Tourist vs Business Visa: Which One Do You Need for Malaysia?

Understand the key differences between tourist and business visas. Choose the right visa for your trip.

November 25

5 min read

Visa Expert Team

Tourist vs Business Visa: Which One Do You Need for Malaysia?

Understanding the Difference

Choosing between a tourist visa and business visa for Malaysia depends entirely on the purpose of your visit. While both allow entry into Malaysia, they have different requirements, restrictions, and permitted activities.

Tourist eVisa

For leisure travel and sightseeing.

When to Apply

Leisure travel and sightseeing
Visiting friends and family
Short vacation or holiday
Cultural or religious tourism
Attending social events or weddings

Required Documents

Valid passport (6 months validity)
Passport-size photograph
Passport bio data page
Flight tickets (round trip)
Hotel bookings
Bank statements (3 months)

Validity and Duration

Single Entry: 30 days stay, valid for 3 months from issue date
Multiple Entry: 30 days per visit, valid for 3 months from issue date

Prohibitions

Attend business meetings or conferences
Sign contracts or negotiate deals
Work or receive payment in Malaysia
Conduct business transactions

Business eVisa

For business meetings and corporate activities.

When to Apply

Business meetings and conferences
Contract negotiations
Attending trade fairs or exhibitions
Site inspections and factory visits
Business training or seminars
Corporate events

Required Documents

All tourist visa documents, PLUS:
Company registration certificate
Business invitation letter from Malaysian company
Employment letter or business card
Purpose of visit documentation

Validity and Duration

Single Entry: 30 days stay, valid for 3 months from issue date
Multiple Entry: 30 days per visit, valid for 3 months from issue date

Prohibitions

Work or receive salary in Malaysia
Establish a business or company
Engage in paid employment

Key Differences Comparison

Feature	Tourist Visa	Business Visa
Purpose	Leisure & tourism	Business activities
Duration	30 days	30 days
Documents	Basic travel documents	Business documents required
Invitation Letter	Not required	Required from Malaysian company
Processing Time	3-5 business days	3-5 business days

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Tourist Visa if:

Your trip is purely for leisure
You're visiting friends/family
You're on vacation
No business activities planned

Choose Business Visa if:

You have business meetings scheduled
Attending conferences or trade shows
Meeting with Malaysian companies
Conducting business negotiations

Can You Do Both Tourism and Business?

If your trip includes both business meetings and leisure activities, you must apply for a business visa. The business visa allows you to conduct business activities and also enjoy tourism during your stay. However, a tourist visa does not permit any business activities.

Important Notes