11
2018
2018 Travel Visa Guide for Malaysians
More and more Malaysians are traveling these days. Be it for business or leisure, travel is becoming more affordable with flights getting cheaper coupled with competitive hotels rates.
With the minimalist travelling style today; a backpack is all you need!
A major plus point for us Malaysian citizens is we hold one of the most powerful passports in the world. Currently ranking as the 5th best in the world, a Malaysian passport gives us visa-free access to over 160 countries.
However, there are countries that still require us to have visas to enter. You’ll need a visa if you are a Malaysian planning to visit these countries – China, Australia, India, USA and Canada.
Each of these countries have different requirements for visa applications.
Thankfully, I found a one-stop source that compiles EVERYTHING in ONE site – Traveloka.com
It has everything we need to know from applying at the Embassy or are we allowed to apply online, to the cost and duration for the visa application.
Traveloka covers China, Australia, USA, Canada and India visa application in details. You can check the operation hours of the application as well as for payment and collection. There are even tips on how to take a proper passport picture to avoid it being rejected later.
Besides being a one stop source for visa application, I also browse for cheap airline tickets here.
Below are examples of useful information that can be found on Traveloka’s travel visa guide.
TYPES OF VISAS
TYPES OF VISAS |
||
Single-entry visa |
Multiple-entry visa | Transit visa |
SINGLE-ENTRY VISA
As the name suggests, this visa is valid for a single entry. You can only enter a country once with this visa even if the validity period is longer than your stay. Once you leave, you’ll need to apply for a new visa to re-enter that country.
MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA
With multiple-entry visa you may visit the country as many times as you wish within the validity period of the visa (usually 3 months up to 12 months). You must possess a valid reason for repeated visits and confirmed return ticket or you may be denied entry.
TRANSIT VISA
If you are on transit in other countries and wish to step inside to take a quick peek, this is the visa for you.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR VISA APPLICATION
You’ll need all these for a hassle-free visa application:
- Valid Malaysian ID card
- Original passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Completed visa application form
- Flight details
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Bank statement / proof of sufficient fund
- Passport picture
APPLICATION DENIED?! WHY?!
You’ve submitted all of the above yet there is always a risk of your application being rejected. Why is this so?
1) You overstayed your welcome before
Once bitten, twice shy. You break the law once, they’ll keep you away from repeating the same.
2) Insufficient bank account balance
You need to provide proof of sufficient means of subsistence, for the duration of the intended stay or for the return to the country of origin or residence. You must be able to prove that you have enough savings or access to funds to finance your trip—in its entirety—and for your return home.
3) Unclear purpose of visit
Your documents should corroborate the reason why you are visiting the country. Slightest discrepancy may result in your application being denied. Interview answers between you and your partner plays an important role too. If they don’t tally, you may find yourself on the brink of rejection.
4) Insufficient travel insurance coverage
Travel insurance is a requirement to be approved and your insurance must cover hospital treatment and repatriation to your home country or country of residence.
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS!
After all that have been said and done, in the end, it is the immigration officers that have the last say. They can turn you away without any valid explanation and there is nothing you can do. Let’s just hope this will never happen to any of us!
Traveling is affordable. All it takes is a little browsing for the best deal in town. Sometimes when my star is shining bright and luck is running high, I’ll find an irresistible good deal. When that happens, I’ll quickly check our calendar and if we have no commitment on those dates, I will key in our details and secure my bookings and wait in anticipation for that day to arrive.
I’ve already booked our flight to Phuket next month for our yearend holiday so yeah …
My wife is a big fan of Traveloka as she flies almost weekly sometimes, and she trusts this site.
Didn’t know there are so many types of visas…obviously I am a jakun. LOL :D
Enjoy your year end holiday to Phuket!