, cancelled flights or medical emergencies.
For Longer Stays: Applying for a Visa
If your trip to Malaysia exceeds 90 days, you'll need to apply for a specific visa, such as a working visa. To learn how to apply for a Malaysian visa from Australia, we suggest taking a look at the appropriate visa information page based on your location.
For those residing outside of these areas, you can still apply for a Malaysian visa through the nearest Malaysian consulate or embassy. Just make sure to give yourself ample time for the visa application process.
Get Your Malaysian Ringgit Today!
Ready to embark on your Malaysian adventure? Make sure you have enough currency for your trip by exchanging your Australian Dollars for Malaysian Ringgit (AUD to MYR). Crown Currency Exchange offers competitive rates and convenient locations across Australia, making it easy for you to get the money you need before your trip. You'll get the most out of your money with no commissions and hidden fees.
Visit one of our 60+ Crown Currency Exchange stores to get your Malaysian Ringgit today! Happy travels!
