Visas are necessary for all foreigners intending to visit Malaysia. The only exception is instances when certain African nationals are invited as guests of the government.
Obtaining a visa does not grant a person the right to arrive in Malaysia by crossing land borders or by sea vessels. All visitors must enter the country using aircraft.
Visitors must obtain their visas before arriving in Malaysia. Malaysian embassies and consulates are located in numerous countries. In the United States, Malaysia maintains an embassy in Washington D.C., a Consulate General in New York and another Consulate General in Los Angeles.
Two types of visas issued to foreigners---visas with reference (VWR) and visas without reference (VWTR).
VWRs are visas issued for business purposes. These visas are issued only if an individual has an invitation from a high-level Malaysian or from a business that is well established in Malaysia.
The company that invites a person for business purposes is required to file several forms with the Immigration Department of Malaysia. As of March 2010, the sponsor is also required to pay a security deposit of RM 2000 for each person invited.
VWRs are issued for a maximum of 30 days. Extensions for these visas are not allowed except when approval is obtained from the Director General or Deputy Director General of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
A VWTR is issued for most purposes that do not involve business. This type of visa requires a person to prove that she intends to leave Malaysia. A person does this by showing a valid return airline ticket to her country of residence or a valid visa and airplane ticket to another country.
VWTRs are valid for two months from the day of arrival in the country, not the date of issue. Extensions may be available.
Malaysia does require visas for people who are in transit. This means that anyone who needs to pass through Malaysia while traveling to another country must apply and receive a visa before departure. Visas for people in transit are issued for periods of 14 days or less.
As of March 2010, the fee for a visa to Malaysia is RM 20. Diplomats and holders of official passports are not charged.
