Why Getting a Malaysia Visa Is Harder for Nepali Citizens After 2026

In 2026, Malaysia introduced new visa requirements that have made it significantly harder for Nepali citizens to successfully obtain a visit visa. These changes, aimed at tightening the visa application process, have led to an increase in visa rejections and greater complexity for applicants. While these updates are meant to reduce fraudulent applications and ensure that only genuine travelers are granted visas, they have inadvertently created challenges for Nepali applicants.

Below, we explore why getting a Malaysia visa has become more difficult for Nepali citizens after 2026.

1. Introduction of Stricter Documentation Requirements

One of the primary reasons for the increased difficulty in securing a Malaysia visa is the stricter documentation requirements introduced in 2026. The Malaysian embassy now mandates that all applicants submit verified, genuine documents to prove their travel plans, which marks a shift from the previous, more lenient process.

• Active PNR flight tickets: The embassy now requires confirmed flight tickets with an active Passenger Name Record (PNR), as opposed to allowing the use of dummy tickets or provisional flight bookings.

• Confirmed hotel bookings with invoices: Applicants must submit not just hotel reservations but also official hotel invoices, further proving that their accommodation is secured and paid for.

For many Nepali applicants, these stricter documentation standards have created significant hurdles. In the past, many travelers were able to use dummy reservations or provisional documents, but now, only genuine and verifieddocuments are accepted. This has made it harder for many Nepali citizens to proceed with their visa applications, especially if they cannot afford to book flights or hotels in advance.

2. Increased Financial Requirements

In 2026, Malaysia imposed a new financial requirement for all visa applicants. Nepali travelers are now required to submit a 3-month bank statement showing an ending balance of at least NPR 3 lac. This requirement is designed to ensure that applicants have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Malaysia and to prevent the risk of overstaying due to financial constraints.

For many Nepali nationals, maintaining a NPR 3 lac balance for 3 months has proven to be challenging. This new rule has particularly affected low-income travelers, students, and others who do not typically maintain high balances in their bank accounts. As a result, many applicants who cannot meet this financial threshold have seen their applications rejected.

3. Longer Processing Times and Greater Scrutiny

Another factor making the Malaysia visa process harder for Nepali citizens in 2026 is the increased scrutiny of applications. The Malaysian embassy now spends more time reviewing each application in detail, which has led to longer processing times. Visa processing can now take up to 7 working days, a significant increase compared to previous years.

The longer processing time means that each document is examined more thoroughly, and the chances of a rejection due to incomplete or incorrect paperwork have risen. Small errors—such as incorrect passport photo sizes, missing documents, or inconsistent information—can lead to delays or rejections. This greater scrutiny means that applicants need to be extra cautious and ensure that all their documents are in perfect order before submitting them.

4. Stricter Prevention of Fraudulent Applications

The Malaysian authorities have become more vigilant in their efforts to prevent fraudulent visa applications. Previously, many Nepali applicants used fake or misleading documents to obtain their visas, including dummy tickets, fake hotel reservations, or fabricated bank statements.

In response to this, Malaysia has ramped up its verification procedures, meaning that applicants who try to submit fraudulent documents are much more likely to face rejection. The embassy now thoroughly checks all submitted documents, including flight tickets, hotel bookings, and bank statements, to ensure their authenticity. This heightened focus on fraud prevention has made it much harder for applicants to submit falsified documents without getting caught.

5. Lack of Awareness About New Visa Requirements

Many Nepali travelers are unaware of the new visa requirements introduced in 2026. As a result, they continue to submit applications based on outdated guidelines, which leads to a higher rate of rejections.

The updated rules, such as the need for genuine flight bookings, hotel invoices, and higher financial thresholds, are not widely understood by all applicants. Those who do not fully understand the changes may mistakenly submit incomplete applications or incorrect documents, which can lead to automatic visa rejection.

6. Higher Risk of Rejection Due to Insufficient Travel History

Another significant change in Malaysia's visa approval process is the increased focus on travel history. Applicants who have limited international travel experience or who have not traveled to countries with a strong visa record may face more scrutiny when applying for a Malaysia visa.

If a Nepali applicant has a history of overstaying visas or does not have a solid travel history, the Malaysian embassy may view them as a higher risk for overstaying or engaging in illegal activities during their stay. As a result, the applicant may be rejected even if all other documents are in order.

7. The Impact on Nepali Travelers

For Nepali citizens, these new visa rules have created several challenges:

1. Higher Rejection Rates: Many Nepali applicants are unable to meet the updated documentation and financial requirements, leading to an increase in rejections.

2. Increased Costs: The new rules have made the visa process more expensive. Applicants are now required to pay for confirmed flight tickets and hotel bookings well in advance, adding financial burden.

3. Complex and Lengthy Process: With stricter document verification and longer processing times, the overall process has become more complex and time-consuming.

4. Frustration for Applicants: For many Nepali travelers who were used to the simpler visa process in the past, these new requirements have caused confusion and frustration. Without proper guidance, applicants may make mistakes that result in rejections.

8. How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Malaysia Visa in 2026

To successfully obtain a Malaysia visit visa in 2026, Nepali travelers must be diligent in following the new requirements. Here are some tips to improve your chances of approval:

1. Book Confirmed Flights and Hotels: Make sure you have real, confirmed flight bookings and hotel reservations with official invoices.

2. Maintain Sufficient Funds: Ensure your bank statement shows at least NPR 3 lac at the end of the 3-month period. If needed, delay your application until you meet the financial requirements.

3. Double-Check Your Documents: Review all documents carefully to ensure they meet the embassy’s specifications. Small mistakes can lead to rejection.

4. Apply Early: Submit your application well in advance to allow for potential delays or issues that may arise during processing.

5. Seek Professional Assistance: Consider getting help from a visa assistance service like Yatra For Fun, which can guide you through the updated visa requirements and increase your chances of success.

9. How Yatra For Fun Can Help

At Yatra For Fun, we understand the challenges Nepali citizens face when applying for a Malaysia visa under the new 2026 requirements. Our team of experts can help guide you through the application process, ensuring that all your documents are correctly prepared and submitted to meet the embassy's updated standards.

Yatra For Fun offers a full suite of services, including:

• Document Preparation: We help you gather and organize all the necessary documents, ensuring they meet the embassy’s strict criteria.

• Booking Assistance: We assist you in securing confirmed flight tickets and hotel reservations with official invoices.

• Bank Statement Guidance: We provide advice on how to meet the financial requirements for your visa.

• Application Submission: We handle the submission process, ensuring that your application is complete and error-free.

For more information or personalized assistance, contact Yatra For Fun:

• Phone: +977 9709066517, +977 9709066745, +977 9802348957, +977 9708072951, +977 9802363869

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: YatraForFun.com

Let Yatra For Fun help you navigate the complexities of the Malaysia visa process and improve your chances of approval!