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Answered8 months ago

Can I go on holiday while my visa application is pending in Malaysia?

Fran ******
asked Mar 4, 2026
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Hello everyone! You've been helpful before, so I'll post again :)

I've applied for the DTV remote worker visa in Malaysia, and they requested so many documents. I even had to use a notary and get documents apostilled, and so on. Eventually, I managed to get everything and submitted it through the portal. Now the status is again "Pending documents check."

My question is: Can I leave the country and go on a well-deserved holiday somewhere else? I've already been stuck here for two weeks just waiting for the visa.

I mean, is this legally allowed, or could it create any problems with immigration later? I know it's usually advised to stay in case they request an interview, but I could always come back if needed. So my question is more about the legal side, because I can't find clear information about this anywhere.

Thank you!
Answer summary
The user is asking whether they can leave Malaysia for a holiday while their DTV remote worker visa application is still pending. Various comments suggest that although it is not illegal to leave, doing so can jeopardize the application as the embassy reserves the right to reject it if they find out the applicant is not in the country. Many advise staying in Malaysia until a decision is made to avoid any potential issues.
25 repliesnewest first
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Luit *****************
Luit *****************
A digital nomad stuck for a few weeks in Malaysia?

You just can work there, they have internet too.

Leaving might lead to canceling when they find out.

Immigration will not have problems when you are approved.
Elías ********
Elías ********
No, you can't. You risk getting the visa application rejected for leaving the jurisdiction.
Robert *******
Robert *******
Why, it is explained if you can read

You might get asked for an interview, could be in person.

You have to apply BEFORE departure.

And lots of people go to Malaysia for holiday, so why the urgent needs, to leave during a 4 weeks application period.

It is not illegal to leave, feel free to do if you like, but be aware the Embassy reserved the right to refuse the visa application with no reason provided and no refund.

*********************************************************************
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
@Robert ******
Thank you for your reply. I'm not asking if it's convenient/practical or not, and I'm aware they might need an interview and I'd happy to attend if requested and to provide more documents if needed too. I'm just asking if there is any legal/regulation/rule reason for not to leave the country while waiting? And this is not specified anywhere in their website, that's all. If not, then it should not affect the application if I'm staying or not, as long as I've submitted the application while staying in Malaysia, correct?
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
Fran Thai Normally people are required to stay in the country where they apply for a visa during the process.

Before evisa it was even impossible to leave.

Normally this would be no problem because when you apply the advised time of one or two months before travel it should be no issue.

It is just one of the disadvantages of visa runs, and maybe that is also the reason they just keep the old rules.
Robert *******
Robert *******
Why you not ask the Embassy ?

Why you rely on strangers sto keep pushing your thoughts.

As I said, feel free to do what ever you want and like but be aware the application can be denied without refund.

Your choice, your money, you time.

Two more weeks or risking all for a holiday.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Fran Thai They will reject your application if you leave Malaysia
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
@Robert ******
Ahh, I got you now, thank you for that, I'd appreciate it! And yeah, I'll try to reach out to them too, just wanted to hear from people experiences.
Robert *******
Robert *******
Fran Thai Yep, I gave you the link with the correct information but FAcebook rules and sending an E-Mail is not possible in Malaysia.

I did read:

For further enquiries, please get in touch with
****************************


But if you ask nicely I might be willing to think about sending an e-mail to ask.
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
@Robert ******
Because, as you can see, sometimes embassy rules are ambiguous, so I want to hear first hand experience from people. That's why these kinds of groups exist, right?
James ********
James ********
Stay there UNTIL the decision is known... period 🩸
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
But can you explain why?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Fran Thai No one can explain why. the embassy reserve the right to reject your application at their discrerion if you leave Malaysia. LOL
John **********
John **********
Not just the interview. They can ask to see your passport and if it shows you've left the country they can just reject your application
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
@John *********
So, is it ilegal to leave the country if you are waiting for the visa? I'm just trying to understand where is this rule written or what rule is breaking leaving the country while waiting.
Elías ********
Elías ********
Fran Thai Illegal is not the right word. It's not "allowed". You're free to do it, but if they find out, they'll reject the application

You're not breaking a law, hence why it's not ilegal. You're breaking their rules.
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
@Elías *******
Gotha now! So there is actually a rule that says that. Ok, then I understand it, it's not illegal, but it's their rule to do the application. I'll just wait. Thank you!
John **********
John **********
Fran Thai of course it's not illegal. You are free to leave. But you are putting your application at risk.
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
Ok, thank you for the explanation and patience, it's just a bit frustrating, but well, I think is safer to just stay after reading all the comments. Thank you
John **********
John **********
Fran Thai Thai consulates still operate in the same way they did when you physically had to attend in person to apply for a visa, it's just the processing that has moved online. Some even make you sign a written agreement to remain. At the end of the day the choice is yours to make.
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
@John *********
But why? Why am I risking anything if there are no rules to require to stay waiting? I'm not getting it.
Greg ********
Greg ********
I doubt very much it would ever cause issues later if it is issued and you enter Thailand with it.
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
@Greg *******
but as you see, some people is saying it can create issues, I'm just wondering why, what rule is breaking going on a trip and being available if needed for the visa, but apparently if they know this, they can reject the visa?
Greg ********
Greg ********
Fran Thai The issue is if they find out you are not in the country during application. You asked about latter with immigration.
Fran ******
Fran ******
OP
Ok, I meant to say if this could be any issue during application or later with immigration. Then it could be an issue if they find out I'm not in the country after I've just provided all specifically requested documents and I'm just waiting? I just don't understand the reasoning behind this, but well, if that's the case, I'll just wait
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