Top Malaysia Travel Advisory Updates: Your Guide To A Smooth Visit

Malaysia is a colorful country in Southeast Asia, famous for its lively culture, beautiful scenery, and rich history. It’s a favorite spot for tourists from around the world. To have a safe and fun trip, it’s important to know the latest travel advisory to Malaysia. 

This guide covers the current travel rules for Malaysia, including entry requirements, safety tips, health rules, and local customs.

The Latest Travel Advisory To Malaysia

Malaysia entry requirements

What is the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?

The Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online form you need to fill out before arriving in Malaysia. This rule started on January 1, 2024.

Who needs to fill it out?

Most travelers need to complete the MDAC, but there are exceptions. People with Singapore passports, diplomatic and official passports, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders don’t need to fill it out.

Travelers should update Malaysia entry requirements before traveling 

Check Malaysia visa requirements

• Exemptions from the MDAC include holders of Singapore passports, diplomatic and official passports, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders.
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Malaysia. Passports should be undamaged with no missing pages.
• You must have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the entry stamp. Immigration officials will place an entry stamp, known as a social visit pass, in your passport, authorizing your stay.
• British nationals do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. For longer stays or non-tourist purposes, a visa is required.
• Visitors must exit Malaysia using the same passport used to enter. If the passport is replaced before departure, an exit permit must be obtained from Immigration.
• Travelers from 10 countries (Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the U.S., and the UK) can use the autogates at KLIA if they fill out the MDAC form 3 days before arriving.

Check Malaysia visa requirements before applying for a visa 

Get To Know About Malaysia Government Travel Advice

Safety and Security

• The UK advises against all but essential travel to the eastern Sabah coastal islands due to the threat of kidnapping
• Australia advises exercising normal safety precautions in Malaysia
• Canada says to be very careful in Malaysia because of crime and terrorism risks. They also advise avoiding non-essential travel to the east coast of Sabah because of kidnapping and violence dangers.
• The U.S. has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah.

Local Laws and Customs

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, with convicted offenders facing the death penalty.
• You must carry photo identification like your passport at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place.
• Shari'a law has been introduced in Malaysia, and Muslim travelers may be subject to these laws. Some states have strict regulations on alcohol and public decency
• Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Malaysia.

Health Regulations

Check COVID-19 entry requirements

The latest travel advisories say there are no COVID-19 rules for entering Malaysia. You don’t need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Also, there are no quarantine rules. However, travelers should continue to check for any updates to Malaysia's entry policies prior to their trip.

Consider buying Travel Insurance 

Obtaining comprehensive travel insurance for Malaysia is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Emergency Medical Expenses: Insurance helps pay for big medical costs in Malaysia, including treatment, hospital stays, and evacuations, especially in private hospitals.
2. Trip Cancellations and Interruptions: It protects you from losing money if your trip is suddenly canceled or changed due to emergencies or disasters by covering costs you can't get back.
3. Activities in High-Risk Areas: If you’re traveling to risky places like eastern Sabah, insurance is very important. Make sure your insurance covers these areas and follows travel advisories.

By knowing about these health risks and taking the right steps, you can have a safe and healthy trip to Malaysia. It’s also a good idea to talk to a travel health expert before you go.

Travelers are encouraged to purchase travel insurance along with their trip 

Health Risks and Precautions

• Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika occur year-round in Malaysia. Take appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
• Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Malaysia, including Mount Kinabalu in East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). Be prepared if planning high-altitude activities.
• Other health risks include rabies in the states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Sarawak.

How Can I Find The Latest Travel Advisory For Malaysia?

To find the latest travel advisory for Malaysia, you can check the following resources:

• U.S. Department of State: The official travel advisory page gives detailed info on safety, security, and entry rules for Malaysia. Regular updates are made based on changing conditions. You can visit their travel advisory page for more information.
• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): This site gives travel advice for people from the UK, including safety tips and health info. You can check their website for the latest updates.
• Malaysian Government Websites: The Malaysian Immigration Department and consulate websites share updates on entry rules and travel advice. For example, you can find useful info on the Consulate General of Malaysia's website.
• Local News Outlets: You can stay updated about travel changes by following Malaysian news or through the Global Visa Corp website.

There are various channels for visitors to check Malaysia travel advisory

By regularly checking these sources, you can stay updated on the latest travel advisories for Malaysia.

Malaysia is a fantastic place to visit, full of exciting experiences. By keeping up with the latest travel advice, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Understanding entry rules, safety tips, health regulations, and local customs will help you make the most of your visit. For more information, visit the Global Visa Corp. Whether you're exploring cities, beaches, or rainforests, staying informed is key to a great trip to Malaysia.