Malaysia Releases Official List of 15 African Countries Exempted from Visa With Reference in 2026
The Immigration Department of Malaysia, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has published an official list of 15 African countries whose citizens are exempt from the Visa With Reference (VDR) requirement when entering Malaysia in 2026. The exemption applies regardless of the purpose of travel, including work, study, or other activities.
Full List of Exempted African Countries
The African countries on the Visa With Reference exemption list are: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Lesotho, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Eswatini. Citizens from these nations do not need to obtain a Visa With Reference or a Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) before traveling to Malaysia.
What the Exemption Means for Travelers
According to the Malaysia Immigration Department's official website, nationals from the listed countries are not subject to the standard VDR or eVDR application process. This simplifies travel for work, study, or other purposes. However, citizens from countries not on the list must still complete the standard Visa With Reference application process before traveling.
Background on Visa With Reference
The Visa With Reference facility is ordinarily required by foreign nationals seeking entry into Malaysia for purposes such as work, study, or other activities. The exemption list aims to streamline entry for citizens of the 15 African countries, enhancing bilateral ties and travel convenience.
Related Developments
In a related story, Malaysia previously released an official list of 51 countries whose citizens can enter the country without a Visa With Reference. Additionally, a Nigerian man named Badiru relocated with his family to Malaysia, citing a desire for a change of scenery and a fresh start, as reported by Legit.ng.
