Malaysia Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Foreign passengers to Malaysia are required to hold sufficient funds (at least USD 500) to cover their expenses while in the country, and return/onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. If passengers are not in possession of a return/onward ticket, they will be requested to purchase one. Note that admission will be refused to foreign ladies in an advanced stage of pregnancy (six months or more), except if they are in transit, for a maximum period of 72 hours (no extensions allowed). Also note that foreign nationals who have previously worked in Malaysia, and whose previous work visa is endorsed "COM", will not be allowed to return to Malaysia to work for six months. If they intend to return for a social visit, they will be subject to an interview on arrival, and will not always be guaranteed entry. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Malaysia, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for holders of British passports, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein, for stays of up to three months.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC business travel card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Malaysia. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued upon arrival.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC business travel card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Malaysia. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued upon arrival.

Healthcare

Some tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and travelers should seek medical advice regarding any recommended vaccinations before traveling. Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue fever, which has no vaccination or immunization. There has been an increase in cases of dengue fever since January 2005. Malaria risks are isolated to the inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where there is an all-year risk. Visitors should stick to bottled water and avoid uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads. A further health hazard in Malaysia is smoke haze and air pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has the worst air quality in Asia with very high Benzene pollution levels. This could aggravate cardiac or respiratory problems. The hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high standard. Medical insurance is recommended. Travelers older than one year coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Safety

Malaysia shares with the rest of South East Asia a threat from terrorism, including places frequented by Westerners. The US State Department updated its warning in November 2003 and stressed extra caution in the troubled eastern Malaysia state of Sabah, where the risk of kidnapping is high. Terrorists are believed to be planning to kidnap foreign tourists from the islands and coastal areas of Eastern Sabah and boats traveling to dive sites and between the islands are possible targets. Tourists wishing to visit the resorts and islands in the state should stick to larger resorts and exercise extreme caution. Visitors should be aware that street crime such as bag snatching, pick-pocketing and scams are a problem.