If you’re planning a trip to the captivating country of Malaysia, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the travel requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. From visa regulations to health considerations, this article provides you with the essential information you need before embarking on your Malaysian adventure. What are the requirements to travel to Malaysia?
What are the requirements to travel to Malaysia?
All travelers entering Malaysia are subject to certain entry requirements, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 30, 2022, the Malaysian government has reintroduced limited COVID-19 checks for entry into the country. The Ministry of Health has announced that all travelers will undergo temperature screening upon arrival in Malaysia.
If a traveler exhibits a fever or other symptoms, or if they have traveled to China within the past 14 days, they will be required to take a Covid-19 RTK (Rapid Test Kit) test at the airport before being allowed entry into the country. If the test result is positive, the individual will be instructed to self-isolate at home. In moderate to severe cases, they may be referred to a local health facility for further care.
It’s important for travelers to stay updated on the latest entry requirements and guidelines issued by the Malaysian authorities. Additional information can be obtained directly from the relevant Malaysian government agencies responsible for immigration and health matters.
Entry requirements for Sabah
Effective from January 8, travelers entering Sabah from China must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 according to their respective home countries’ criteria. They must also present a negative Covid-19 RTK (Rapid Test Kit) test result taken within 48 hours before departure.
For all other travelers entering Sabah, temperature screening will be conducted upon entry. Those with a fever or other symptoms will be required to take a Covid-19 RTK test at the airport. If the test result is positive, individuals will need to self-isolate at home. In moderate to severe cases, they may be referred to a local health facility for further care.
If you are fully vaccinated
If you are fully vaccinated, entry requirements for Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak are the same as for all travelers. Proof of vaccination status is not required for entry to Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. If you are not fully vaccinated, entry requirements for Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak remain the same as for all travelers.
If you are transiting through Malaysia
For transit through Malaysia, you are permitted to transit via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for up to 24 hours, as long as you remain airside. If you need to transit between KLIA and KLIA2, please note that these are separate airports, and you will need to go through immigration.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Ensure that your passport and travel documents meet the requirements set by your travel provider. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Malaysia.
British nationals do not require a visa for visits to Malaysia, and permission to stay for up to 90 days will be granted upon arrival. Visas for longer stays or non-tourist purposes should be obtained from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before traveling.
Note that Malaysia has strict regulations against illegal immigration. Overstaying your visa or violating entry terms can result in fines, detention, deportation, and blacklisting. Prison and immigration detention facilities may have limited healthcare services.
Drug screening may be conducted on arrival, and severe penalties apply for drug offenses in Malaysia.
Check whether you require a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Traveling on an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is not guaranteed for entry or transit through Malaysia. You should check with the nearest Malaysian embassy or High Commission and ensure that the ETD is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. It is advisable to inquire with the relevant embassy of your destination country for visa requirements when traveling with an ETD.
Malaysia does not recognize dual nationality, and entry may be refused if holding both a Malaysian passport and a passport of another nationality. For dual nationals (excluding Malaysian), it is recommended to enter and exit with the same passport.
Check the Malaysian Customs Service website for information on restricted or prohibited items. You must declare any items, including medications, whose legality you are unsure of.
There are restrictions on the amount of Malaysian Ringgit and foreign currency that can be imported or exported. Up to the equivalent of US $10,000 in Malaysian Ringgit can be imported or exported without prior approval. Any amount exceeding US $10,000 must be declared. Penalties for non-compliance include fines and imprisonment.
Please ensure you stay updated on the latest travel requirements and guidelines issued by the Malaysian authorities before your trip.
Local contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Fire and rescue services: Call 999.
Medical emergencies: Call 999.
Police: Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on +60321 159 999 or Royal Malaysia Headquarters (Bukit Aman) +603 22662 222.
Always get a police report when you report a crime. Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur
6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 3) 2146 5555/2146 5575
Fax: (+60 3) 2141 5773
Website: malaysia.highcommission.gov.au
Email: ahckl.consular@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Malaysia
Twitter: @AusHCMalaysia
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
You can get limited consular help, including lodging Australian passport applications, at the following Australian consulates headed by honorary consuls:
Australian Consulate, Penang
Level 3
Jalan Macalister
10400 Penang
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 4) 226 8955
Fax: (+60 4) 228 3366
Email: datolimpa@gmail.com
Australian Consulate, Kota Kinabalu
Lot 01-05, 11th Floor
Jubili Tower (Menara Jubili)
53, Jalan Gaya
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 88) 267 151
Fax: (+60 88) 266 509
Email: andrewsmk@yahoo.com
Australian Consulate, Sarawak
E39 Level 2
Taman Sri Sarawak Mall
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
93100 Kuching
Sarawak
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 19) 898 9787
Email: philipting66@gmail.com
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can’t contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia
