Malaysia Visa RequirementsFor Syria passport holders
Syrian citizens need a visa to visit Malaysia. The visa costs approximately $30 and can be applied for online through Malaysia's eNTRI or eVisa system. Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's most Muslim-friendly destinations and is welcoming to Syrian travelers, particularly those already residing in Gulf countries or Turkey.
Syria passport holders require a visa to enter Malaysia.
Apply for a Malaysian e-Visa at evisa.imi.gov.my (Malaysia's official immigration portal). Documents required: valid Syrian passport, digital photo, accommodation details, travel itinerary, and credit/debit card (~$30 fee). Processing: 3–5 business days. The approved e-Visa is emailed. Note: Syrian nationals should verify current visa requirements with the Malaysian Embassy or consulate nearest to them, as e-Visa eligibility can vary. Some Syrians apply at Malaysian embassies in Turkey, Jordan, or Gulf countries in person.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Syria to Malaysia: What You Need to Know
Malaysia has a significant Muslim-majority population and is a natural destination for Syrian travelers seeking familiar cultural elements alongside Southeast Asian diversity. Syrian passport holders need a visa , Malaysia's eVisa system allows online applications for certain categories. However, Syrian passport holders may face more scrutiny. Many Syrian expats in Gulf countries, Turkey, or Europe apply for the Malaysian e-Visa through the official portal. Malaysia and Syria have maintained diplomatic relations.
How to Get There
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is one of Southeast Asia's major hubs. From Middle Eastern countries where many Syrians reside, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Malindo Air offer direct flights: Dubai–KL (8 hours), Istanbul–KL (9 hours), Amman–KL (9–10 hours via connection). Budget carrier AirAsia connects KL to many Southeast Asian destinations cheaply.
Money & Banking
Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted at hotels and malls; cash preferred at local hawker stalls and markets. Malaysia is very affordable — budget $30–70/day covers comfortable travel including excellent food. Kuala Lumpur is cheaper than Singapore, Bali, or Bangkok for most tourist expenses.
Practical Tips
Malaysia's highlights: Kuala Lumpur (Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves Hindu temple, Chinatown, excellent street food), Penang (George Town UNESCO, hawker food capital of Malaysia), Langkawi (duty-free island with beautiful beaches), Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah , orangutans, Mount Kinabalu, Mulu Caves), Cameron Highlands (tea plantations), and Taman Negara (one of the world's oldest rainforests). Halal food is abundant everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Syrian citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
Yes. Syrian passport holders need a Malaysian visa, typically applied for online via the eVisa portal (evisa.imi.gov.my) for approximately $30. Verify eligibility with the nearest Malaysian embassy.
Is Malaysia Muslim-friendly for Syrian travelers?
Yes. Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country with abundant halal food, mosques everywhere, and a culturally familiar Islamic environment. Arabic is not widely spoken but English and Malay are the main languages.
How do Syrians fly to Malaysia from the Middle East?
Direct flights connect Dubai, Istanbul, and Doha to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) via Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Flight time from Dubai is about 8 hours; from Istanbul, about 9–10 hours.
Is Malaysia affordable for Syrian expats traveling from Gulf countries?
Yes. Malaysia is significantly more affordable than Gulf countries for dining and accommodation. Street food, shopping, and local transport are very inexpensive. The Malaysian Ringgit is favorably valued against Gulf currencies.
Can Syrian passport holders visit Borneo (Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah)?
Yes. Borneo is part of Malaysia and accessible with your Malaysian visa. Note that Sarawak and Sabah have their own immigration controls , you may need to go through a brief additional check when arriving from peninsular Malaysia. No separate visa is needed.