Visa Guide for Medical Tourists

Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Ensure you have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Proof of a return or onward journey is required for visa-free entry. A confirmed booking is recommended, though flexible tickets are acceptable.

A letter from your Penang hospital confirming your appointment, procedure details, and expected duration of stay. This is especially important if questioned at immigration about the purpose of your visit.

Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. Bank statements, credit cards, or a letter from your hospital confirming a payment plan are all acceptable. There is no fixed minimum amount, but immigration officers may ask.

Bring relevant medical records, test results, imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), and referral letters from your home doctor. These help your Penang medical team and can also demonstrate the medical purpose of your visit.

While not strictly required for entry, having travel and/or medical insurance documentation is strongly recommended. It may be requested at immigration and is essential for your own protection.

A confirmed booking for your recovery accommodation in Penang. If staying at hospital-recommended accommodation, a confirmation letter from the hospital is sufficient.

If travelling with a caregiver or companion, a letter explaining the relationship and the medical purpose of travel can help at immigration, especially if the companion is from a visa-required country.

Obtain a Medical Letter

Request a letter from your treating hospital/doctor in Penang stating: your diagnosis, the treatment performed or planned, the medical reason why you cannot leave Malaysia yet, and the estimated additional time needed for recovery or treatment.

Visit the Immigration Office

Go to the Penang Immigration Office (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, Penang branch) at Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR), Level 29, George Town. Bring your passport, medical letter, hospital bills (proof of treatment), and completed extension application form (IMM.55).

Submit Your Application

Submit your extension application with all supporting documents. The fee for a social visit pass extension is typically RM 100 per month. Processing usually takes 1-3 working days. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Receive Your Extension

If approved, your passport will be stamped with the new permitted stay duration. Extensions are typically granted for 1-3 months at a time, depending on the medical justification. You can apply for further extensions if treatment requires it.

Visa-Free Companions

Companions from visa-free countries enter Malaysia on the same terms as the patient. No additional documentation is needed, although carrying a copy of the patient's hospital appointment letter can be helpful at immigration.

Visa-Required Companions

Companions from visa-required countries should apply for a social visit visa at the nearest Malaysian embassy. The MHTC can provide a support letter confirming the medical purpose of travel, which significantly helps the visa application.

Companion Accommodation

Most JCI hospitals in Penang offer companion beds or nearby accommodation recommendations. Gleneagles Penang and Island Hospital have family rooms. Affordable hotels and serviced apartments near hospitals start from RM 80/night.

Why Bring a Companion

For major surgeries, travelling with a companion is strongly recommended. They can assist with daily needs during recovery, communicate with medical staff, manage logistics, and provide emotional support. Penang is easy for companions to enjoy while the patient is in hospital — with UNESCO Heritage sites, food tours, and beaches.