By TravoUpdate
The visa fee waiver program for Malaysian citizens traveling to India starts on July 1, 2023, and runs until June 30, 2025.
Malaysian nationals can apply for a free 30-day e-tourist visa with double entry, with no associated expenses.
Free 30-Day E-Tourist Visa
The initiative aims to boost tourism between Malaysia and India and provide an affordable way for Malaysian tourists to explore India's cultural heritage.
The visa fee waiver applies only to the 30-day e-tourist visa with multiple entries.
Usual visa costs still apply for other e-visa categories like e-Business, e-Conference, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, e-Ayush, and e-Emergency X Miscellaneous visas.
Existing guidelines and policies for all e-visa categories remain in force, ensuring applicants must follow the rules to obtain their e-tourist visas.
Required visa payments remain for regular paper visas applied through the High Commission of India or the outsourced service provider, M/s IVS Global Visa Centre.
Both Indian and Malaysian communities have welcomed the decision, hoping it will encourage more Malaysian tourists to visit India.
Previously, Malaysians needed to spend RM465 (US$98) to apply for an e-visa.
Applications for the e-tourist visa can be made online at the Indian visa website, with accepted visas having a 120-day expiration date.