Malaysia Opens 120-Hour Visa-Free Transit Pass
Travellers from five Asian countries can now stay up to five days in Malaysia without a standard visa under the new transit rule.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Asia
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Malaysia has introduced a 120-hour visa-free transit pass for citizens of Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam. The pass is designed for travellers passing through Malaysia rather than visiting as tourists or residents.
Why it matters
The pass gives travellers on connecting itineraries a way to spend a few days in Malaysia without applying for a standard visa. It also sets out a clear split between transit visitors and the 31 nationalities that must obtain an eVisa before visiting for social purposes.
Eligible travellers must arrive through Kuala Lumpur International Airport, hold a confirmed onward ticket departing within 120 hours, and fly out on AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines. Malaysian immigration officers retain full authority to approve or refuse the pass on arrival.
The players
Malaysian Immigration Department
Malaysia's federal agency responsible for border control, visa policy, and entry approvals for travellers.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Malaysia's main international airport, serving as the required arrival point for transit-pass holders.
The details
Eligibility depends on citizenship, arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and a confirmed onward ticket on AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines. Approval is decided by immigration officers at the airport when travellers arrive.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: Malaysia's immigration authority published the list of eligible countries.
Travel Outlook
The transit pass sits alongside Malaysia's eVisa rules, which require 31 nationalities to apply before visiting for social purposes. Transit travellers get a visa-free route, while social visitors from the listed countries still need an eVisa.
Travellers from Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, or Vietnam with a connecting itinerary through Kuala Lumpur should confirm an onward AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines ticket within 120 hours. Those flying other carriers or arriving at other airports will not qualify for the pass.
The takeaway
Check your citizenship, arrival airport, and onward carrier before booking a Malaysia stopover, since all three must match the pass rules. Confirm the details with immigration officers on arrival, because they make the final call.
Further reading
For more on entry rules across the region, see our Asia travel coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Legit.ng - Nigeria news..
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