Malaysia remains one of the easiest long-weekend and holiday escapes from the UAE, but the rules are not the same for everyone. Emirati passport holders enter visa-free, while most expatriate residents need an eVisa or pre-approved sticker visa. On top of that, all foreign travellers must now complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before they fly.
This guide walks you through who needs a visa, how MDAC works, the right visa type for your nationality, and the documents you should prepare in the UAE before travelling.
- Who needs a visa to visit Malaysia from the UAE?
- Key Malaysia entry concepts: visa-free, eVisa, Visa on Arrival and MDAC
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for UAE residents
- Malaysia visa options for UAE residents
- Malaysia visa document requirements for UAE residents
- How to apply for a Malaysia visa from the UAE
- Where applications are submitted
- Visa fees, extensions and overstays
- Travel scenarios for UAE residents going to Malaysia
- Pre-departure checklist
- Common problems and how to avoid them
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Who needs a visa to visit Malaysia from the UAE?
Your UAE residency does not grant visa-free access. Malaysia’s entry rules are based solely on your passport nationality.
UAE citizens
Emirati passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days for social visits. This includes tourism, family visits, and short business or social trips.
Even without a visa, UAE citizens are advised to carry:
- A valid UAE passport with at least six months’ validity
- Completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), which is mandatory for all foreign travellers
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds and basic travel insurance
Immigration officers may request these documents on arrival.
UAE residents holding non-UAE passports
Most expatriate residents in the UAE must follow Malaysia’s visa rules based on their passport nationality, not their UAE residence status. In many cases, this means applying for a Malaysia eVisa or a pre-approved sticker visa before travel.
This commonly applies to residents holding Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and other non-visa-exempt passports.
Important clarification:
Some nationalities currently benefit from temporary visa-free entry schemes announced by Malaysian authorities. These exemptions are time-limited and subject to change, and travellers must still complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival. Because these policies can be revised without notice, expatriate residents are strongly advised to verify their current eligibility before booking travel.
To apply successfully where a visa is required:
- Your UAE residence visa must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Malaysia
- Your residence status should not be under renewal at the time of application
Key Malaysia entry concepts: visa-free, eVisa, Visa on Arrival and MDAC
Before travelling, it is essential to understand Malaysia’s various entry mechanisms, as they serve distinct purposes and are often misunderstood by travellers departing from the UAE.
At a high level, Malaysia operates four main entry concepts:
- Visa-free entry for certain passport holders
- eVisa, which must be applied for online before travel
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available only in limited and specific circumstances
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration
The key distinction to understand is that MDAC is not a visa. It is an arrival registration requirement that applies even to travellers who are otherwise visa-exempt.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for UAE residents
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is one of the most important entry requirements for travellers arriving from the UAE and applies regardless of visa status.
What is MDAC, and who must complete it?
MDAC is an online arrival declaration required for almost all foreign travellers entering Malaysia, including those who do not require a visa. This requirement applies to both UAE citizens and expatriate residents travelling on non-Malaysian passports.
When and how to submit MDAC
MDAC must be completed within three days prior to arrival, including the day of entry.
Travellers are required to provide:
- Passport details
- Flight information
- Arrival date
- Address of stay in Malaysia
It is strongly recommended to keep a printed or digital confirmation available, as immigration officers may request it on arrival.
What happens if MDAC is not completed?
Failure to submit MDAC in advance may lead to:
- Delays at immigration checkpoints
- Additional questioning by officers
- In some cases, refusal to board by airlines before departure
MDAC should be treated as a standard pre-travel requirement, similar in importance to carrying a valid passport or return ticket.
Malaysia visa options for UAE residents
The appropriate visa route depends on nationality, purpose of travel, and route of entry.
Malaysia eVisa
The eVisa is the most common option for expatriate UAE residents.
Key features:
- Applied online before travel
- Usually single-entry
- Typically allows stays of around 30 days
- Must be used within a fixed validity period
Tourist eVisas are the most widely used, with additional categories available for business and longer-term purposes.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival is not available on direct flights from the UAE. It is only offered when arriving from specific neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, or Brunei, and only for certain nationalities.
Due to strict conditions and higher risk, most UAE residents are advised to obtain an eVisa in advance.
Sticker visa via Embassy or Consulate
Some nationalities are not eligible for an eVisa and must apply in person through Malaysian diplomatic missions in the UAE.
Sticker visas are typically required for:
- Long-term stays
- Employment or study
- Nationalities excluded from eVisa eligibility
Malaysia visa document requirements for UAE residents
While requirements vary slightly by nationality, most applicants should prepare the following.
