When it comes to Malaysia's Short Term Social Visit Pass, it's probably best not to push your luck

Most visits to Malaysia take place on the so-called Short Term Social Visit Pass. As the name implies, this is a short-term social visa.

This Short Term Social Visit Pass is granted by Malaysia Immigration for the following purposes:

Tourism
Social visit
Visiting relatives
Journalism/Reporting
Meeting/Conference
Business Discussion
Factory Inspection
Auditing Company Accounts
Signing Agreement
Carrying out a survey on investment opportunities/setting up factory
Attending Seminars
Students on goodwill missions or taking examinations at a university
Taking part in sports competitions
Other activities approved by the Director General of Immigration

Vietnam Passport

Citizens from most countries, Vietnam included, typically, are granted a VOA, "Visa on Arrival", i.e. the 30 to 90 day Short Term Social Visit Pass. Additionally, as per current Malaysia immigration law, travelers from Vietnam not in possession of a long-term visa are not permitted to stay in Malaysia for longer stretches than the duration they stay outside of Malaysia.

For instance, anyone having stayed in Malaysia on a Short Term Social Visit Pass for 75 days will subsequently need to remain outside of the country for a minimum of 76 days. If that person tries to re-enter Malaysia before the 76 days have elapsed, he or she may be barred from entering the country for a period deemed fit by the immigration official in question.

In fact, theoretically, even if that person tries to enter Malaysia after meeting the minimum 76 day time frame, the immigration official still has the discretion to bar that person from entry if and when circumstances are found to be suspicious. This applies especially when doing these so-called "visa runs" repeatedly.

Of course, in practice, immigration officials aren't out to bar visitors at the drop of a hat. However, it should be noted that repeated entry into Malaysia on just the Short Term Social Visit Pass might eventually raise alarm bells.

In other words, if you're planning on staying in Malaysia for longer stretches at a time, it's best to ensure you don't get blacklisted, or graylisted. How? By proactively acquiring the long-term visa appropriate for your situation. The peace of mind alone is worth it...

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