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Much like many countries around the world at present, entry into Malaysia is highly restricted, with many groups of people simply not allowed to cross the border into the country. Here’s an in-depth look at all the COVID-19 entry requirements for Malaysia that travelers need to know.
Countries Allowed To Visit Malaysia
Foreigners are not currently permitted to enter Malaysia, but there are exceptions for select travelers. These exceptions include those who have a long-term pass or have attained approval to enter the country (see below).
The country is currently in a Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) until December 31st, after which the entry requirements may change.
Travelers Being Granted Approval To Enter Malaysia
- Foreign visitors arriving in the country for medical tourism purposes must go through the Health Ministry and register with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). Only residents of Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand may apply.
- Expatriates holding high management positions with Employment Pass category 1 (EP1), Professional Visit Pass and Resident Talent Pass, foreign spouses with long-term dependency pass
- Reciprocal Green Lane With Singapore: short-term travel of up to 14 days for essential and official business
- Professional visit pass holders, permanent residents, spouses of Malaysian citizens and student pass holders (Long-term pass holders need to submit applications through the Malaysian Immigration Department before they are allowed entry into the country)
My Travel Pass Application For Entry
The government of Malaysia has just launched an easy online application system called ‘My Travel Pass’ for foreigners looking to enter the country.
Malaysia’s My Travel Pass system will allow the following categories of travelers to apply online:
- Reciprocal Green Lane Travellers
- Periodical Commuting Arrangement Travellers
- Spouses and Children of Malaysian Residents/Citizens
- Foreigner Social Visits / PR Residents
- Foreign Workers
- Expatriates and Property Owners
- Malaysian Citizens Returning Home
We have a detailed guide that explains the definition of each type of traveler, and how hopeful visitors can use the new online My Travel Pass system.
Travel Authorization To Visit Malaysia
Those who meet the requirements to enter Malaysia, such as those in employment in the country, must complete a series of entry requirements in order to be able to enter. These requirements are as follows:
- Still holding a valid pass/approval of pass application;
- Present the Entry Approval Letter or Exit and Return to Malaysia Approval Letter that is still valid (within 60 days from the issuance date including Entry Approval Letter or Exit and Return Approval Letter that has been issued before 7 September 2020), and the expatriate must return to Malaysia within that duration with a valid pass;
- Obtain a Visa with Reference (VDR) for countries that require a visa to enter Malaysia;
- Comply with the quarantine requirement set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA);
- Entry Approval Letter that has been issued earlier is still valid within 60 days from the issuance date;
Those who fail to complete all of the steps will be denied entry and blacklisted with immigration.
Malaysia’s COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
Those who enter Malaysia are no longer required to have a Covid-19 test three days before their flight to Malaysia. However, they will be tested upon arrival into the country in a screening process that may take up to three hours.
Quarantine Entry Requirements For Malaysia
All passengers who enter Malaysia must undergo 14-day period of quarantine, with a cost of RM5,010 ($1,234 ISD). This price includes transport, food, testing and accommodation costs. Following a successful quarantine period, travelers will be free to travel as they please.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
It is not mandatory to have health insurance when entering Malaysia. Travel Off Path recommend that all travelers have proper insurance prior to traveling.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Malaysia
All those who enter Malaysia must install the MySejahtera app in order to aid the government with contact tracing. The app can be downloaded here. There is also a mandatory mask wearing policy in public areas and on public transport.
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
Malaysia has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) for entry.
Visa Entry Requirements For Malaysia During COVID-19
As the borders are all-but shut down, any visa exemptions or visa on arrival agreements have been postponed. Those with the relevant long-term visas or passes may gain entry. The types that this applies to are as follows:
- Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) and their dependant/s
- Employment Pass (Category EP I, II and III)
- Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
- Dependant Pass to expatriate for all categories
- Long Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) to expatriate for all categories
- Foreign Maid to expatriate for all categories
Visa entry requirements may change following the end of Malaysia’s RMCO.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Tunku Iskandar
Wednesday 16th of December 2020
A number of the protocols have changed since last week.
Atasya
Thursday 7th of January 2021
any new updates?