Malaysia Embassy in India

About Malaysia

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that borders Thailand, Brunei, and Indonesia. It also shares maritime boundaries with the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. Its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, covers an area of 330,524 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 34.1 million. Moreover, the country is known for its diverse natural landscapes, bustling cities, and unique cultural practices.

Relations with India:

India and Malaysia established a diplomatic relationship in 1957 and have been on friendly terms ever since. Economic agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) solidified the cooperation between the countries. Malaysia is the 16th largest trading partner of India, and India is among the top 10 most significant trading partners of Malaysia.

Tourism Opportunities:

In the first half of 2024 alone, 624,312 Indians visited Malaysia, indicating the country's popularity among Indians. Some of the best places to visit in Malaysia include Petronas Twin Tower, Langkawi Sky Bridge, Bako National Park and Melaka Historic City.

Expats in India and Vice Versa:

In August 2024, approximately 150,000 Indian nationals, including about 10,000 expatriates, worked in Malaysia. They are employed in sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and banking. Meanwhile, Malaysia is home to a vibrant community of around 2 million people of Indian origin (PIO), highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

Visa Requirements for Indian Visitors:

Indian travellers do not require a visa to enter Malaysia from 1 December 2023 to 31 December 2024. An Indian tourist can stay up to 30 days with each entry to the country. However, the visitor must have a passport with six months validity, confirmed return flight, hotel booking, proof of sufficient funds and online submission for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.

Visa Exemptions for Indian Travellers:

From 1 January 2024, the Government of Malaysia has introduced a 30-day visa exemption for Indian passport holders. This applies to those travelling between 1 December 2023 and 31 December 2024 for purposes such as tourism or business, simplifying travel and fostering excellent connectivity.

Ease of Commute:

Public transport in Malaysia, such as buses, minivans, and taxis, are usually reliable and affordable. For a longer distance, you can travel by trains operated by KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad). You will find two classes of trains: express trains of higher quality and local trains of lower quality. For any water travel, ferries and boats are widely available.

Note: The exemptions are subject to change at the time of travel. Please confirm once from the official sources.

Difference Between Embassy and Consulate

Understanding different diplomatic missions between countries is important to ensure a smooth visa process for Malaysia.

• Embassy: An embassy represents a country in a foreign country. The embassy is a diplomatic mission headed by an ambassador. It is usually situated in the host country's capital city and facilitates political, economic, and cultural exchange.
• Consulate: A consulate is a diplomatic office located in major cities outside the capital city of a host country. A Consul General is usually the head of a consulate and renders services such as passport renewal, visa issues, import and export licences, and civic support.

When Can You Contact the Malaysia Embassy/Consulates

With its consulates, the Malaysia Embassy in India assists Malaysian nationals and Indian citizens; thus, knowing when to reach them can ensure smooth interaction.

How to Contact the Malaysia Embassy/Consulate

Here is a table with the location, contact information, and working hours for the Malaysia Embassy India with its Consulates.

Indian Embassy in Malaysia

The Indian Embassy in Malaysia is the primary diplomatic centre for nationals residing in or travelling to Malaysia. It provides various services, including visa processing, passport renewal, legal aid, and emergency assistance.

Emergency Contact

If Indian nationals need emergency assistance in Malaysia, the embassy offers a 24-hour helpline: +60 12-602 0360. They advise sending your emergency in a WhatsApp message if you can. This service is intended for urgent situations such as accidents, loss of documents, or legal assistance.

Key Services

• Crisis Response: if any Indian national is in Malaysia and a crisis such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster happens, the embassy can offer substantial assistance. They will provide evacuation services, work with local authorities to get help, send expert teams and provide transportation for Indians if needed.
• Repatriation and Financial Aid: If an Indian citizen loses his passport in Malaysia, the embassy will assist them in getting a new one or an emergency certificate. In case of other distress, the embassy may also help get an Indian back to India by providing financial aid based on the severity of the situation.
• Coordination with Local Authorities: The embassy will work with local authorities to help Indian citizens in case of legal difficulties, medical emergencies or civil disturbances. If an Indian citizen is detained in Malaysia, you can contact the embassy through consular access.

How is Malaysia Travel Insurance Helpful

Malaysian travel insurance for Indian citizens acts as a security guard against any unpredictable emergencies while travelling. Travel insurance means you have coverage for medical emergencies, flight cancellations, luggage loss and coordination with the Indian embassy if such a situation arises.

• Medical Emergencies and Evacuation: Travel insurance covers hospitalisation in case of medical emergencies. Additionally, even in severe situations like natural disasters, travel insurance covers emergency evacuation.
• Trip Cancellations and Interruptions: Some unexpected delays or cancellations can sometimes happen while travelling. Additionally, there may be interruptions due to health issues, road blockage, bad weather, or personal reasons. Whatever the case, travel insurance will help you recover pre-paid expenses.
• Lost Baggage and Personal Belongings: Losing our baggage or personal belongings while travelling is rare. But travel insurance covers lost items or stolen luggage, reducing inconvenience. Furthermore, some insurance even covers baggage delays to help with urgent needs.
• Emergency Assistance and Documentation Support: If you lose essential documentation like your passport in a foreign country, travel insurance can help. Mostly, the insurer’s consulting people are available 24/7 to assist you by coordinating with the embassy.