The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver program that takes effect from the end of 2022. If you reside in one of 60+ countries, you are required to complete an ETIAS application before you can visit countries in the Schengen Zone, including Germany, Austria, Greece, Spain, and France.
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Malaysian Citizens
With an ETIAS, you can visit the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that if you spend 90 days in the area, you will need to wait for another 90 days to pass before that 90-day limit resets and you visit again.
Malaysian citizens can complete an ETIAS application online. To apply, you just need:
- A valid Malaysian passport
- A €7 fee (paid with a credit card or debit card)
- An email address
As it’s an online application, you will also need a secure internet connection.
Do Malaysian Citizens Need an ETIAS Visa Waiver for Europe?
Malaysians are required to submit an ETIAS application if they want to visit the Schengen Zone. However, the Schengen Zone doesn’t cover all of Europe. Some countries will allow access without any type of visa or exemption, others require a visa, and the ones in the Schengen Zone require an ETIAS.
Where Can Malaysians Visit with an ETIAS?
An ETIAS grants access to all 26 Schengen countries. These countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Where Do Malaysians Go On Vacation?
Unsurprisingly, Malaysians often visit countries like Indonesia and Singapore when they go on vacation. These are the nearest countries and they are invited to travel freely without the need for a visa or a visa waiver.
They also spend time in Australia, where they can visit for up to 90 days as part of the country’s electronic visa program.
According to research conducted by Kuoni, the country that most Malaysian citizens would like to visit is Oman. It’s an unusual destination and one that you don’t always see at the top of people’s bucket list, but it’s one that seems to have inspired Malaysian travelers.
Can Malaysian Citizens Travel to the US Without a Visa?
Malaysian citizens need to apply for a visa before they can gain entry to the United States. If granted, the visa will give them 10-year multiple-entry as a combination of B1 and B2 visas and they are allowed to stay for up to 6 months at a time.
Which Countries Can Malaysians Visit Without a Visa?
Malaysian passport holders are very fortunate in that they have visa or visa waiver access to 179 countries and territories (as of 2021). It’s one of the most valuable passports in the world as a result of this access, and it’s also the fourth highest-ranked passport in Asia.
With a Malaysian passport in hand, a traveler can visit most of Europe, including the United Kingdom, South America, and Asia. Some notable exceptions include the United States, Israel, and large parts of Africa (including Nigeria and Mali).