Planning a trip, business visit, or longer stay in Malaysia in 2026? It is important to know the latest immigration rules before making your travel plans. What are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026 is a common question because Malaysia has introduced several important changes this year.
The major updates include the extension of visa-free travel for Indian and Chinese citizens, new restrictions on Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs), updated Employment Pass salary requirements, and continued use of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). These changes can affect tourists, business travellers, medical visitors, and foreign workers differently.
In this guide, we explain what are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026, what has changed, and what travellers should know before entering Malaysia.
What Are the Latest News on Malaysia Visa Updates for 2026?#
The most important Malaysia visa updates 2026 include four key areas:
- Visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens has been extended until December 31, 2026.
- Eligible visitors can generally stay for up to 30 days under the relevant visa exemption.
- Multiple Entry Visa rules became more limited from September 1, 2026.
- Employment Pass salary thresholds were increased from June 1, 2026.
Travellers should also remember that visa rules depend on nationality and purpose of travel. Checking the latest official requirements before departure is always recommended.
Malaysia Visa-Free Entry for Indian and Chinese Citizens#
One of the biggest answers to what are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026 is the continuation of visa-free travel for Indian and Chinese citizens.
Indian passport holders can enter Malaysia without a visa for eligible tourism, business, social, or transit visits for up to 30 days. The arrangement has been extended until December 31, 2026.
Chinese citizens can also enjoy visa-free entry for eligible short visits. Malaysian authorities state that Chinese passport holders can stay for up to 30 days for social visits, subject to the applicable conditions.
However, visa-free entry does not mean travellers can ignore immigration requirements. Passport validity, return tickets, accommodation details, and other supporting documents may be checked.
Is MDAC Still Required?
Yes. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) remains an important requirement for foreign travellers.
Indian citizens, for example, must submit the MDAC online before arrival. Malaysian authorities state that the card should be completed three days before the planned arrival date.
So, even when a traveller does not need a visa, they should complete the required arrival procedures.
New Malaysia Multiple Entry Visa Rules in 2026#
Another major answer to what are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026 concerns the Multiple Entry Visa.
Malaysia announced on September 2, 2026, that the MEV would no longer be available to all nationalities. The change applies from September 1, 2026.
Under the updated arrangement, MEV access is limited to 31 eligible nationalities and four specified purposes:
- Fly-and-cruise travel
- Business
- Medical treatment
- Wedding tourism
General leisure tourism is no longer included among the stated MEV purposes. Travellers who do not meet the new nationality and purpose conditions may need to use a Single Entry Visa instead.
This is an important Malaysia visa update 2026 for frequent travellers who previously expected to use an MEV for repeated visits.
What Does the MEV Change Mean for Travellers?#
The new rules mean that travellers should not automatically assume that a Multiple Entry Visa is available.
If your trip is for ordinary tourism, check whether you qualify for visa-free entry or a Single Entry Visa based on your nationality. If you are travelling for business, medical treatment, wedding tourism, or a fly-and-cruise trip, check whether your nationality is included in the eligible group.
The official Malaysian Immigration Department should be checked for the latest eligibility information before applying.
Employment Pass Salary Requirements Have Changed#
For people asking what are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026 from an employment perspective, the Employment Pass changes are also important.
Malaysia introduced revised salary thresholds for Employment Pass Categories I, II, and III from June 1, 2026. The new minimum salary levels are:
| Employment Pass | New Minimum Salary |
| Category I | RM20,000 and above |
| Category II | RM10,000–RM19,999 |
| Category III | RM5,000–RM9,999 |
The revised policy also introduced structured employment-duration requirements and succession planning measures for relevant categories.
These changes mainly affect employers and foreign professionals rather than short-term tourists.
What Should Travellers Do Before Visiting Malaysia?#
Understanding what are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026 is only the first step. Travellers should also prepare their documents carefully.
Before travelling, check:
- Your passport validity.
- Whether your nationality requires a visa.
- Whether you qualify for the current visa exemption.
- Your permitted length of stay.
- MDAC submission requirements.
- Return or onward travel tickets.
- Hotel or accommodation information.
- Any additional documents required for your travel purpose.
If you are unsure which application route applies to you, review the available Malaysia eVisa Online information before making travel arrangements.
Malaysia Visa Updates 2026: What Indians Should Know#
For Indian travellers, the current rules remain relatively convenient. The visa waiver has been extended until December 31, 2026, with stays of up to 30 days for eligible purposes. However, travellers must still satisfy entry conditions and complete the MDAC requirement.
It is also important to understand that visa-free tourism does not automatically cover employment or study. Indian citizens travelling to Malaysia for work or study generally need the appropriate visa or pass before travelling.
What Are the Latest News on Malaysia Visa Updates for 2026 for Tourists?#
For tourists, the biggest points are the continued visa exemption for eligible Indian and Chinese visitors, MDAC requirements, and the new MEV restrictions.
The best approach is to check your nationality first and then identify the correct travel category. Do not apply for an MEV simply because you have used one in the past, as the rules changed in September 2026.
This is why knowing what are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026 can help prevent confusion at the application stage and at the border.
Frequently Asked Questions#
1. What are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026?
The main updates include extended visa-free travel for eligible Indian and Chinese citizens, new MEV restrictions from September 1, 2026, and revised Employment Pass salary requirements from June 1, 2026.
2. Can Indians visit Malaysia without a visa in 2026?
Yes. Eligible Indian passport holders can currently visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days for permitted purposes, with the exemption extended until December 31, 2026.
3. Do Indian travellers need to complete the MDAC?
Yes. Indian travellers using the visa exemption must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before arrival according to the applicable requirements.
4. What changed for Malaysia Multiple Entry Visas in 2026?
From September 1, 2026, MEV availability was restricted. The updated arrangement limits MEVs to eligible nationalities and specific purposes such as business, medical treatment, wedding tourism, and fly-and-cruise travel.
5. Has Malaysia changed Employment Pass requirements?
Yes. New minimum salary thresholds for Employment Pass Categories I, II, and III took effect on June 1, 2026.
6. Can visa-free travellers stay in Malaysia for more than 30 days?
The current visa-free arrangement for eligible Indian and Chinese visitors allows stays of up to 30 days. Travellers who need a longer stay should check the appropriate visa or pass before travelling.
Conclusion#
So, what are the latest news on Malaysia visa updates for 2026? The most important changes are the continued 30-day visa-free facility for eligible Indian and Chinese visitors, mandatory arrival procedures such as MDAC, tighter Multiple Entry Visa eligibility, and higher Employment Pass salary thresholds.
For tourists, the current rules can make travel to Malaysia easier, but travellers should still verify their nationality, purpose of visit, permitted stay, and required documents before departure. For business travellers and foreign workers, the MEV and Employment Pass changes deserve particular attention.
Because immigration policies can change, always verify the latest requirements through Malaysian Immigration authorities before making final travel arrangements.
