Visa Requirements for Visiting Penang (2025 Guide)
Are you planning a trip to Penang? Here’s everything you need to know about Malaysia’s visa policies, including who can visit without a visa and how long you’re allowed to stay. This information is up to date as of 2025.
Visa-Free Entry and Exemptions
Malaysia offers visa-free access to many nationalities. The allowed length of stay varies depending on your passport:
- 90-day visa-free access: Nationals of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and many more may stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa.
- 30-day visa-free access: Citizens of most ASEAN countries (e.g. Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines), as well as China and India, can enter Malaysia visa-free for 30 days.
- 14-day visa-free access: A few nationalities, such as holders of Macau SAR Travel Permits, are allowed visa-free stays of 14 days.
Special Note for Chinese and Indian Nationals
From 1 December 2023 to 31 December 2026, tourists from China and India can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. This applies for tourism and social visits only. No extensions are allowed under this exemption.
Entry Requirements for All Visitors
Even if you don’t need a visa, the following conditions must be met:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- You must show proof of onward or return travel, such as a flight ticket.
- You should have sufficient funds to support your stay.
- You must fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival. (Exemptions apply to Singaporean citizens, diplomatic passport holders, and certain frequent cross-border travellers.)
Visa Extensions
Visa-free stays are generally not extendable. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for an appropriate visa in advance through a Malaysian embassy or consulate.
Penang-Specific Notes
Penang follows the same immigration rules as the rest of Peninsular Malaysia. There are no special or additional visa requirements for visiting Penang specifically.
Summary Table
| Visitor Category | Maximum Stay Without Visa |
|---|---|
| Countries with 90-day visa exemption | Up to 90 days |
| Countries with 30-day visa exemption (e.g. China, India, ASEAN) | Up to 30 days |
| Countries with 14-day visa exemption | Up to 14 days |
Need Help?
If you're unsure about your visa status, check with your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate, or refer to the official immigration website. You may also visit the Malaysian Immigration Department for the most up-to-date information.
Visa Requirements for Visiting Penang (3 August 2019)
Page Details
This page was created on 6 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Taking the bus in Penang
