The Malaysia TWOV (Transit Without a Visa) allows transit passengers to spend up to 120 hours (5 days) within Malaysia. TWOV is perfect for those looking to do a short stop-over in Kuala Lumpur for sightseeing or meeting friends or family.
The requirements for the TWOV are strict and fit only a narrow number of travelers so you must be careful and make sure you meet all of them.
QUICK SUMMARY:
- Eligibility: 9 countries
- Allowed stay: 120 hours (5 days)
- Extensions: Not allowed
- Cost: Free
If you haven’t already, read the Malaysia Visa Guide for various visa options for tourists, their eligibility and requirements.
Table of Contents
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What is Malaysia TWOV (Transit Without Visa)?
The Malaysia TWOV is a short-term visa-exemption scheme for travelers transiting via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA1 and KLIA2) in Malaysia who want to clear immigration and leave the airport for up to 120 hours.
TWOV is available ONLY at KLIA1 and KLIA2. TWOV is NOT available at any other airport, land border, or seaport.
The TWOV is restricted to 9 countries with requirements about which airlines can be used, possession of a third-country visa, and proof of funds.
The TWOV is not a transit visa. The TWOV allows up to 5 days inside Malaysia on a “Transit Pass”.
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Who is eligible for Malaysia TWOV?
Malaysia TWOV is available to the following nationalities. The eligible countries list is split into two groups due to the differences in requirements.
Group 1: Indian Subcontinent
- Bangladesh
- India*
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
IMPORTANT
The Malaysia TWOV facility for Group 1(Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) is temporarily suspended until further notice (link to Malaysia Immigration announcement on Facebook in May 2022). We do not know when the suspension will be lifted. We are monitoring and we will update this article when TWOV for Group 1 starts again.
Group 2: Others
- Bhutan
- China*
- Myanmar
- Nepal
* Indian and Chinese nationals are temporarily visa-exempt for 30 days until 31 Dec 2024.
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What are the requirements for Malaysia TWOV?
The requirements differ between group 1 and group 2 of countries.
Requirements for Group 1: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of arrival.
- You must hold a Single Entry Visa (SEV) or Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) or a Residence Permit (Employment, Student, Resident, or Dependent) from one of the following countries:
- Australia
- China
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- USA
- You must arrive from or depart to one of the above 7 countries.
- You must carry a printed confirmed flight ticket to your country of origin or the visa-issuing country (one of the above 7) within 120 hours (showing just the PNR or the booking number is NOT sufficient).
- You must show proof of financial ability to stay in Malaysia of at least 500 USD (or equivalent in Malaysian Ringgit). The money can be in cash, a credit card or a debit card.
- You must arrive and depart on Malaysian Airlines (MAS), Air Asia, or Malindo Air only.
- Both the arriving and the departing flights must be on the same airline.
- You must arrive and depart from the same terminal in Kuala Lumpur airport. Ex: If you arrive at KLIA1, you must depart from KLIA1. Similarly, if you arrive at KLIA2, you must depart from KLIA2.
Requirements for Group 2: Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Nepal
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of arrival.
- You must present a printed confirmed flight ticket to your country of origin or a third country within 120 hours (showing just the PNR or the booking number is NOT sufficient).
- You must show proof of financial ability to stay in Malaysia of at least 500 USD (or equivalent in Malaysian Ringgit). The money can be in cash, a credit card, or a debit card.
- You can enter Malaysia on any airline but you must leave on a flight operated by either Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines.
If you do not meet the above requirements, then would need a visa such as a Malaysia eVisa, Visa on Arrival or Tourist Visa to transit through Malaysia.
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How long can you stay in Malaysia using TWOV?
The maximum allowed stay inside Malaysia is strictly limited to 120 hours (5 days). It is not extendable.
After entering Malaysia on TWOV, you can travel and stay within West Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Penang, Langkawi, etc. You are NOT allowed to travel to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak).
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What are the allowed ports of entry and exit for TWOV?
Malaysia TWOV is only available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s main terminal (KLIA1) and low-cost carrier terminal (KLIA2). You must arrive and depart from Kuala Lumpur airport. You cannot depart from any other airport in Malaysia.
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What is the fee to obtain TWOV?
There is no fee to obtain TWOV. Malaysia Transit Without Visa facility is free of charge.
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How to obtain TWOV at the KL International Airport?
After landing in KLIA1 or KLIA2, follow the signs to immigration. Near immigration, you will see the signs for “Transit Pass 120 hours”.
Stop by the transit pass counter to get your transit pass. You will have to present the following documents.
- Original passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Boarding pass of the flight you have arrived on
- Boarding pass or e-ticket print to destination country within 120 hours
- Visa for the destination country (if a visa is required)
- Valid visa from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan or the USA (for Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka passport holders only)
You do not have to fill out any forms or pay any fee. The transit pass is a stamp on the passport.
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Can you extend TWOV?
The TWOV is strictly not extendable. You can stay inside Malaysia for up to 120 hours, but you will have to leave the country within that time.
