The Malaysian passport is a crucial travel document issued by the Malaysian immigration Department to its citizens. It is one of the most powerful passports in the world with freedom of travel. In this passage, we will talk about Malaysian passport ranking, benefits, visa-free access to other countries, and some useful tips for traveling abroad.
What Is Passport Ranking?
Passport ranking refers to a system that ranks a passport and reflects its relative power among passports of different countries. It helps travelers learn about a particular passport’s strengths and values regarding global mobility and travel freedom, which helps them make a good plan for immigration or international travel. Henley & Partners is one of the most authoritative institutions that publish annual rankings. The Henley Passport Index compares 199 passports worldwide and ranks them according to the number of countries that ordinary passport holders can travel to without a visa.
What’s Malaysian Passport Ranking in 2024?
According to the Henley Passport Index 2024, Malaysian passports rank 11th among 199 passports worldwide, with visa-free access to 182 countries and territories and 227 different travel destinations.
Among the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Malaysian passport ranks 2nd, only second to Singapore, and is followed by Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.
Benefits of Holding Malaysia Passports
Malaysian passports are only issued to people with Malaysian citizenship. With this identity and citizenship document, individuals can enjoy the following benefits.
- Visa-free Travel
Malaysian passport holders can travel to 183 countries and regions without visas for leisure activities, such as tourism, friend/family visits, etc. Please note that the entry requirements and length of stay differ from country to country.
- Easier Access to Foreign Countries
Although visas are not exempted, some countries issue e-visa or visas on arrival to Malaysians, which saves the time and money to apply for a visa from the consular office.
- Diplomatic Protection
Malaysian passport holders can seek protection from the Malaysian consular office and ask for help in an emergency while staying abroad.
- Quality of life
Malaysians can enjoy a variety of government education and healthcare benefits. Holding a Malaysian passport might give you the privilege to pursue higher education in foreign countries with favorable agreements, access to scholarships, etc.
- Civil Rights
Civil rights, services, and benefits are available, such as voting, applying for government jobs, and so on.
- Assets & Business Opportunities
Malaysian nationals can purchase real estate and open a bank account in Malaysia while most foreigners cannot, thus enjoying more opportunities in international business and trade engagements.
Challenges and Limitations of the Malaysian Passport
Although the Malaysian passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world, Malaysians might still face some difficulties in traveling abroad.
- Visas are required in some popular destinations, such as the United States and some European countries.
- The Malaysian passport is typically valid for five years, which means you have to renew it more frequently than those with 10-year passports.
- Malaysian passport holders should obtain a visa to 43 countries and territories despite the purpose of traveling.
- Malaysian passport holders can stay for a short period and are not allowed to work when traveling without visas.
Where Can Malaysia Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa
There are 183 visa-free countries and territories for Malaysian passport holders. Most of them are located in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The maximum duration of stay ranges from 30 to 90 days. Although visas are not required, travelers must present valid documents to go through customs, such as a passport valid for 3-6 months, proof of financial capability to fund their trip, and returning/onward ticket. It is recommended to check the exact entry requirements of your destination before traveling.
✨Europe Countries
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
✨Asian Countries
- Azerbaijan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Macau
- Mongolia
- Oman
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
✨North American Countries
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Caribbean Netherlands
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
✨South American Countries
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Ecuador
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Peru
- Suriname
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
✨Oceania Countries
- Australia
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Guam
- Kiribati
- Micronesia
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Samoa
- Vanuatu
✨African Countries
- Algeria
- Botswana
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Libya
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Réunion
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Gambia
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Eswatini
Where Can Malaysia Passport Holders Travel with Visa on Arrival
37 countries and territories issue visas on arrival for Malaysian nationals. Travelers are allowed to board without a pre-approved visa and apply for one upon arriving at the destination’s airport or other border checkpoints. You must also meet specific criteria and bring the necessary documentation. The visa policies might vary, so please check it before setting off.
✨Asian Countries
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Yemen
✨North American Countries
- Saint Lucia
✨South American Countries
- Bolivia
✨Oceania Countries
- Marshall Islands
- Palau
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
✨African Countries
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Comoros
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Saint Helena
- Sudan
Where Can Malaysia Passport Holders Travel with eTA
Among the 183 visa-exempted destinations, Malaysians should apply for an eTA online to enter Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, or Sri Lanka. eTA, officially known as electronic travel authorization, is a digital document linked to the traveler’s passport, aiming to verify foreign visitors’ identity and accelerate the entry process at immigration checkpoints through pre-arrival checks electronically.
- Australia
- Kenya
- New Zealand
- Norfolk Island
- Pakistan
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
Travel Guide for Malaysian Passport Holders
There are so many things to prepare when traveling abroad, from documentation to travel itinerary. No matter where you going, the following tips will help you make a good plan.
- Check Passport Validity
Your passport must usually be valid for at least 6 months beyond the day of departure and have at least two blank pages. If it does not satisfy the requirements for your destination, you are supposed to renew it soon.
- Check Visa Requirements
It is necessary to check whether you need a visa and how should obtain it. If you are required to get a visa in advance, apply as early as possible.
- Purchase Travel Insurance
Insurance will help you deal with emergencies on the road. It should apply to overseas travel and cover any unforeseen events, such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellations, etc.
- Take Proper Health Precautions
Get acquainted with the required vaccinations of your destination. For example, people traveling to Africa should usually take the Yellow Fever vaccination and Malaria vaccination. It is also suggested to carry some usual medications with you if you have any chronic diseases.
- Make a Travel Plan in Advance
Learning about the local culture and customs will help you avoid any misunderstandings. It is advised to book the flight and accommodation beforehand according to where and how you will travel.
- Keep Contact with Malaysian Consular Departments
There are more than 100 diplomatic missions worldwide. You are supposed to note down their address and contact. Whenever you need help, turn to the embassy, high commissions, or consulates in the country.
FAQ
What are the top 10 strongest passports?
According to the number of visa-free countries, the top 10 passports are issued by Singapore, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, Greece, Poland, Canada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, United States, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, Iceland, Latvia, and Slovakia.
Why is a Malaysian passport so strong?
Its high visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to many countries and the stable social environment as well as diplomatic relationships with other countries enhance the value of Malaysian passports.
Is Singapore’s passport stronger than Malaysia’s?
Yes. Singapore’s passport allows access to more countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. Additionally, Singapore’s advanced economy and higher level of living standards make Singaporean citizenship more attractive for immigrants.
Does Malaysia allow dual citizenship?
No. As the Malaysian government does not recognize dual nationality, Malaysian citizens should renounce their nationality after obtaining other countries’ citizenship. Similarly, those who become a Malaysian citizen should also terminate their original nationality.
Summary
The Malaysian passport is the 11th-strongest one among 199 different passports. With this travel document, Malaysian citizens can travel to 183 countries and regions without a visa, 37 regions with a visa on arrival, and 11 regions with an e-visa. No matter where you go, it is necessary to check the latest entry requirements and make full preparations.