Malaysia
United States
United States visa for Malaysian citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires Malaysian citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Malaysia
The United States has 1 mission in Malaysia, with its embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
US visas issued to citizens of Malaysia
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 30,807 | 27,776 |
| Student (F, M) | 1,124 | 729 |
| Exchange (J) | 1,525 | 1,370 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 1,511 | 1,696 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 2,666 | 1,773 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 1,200 | 1,012 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 77 | 36 |
| Total | 38,910 | 34,392 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 6.8% | 7.9% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 34,392 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Malaysia, the 42nd highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 81%, transit and crew visas 5% and work and treaty visas 5%. That is 12% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (38,910).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Malaysia received 11,151, 22% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 7.9% for citizens of Malaysia in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 6.8%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Malaysia anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Malaysia.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Malaysia
United StatesMalaysia Visa-free, 90 days Malaysia visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Malaysian citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Malaysian citizens can stay in the United States
How long Malaysian citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Malaysian citizens apply
In Malaysia, applications go to the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Malaysian citizens
Mexico and Cuba admit Malaysian citizens visa-free. Canada requires Malaysian citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Malaysia
No visa is needed by US citizens for Malaysia, for stays of up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Malaysian citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires Malaysian citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Where is the US embassy in Malaysia?
The US embassy in Malaysia is in Kuala Lumpur.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
No visa is needed by US citizens for Malaysia, for stays of up to 90 days.
Can Malaysian citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Malaysian citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.