Core documents
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Return or onward flight booking
- Hotel reservation or host invitation
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Proof of sufficient funds
- No Objection Certificate from the employer or sponsor
Employment and sponsor documents
- Employees: employment letter or salary certificate
- Self-employed: trade licence and company documents
- Sponsored residents: sponsor letter and ID copies
Additional documents for specific cases
- Students: enrollment letter and NOC
- Business visits: invitation letter from a Malaysian company
How to apply for a Malaysian visa from the UAE
Step 1 – Confirm visa requirements
Check whether your passport is visa-free, eVisa-eligible, or requires a sticker visa. Confirm the correct category based on your travel purpose.
Step 2 – Prepare documents
Ensure all documents are clear, complete, and consistent. Poor-quality scans or mismatched dates are common causes of rejection.
Step 3 – Submit your application
Apply through the official online eVisa system or via the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate, depending on eligibility.
Step 4 – Pay the visa fees
Fees vary by nationality and visa type. Additional service charges may apply for online platforms or typing services.
Step 5 – Processing and tracking
Processing times vary based on nationality and season. Online applications usually provide status tracking.
Step 6 – Receive and check your visa
Print multiple copies of your approved eVisa or collect your passport with the sticker visa. Check all details carefully before travelling.
Where applications are submitted
Most Malaysia visa applications from the UAE are submitted online through the official Malaysia’s eVisa system, depending on passport nationality and visa type.
Embassy of Malaysia – Abu Dhabi
Handles long-term visas, sticker visas, and applications not eligible for eVisa.
Location
It’s located in Unit 19B, Level 19, Tamouh Tower 12 Marina Square, Reem Island
Contact Information
- Email: mwabudhabi@kln.gov.my
- Phone: +971 2 448 2775
Consulate General of Malaysia – Dubai
Processes selected visa categories and document submissions for residents of Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Location
It’s located at 83 10D St, Al Mankhool, Dubai
Contact Information
- Email: dxb.cons@kln.gov.my
- Phone: +971 4 398 5843
Note: Applicants should always confirm eligibility and submission method before visiting in person, as most short-term tourist visas are processed online.
Visa fees, extensions, and overstays
Understanding visa costs, extension limitations, and overstay consequences is essential before travelling to Malaysia, as immigration enforcement is strict and penalties can affect future entry.
Visa fees
Costs depend on nationality and visa category. Applicants should budget for visa fees plus any service or processing charges.
Extending your stay
Tourist stays are rarely extended. Extensions are usually granted only in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies.
Overstaying consequences
Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and future travel restrictions. Always track permitted stay carefully.
Travel scenarios for UAE residents going to Malaysia
These examples reflect common travel situations faced by UAE residents and how Malaysia’s entry rules typically apply in practice.
Emirati citizen on holiday
- Visa-free entry
- MDAC required
- Carry accommodation and return ticket
Indian expatriate in Dubai
- Visa rules depend on the current policy
- eVisa or temporary visa-free schemes may apply
- Strong documentation recommended
Pakistani, Egyptian ,or Filipino residents
- Requires an eVisa or pre-approved sticker visa
- Employment and financial documentation are closely reviewed
Attempting a Visa on Arrival via a third country
- Limited eligibility and higher refusal risk
- An eVisa is generally safer
Pre-departure checklist
Before flying from the UAE, make sure the following items are prepared and easily accessible:
- Passport with sufficient validity
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- Approved visa or eVisa printout (if required)
- MDAC confirmation
- Return ticket and accommodation proof
- Bank cards and some cash
- Travel insurance
Common problems and how to avoid them
The following issues are among the most common reasons for delays, questioning, or refusal at check-in or immigration:
- Assuming UAE residency provides visa-free entry
- Relying on the Visa on Arrival when flying directly from the UAE
- Forgetting to complete the MDAC
- Submitting weak financial or employment documentation
- Using outdated or unofficial visa information
Key takeaways
UAE citizens can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days, but must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before travel. Expatriate UAE residents must follow visa rules based on their passport nationality and often need an eVisa or sticker visa arranged in advance. Visa on Arrival is limited and not available on direct flights from the UAE. Preparing documents early and completing MDAC correctly are essential for a smooth journey.
FAQs
No, they don’t. Emirati passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for short stays, but MDAC is mandatory.
Most expatriate residents do, depending on their passport nationality.
Yes, it is. MDAC is required for almost all foreign travellers.
No, you can’t. Visa on Arrival is only available when entering Malaysia from specific neighbouring countries.
It is strongly recommended to carry printed copies, as airlines and immigration officers may request them.
