Stricter Entry Checks for Indian Tourists in Malaysia: How to Avoid Entry Denial

After a sharp increase in Indian nationals being denied entry into Malaysia, the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur on Monday issued a formal travel advisory. While Malaysia recently extended its 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, many travelers are still being turned away upon arrival.

The reason? Malaysian immigration officials are placing some Indian travellers under the “Not To Land” (NTL) category, effectively barring them from entering the country.

What’s Triggering These Entry Denials?

Here’s the thing: visa-free entry doesn’t mean “walk right in.” Immigration officers are still checking whether the travellers meet basic entry requirements or not. And when they don’t, they end up stuck in the airport, sometimes for days, until they can be deported.

The most common red flags include:

• Insufficient funds: If you can’t prove you have enough money to support your stay, expect problems at the border.
• No proof of accommodation: Immigration may demand booking confirmations or other verifiable proof of where you’re staying.
• No valid return ticket: One-way travel, or tickets lacking clear onward plans, makes authorities suspicious.
• Suspected intent to work: The visa-free scheme is strictly for tourism and short visits. Any hint that you’re seeking work can land you in trouble.

In some cases, travellers are suspected of trying to use the tourist visa-free scheme as a backdoor to seek jobs. That’s a fast track to being placed in the Not To Land (NTL) category.

What Happens If You’re Put on the NTL List?

Many Indians recently have reported being stopped at the border and denied entry, placed in a category known as “Not To Land” (NTL) by Malaysian immigration authorities. 

If authorities deny you entry, you’re not just sent back on the next flight. You could be stuck inside the airport until the same airline that flew you in arranges your return trip to India. That process isn’t instant, and travellers have reported long waits and uncomfortable situations.

What the Visa-Free Entry Actually Allows

Since January 1, 2024, Indian passport holders can enter Malaysia without a visa for short trips, up to 30 days per visit. This visa waiver is now extended until December 31, 2026, and applies to tourism only.

But here’s the catch: even though you don’t need a visa, you still need to meet a few conditions at the border. Malaysian immigration will ask for the following:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months
• A confirmed return ticket
• Proof of hotel booking or accommodation
• Online submission of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least 3 days before you land

You can fill out the MDAC here: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main

Show up without these, and you risk being denied entry, even with visa-free status.

Watch Out for Job Scams

The advisory also warns against shady agents falsely promising employment opportunities in Malaysia under the visa-free travel scheme. That’s not how it works.

This visa-free entry is strictly for tourism. If you’re planning to work, you’ll need to go through proper employment visa channels. Don’t fall for agents offering shortcuts. They’re illegal, and you’ll end up paying the price, possibly with a denied entry and a permanent mark on your travel record.

Final Thoughts

Malaysia might be rolling out the welcome mat with its visa-free policy, but you still need to play by the rules. Pack your documents, double-check your bookings, and steer clear of anyone promising jobs without a valid work permit. It’s your trip, don’t let someone else turn it into a layover nightmare.