If you’re a Malaysian passport holder, planning to visit India just got a whole lot easier and more affordable. The Indian government has announced an extension of its free (gratis) 30-day e-Tourist visa, which comes with double entry, exclusively for Malaysian nationals.
Announced in July 2024, the e-Tourist visa lets Malaysian nationals visit India without paying any visa fees. The offer is valid through December 31, 2026. Let’s break down what that actually means.
India Free 30-Day e-Tourist Visa
India’s 30-day e-Tourist visa allows eligible travellers to visit India for tourism purposes. It offers double entry, is valid for 30 days from arrival, and must be applied for online before travel.
- Zero visa fees: The 30-day e-Tourist visa is now completely free for Malaysian citizens. Apply, pack, and go, no payment required.
- Double entry: Need to pop over to a neighbouring country (say, Nepal or Sri Lanka) and come back to India? No problem. This visa allows you to enter India twice within the validity period.
- Apply online: No embassy visits necessary. Apply at the official portal.
What’s Included in the Free Visa Offer?
- Visa Type: 30-day e-Tourist visa
- Entries Allowed: Double entry (You can leave and re-enter once)
- Visa Fees: Waived (it’s gratis, no payment required)
- Deadline: Available until the end of 2026
What’s Not Included?
Don’t get too excited and apply for the wrong category. This free visa only applies to the 30-day e-Tourist visa. Other visa types like:
- e-Business
- e-Conference
- e-Medical
- e-Medical Attendant
- e-Ayush
- e-Emergency X Miscellaneous
…are not free. Regular visa fees still apply to these categories.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Here’s the no-nonsense process:
- Visit the official e-visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
- Fill out the application—make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has two blank pages.
- Upload the required documents and photo.
- Submit. Since it’s gratis, skip the payment gateway.
- Wait for your confirmation email, usually within 72 hours.
- On arrival in India, present your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) at immigration, where the visa will be stamped in your passport.
Want a Regular Paper Visa Instead?
If, for any reason, you prefer a traditional paper visa, you’ll need to go through the Indian Consular Application Centres in Malaysia (available in six cities). These applications are handled by IVS Global Services.
Website: icacmalaysia.com
Alternatively, you can apply directly through the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur. Just know that the usual visa fees will still apply for paper visas.
A Quick Reminder
The free e-Tourist visa offer sticks to the existing rules under India’s e-visa policy. So don’t skip reading the fine print over at: 👉 indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Final Thoughts
If you’re Malaysian and thinking about India, whether for a food trip, a yoga retreat, or just to see the Taj Mahal, your travel just got a little cheaper. This free e-visa offer isn’t forever, but it gives you plenty of time. Just apply online, get your travel dates sorted, and you’re good to go.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!