Malaysia Tourist Visa for Indians-Latest process & fees

Recently I applied for Malaysia Tourist visa for the second time. My previous application was in 2011 - had written about it here-the process has changed a bit since then, so this post provides the updates.

Below table gives quick snapshot of difference between 2011 and today, from my experience.

	2011	2016
Visa Fee	Rs 750 + DD expense	Rs 3400 + DD expense (Rs 70 in SBI) Rs 1000 to embassy (in the name of Consulate General of Malaysia) Rs 2000 in the name of DU Digital Technologies Private Ltd (The name may vary per city- pls check) Rs 400 to VFS Courier and SMS extra at about Rs 400 and 100 optional
Processing time	3 working days	4 working days
Documents required	2 photos Passport Filled Application Form Return ticket	Passport 2 photos
Approach	Can visit embassy directly	Via agency only
Duration granted	1 year, multiple entry	1 year, multiple entry

In 2011, we had got the DD done for Rs 750, filled application form, walked into embassy and submitted our passport, application form, DD and tickets. Passport with VISA was to be collected 3 days later.

But now, we can't approach the embassy directly (that's what I was told when I went directly)- probably embassy doesn't want to handle large crowd of applicants everyday. Applications need to be submitted via an agency like VFS. The Malaysian tourist visa fees has gone up 5 times.

As you see, major change seem to be the VLN fee, which is two times the consulate fee. VLN stands for VISA LUAR NEGARA. It is not very clear what is this, why this fee is charged and what services DU Digital Technologies Private Ltd (in whose name VLN fee is collected) provides. As per various websites that track company registration, DU Digital Technologies Private Ltd is a Delhi based company setup with a capital of 1 lakh rupees only. They don't seem to have a website of their own and no one knows what kind of service this company provides w.r.t Malaysian visa processing or otherwise. While VFS receipt given does acknowledge this amount, Visa stamped on passport doesn't indicate this fee- mentions only Rs 1000 as fees paid. Looks like this fee is applicable only if you apply in India, Bangladesh etc. 

Also it would have been simpler for guests to make one payment and let the embassy and its partners split among themselves later.

At about Rs 3500, Malaysian visa is little expensive compared to neighboring Thailand Visa on arrival (1000 baht) and Singapore visa. But only advantage is that Malaysia tourist visa is issued for a validity of 1 year, so you can visit multiple times. Singapore and Thailand issue visas for much shorter duration.

Other major difference seem to be simplified process- I had taken filled application form, flight tickets, invite letter and other support statements. But at VFS office, the staff said none of those is required. Only DD, Passport and two photos were collected. I could see that VFS staff filed an application online with my passport details for tourist visa, so no physical application was needed. (but VFS website still asks you to come with application form)

Also when I applied for Australia visa, VFS arranged DD. But for Malaysia,I had to go to bank, get the twin DDs and then submit them at VFS. be sure to get the DD only from designated banks- SBI, Axis, IndusInd, Standard Chartered, Ratnakar and Deusche. When I went to Axis bank, they refused to issue a DD unless I pay via cheque- sounded like a stupid logic- no cash, no online transfer would be accepted (I had account with them, but wasn't carrying cheque book)- then had to go to SBI. Rest of the banks are not very easy to find. This time I didn't opt for SMS alert- just to send 2-3 SMS they charge Rs 100+- waste of money, as same information can be tracked online too.

Disclaimer: I have only shared what I experienced. Requirements and process may vary based on city where you apply, type of visa applied and various other parameters. Please check with agencies like VFS to find out if there are any specific needs in your case. 

Take professional help: If you're looking for a professional agency to help you with your Malaysia Visa, do check TravelVisaBooking.com 

Also check: How to get the max out of AirAsia Big sale? * Putrajaya- Malaysia's administrative region *