Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of Asia's busiest transit hubs, connecting flights between Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and beyond. If you're transiting through Malaysia, understanding transit visa requirements is essential to avoid travel disruptions. Many travelers can transit through Malaysia without a visa under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) facility, while others may need to obtain a transit visa.
This guide covers everything you need to know about transiting through Malaysia, including TWOV eligibility, transit visa requirements, and tips for making the most of your layover in Kuala Lumpur.
120 Hours
Maximum Transit
TWOV
Visa-Free Transit
KLIA
Main Hub
Free
Airside Transit
Malaysia Transit Options
When transiting through Malaysia, you have several options depending on your nationality, layover duration, and whether you wish to leave the airport.
Stay within the airport transit area without clearing immigration. No visa required for any nationality.
- • Same terminal connection
- • No passport stamp
- • Access to transit lounges
Transit Without Visa allows eligible travelers to leave the airport for up to 120 hours (5 days).
- • Exit airport allowed
- • Explore Kuala Lumpur
- • Specific conditions apply
Required if not eligible for TWOV but need to leave airport transit area.
- • Apply in advance
- • Fee: USD 10
- • Processing: 24 hours
Airside Transit (No Visa Required)
If you're simply changing planes at KLIA without leaving the airport transit area, you do NOT need any visa regardless of your nationality. This is called "airside transit" and applies when:
Important: KLIA Terminal Change
If your connecting flight departs from a different terminal (e.g., arriving at KLIA, departing from KLIA2), you MUST clear immigration and re-enter. In this case, you need appropriate visa or TWOV eligibility.
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) - 120 Hours
The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) facility allows certain nationalities to enter Malaysia for up to 120 hours (5 days) during transit, without needing a visa. This is perfect for exploring Kuala Lumpur during a long layover.
TWOV Eligibility
You may be eligible for TWOV if you hold a passport from a visa-required country AND possess a valid visa for one of these countries:
TWOV Eligible Nationalities
| Nationality | Condition |
|---|---|
| India | Valid visa for Australia, USA, UK, Japan, NZ, Schengen, or South Korea |
| China | Valid visa for Australia, USA, UK, Japan, NZ, Schengen, or South Korea |
| Bangladesh | Valid visa for Australia, USA, UK, Japan, NZ, Schengen, or South Korea |
| Pakistan | Valid visa for Australia, USA, UK, Japan, NZ, Schengen, or South Korea |
| Sri Lanka | Valid visa for Australia, USA, UK, Japan, NZ, Schengen, or South Korea |
| Nepal | Valid visa for Australia, USA, UK, Japan, NZ, Schengen, or South Korea |
| Myanmar | Valid visa for Australia, USA, UK, Japan, NZ, Schengen, or South Korea |
TWOV Requirements
Malaysia Transit Visa
If you're not eligible for TWOV but need to leave the airport transit area (for example, to collect baggage or change terminals), you may need to apply for a Transit Visa in advance.
Transit Visa Details:
Validity
Up to 120 hours (5 days)
Fee
USD 10
Processing Time
24 hours (online)
Entry
Single Entry only
Things to Do During Malaysia Transit
If you have a long layover and are eligible to leave the airport, here are some popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur:
Petronas Twin Towers
Visit the iconic 88-story towers, enjoy the skybridge, and explore KLCC shopping mall. Distance: 60 km from KLIA.
Batu Caves
Explore the famous Hindu temple and limestone caves with the 140-foot golden statue. Distance: 70 km from KLIA.
Central Market
Shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and Malaysian art at this heritage market. Distance: 60 km from KLIA.
Malaysian Food
Try nasi lemak, char kway teow, roti canai, and satay at local hawker centers or restaurants.
Travel Time from KLIA
KLIA is located about 60 km from Kuala Lumpur city center. Travel time is approximately 45-60 minutes by taxi/Grab or 30 minutes by KLIA Express train. Allow at least 4-5 hours for a quick city visit, or 6-8 hours for more comprehensive sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave KLIA during a 6-hour layover?
If you're eligible for TWOV or have appropriate visa, yes. However, 6 hours is tight – consider immigration, travel time (1 hour each way), and return buffer. We recommend minimum 8 hours for city visits.
I have separate tickets – do I need a visa?
Yes, if your tickets are on separate bookings, you'll need to collect baggage and re-check-in. This requires clearing Malaysian immigration, so you need visa/TWOV eligibility.
What if my connecting flight is at KLIA2?
Transferring between KLIA and KLIA2 requires exiting through immigration. You must have appropriate visa or TWOV eligibility. Allow at least 3 hours for inter-terminal transfers.
Can Indian passport holders use TWOV?
Yes, Indian citizens can use TWOV if they hold a valid visa for USA, UK, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Canada, or Schengen countries. The visa must be valid and unused (or multiple entry).
Need a Transit Visa?
If you're not eligible for TWOV, apply for your Malaysia transit visa online. Fast processing, affordable fee.