PassportSouth Africa

Malaysia: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans don't need a visa for Malaysia. You can stay up to 90 days per visit.

Visa-free. Malaysia's Immigration Department lists South Africa among countries whose nationals do not require a visa. A Social Visit Pass is issued on arrival.1

Before you travel

Purpose of visit

Tourism, social and short business visits. Employment or study needs a pass/visa arranged in advance.34

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Passport validity

At least 6 months beyond arrival, undamaged, with a blank page.34

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

No visa application. Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before travel at the official Immigration portal imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main (free).12

Confirmed on an official government source

Where South Africans apply

Not applicable for visa-free visits. For other purposes: High Commission of Malaysia in Pretoria.5

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Travel insurance

Not published by official sources

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Not published by official sources

Accommodation or invitation

Not published by official sources

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a transmission-risk country. Malaysia is not a risk country.34

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Arrival forms

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), mandatory for foreign visitors, submitted online before travel at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main; free. Exemptions per US State Dept: permanent residents, long-term pass holders, diplomatic/official passports (Singaporeans are also generally exempt; not verified here). Commonly cited submission window: within 3 days before arrival (not confirmed on an official page I could read). Airlines may ask for it at check-in. Sabah and Sarawak run separate immigration control: passport needed even on domestic flights.234

Confirmed on an official government source

Extending your stay and overstaying

Extensions at the Immigration Department, not guaranteed. Overstay can lead to fines, detention, deportation and re-entry bans.34

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

1 January 2024MDAC became mandatory for foreign visitors (introduced 2024; exact date not verified on official page).

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

  1. 1Immigration Department of Malaysia imi.gov.my
  2. 2Immigration Department of Malaysia (MDAC portal) imigresen-online.imi.gov.my

Other government

Official advice from other governments

  1. 3UK FCDO gov.uk
  2. 4US Department of State travel.state.gov

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

  1. 5Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.