Traveling to Malaysia: What You Need to Know
Malaysia has been closed to tourists for much of the pandemic due to strict lockdowns. However, the question remains: can travelers visit this diverse and vibrant destination now? Here’s everything you need to know.
Is Malaysia Open to Tourists?
The destination partially reopened its borders to foreign tourists in mid-November 2021, allowing vaccinated visitors to travel to the island of Langkawi without the need for quarantine. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob stated that visitors must be fully vaccinated and stay in Langkawi for at least seven days before they can explore other parts of Malaysia. Consequently, entry to regions outside Langkawi has been prohibited for some nationalities.
As of now, Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, does not allow travelers to fly directly into the country; however, the entire destination is set to fully open to international travelers who have been vaccinated starting from Friday, April 1, 2022. Travelers must present a negative PCR test result from a test taken no more than two days before departure, and also take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arriving in Malaysia.
Moreover, travelers are required to complete a pre-departure travel form. Thankfully, there is no longer a requirement to apply for a MyTravelPass permit.
Which Vaccines Are Accepted for Travel to Malaysia?
When travel resumes fully, the destination is expected to accept most Covid-19 vaccines administered globally, including those widely given in the UK. However, it is important to note that 14 days must have passed since the second dose of vaccines like Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca, or 28 days after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Which Covid Tests Do I Need When I Return to the UK?
Travelers returning to the UK from Malaysia will not need to adhere to any specific rules starting from Friday, March 18, 2022, regardless of vaccination status. UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that all remaining UK Covid travel rules would cease to exist from 4 am GMT on that date, which includes testing, quarantining, and completing passenger locator forms.
