Skip to Content

Malaysia Reopening Borders For Tourism In March

Share The Article

Last Updated


Malaysia Edges Closer To Fully Reopening

Malaysia—one of the last Asian nations that’s yet to reopen its borders—is preparing to reopen its borders in March. Malaysia’s coronavirus recovery panel has recommended a full reopening of its borders as early as March 1 without mandatory quarantine for travelers. 

The reopening is part of a plan to speed up the nation’s economic recovery. Since March 2020, Malaysia has closed its borders for most reasons—including tourism. The news comes as Thailand, The Philippines, and Singapore waive quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated tourists. 

Dayang Bunting Island, Malaysia

Malaysia’s New Entry Requirements 

Although the Malaysian government is yet to release a reopening date, reports suggest travelers will have to undergo screening before departure and on arrival. 

Muhyiddin Yassin, a former chairperson of Malaysia’s National Recovery Council (NRC), said: “This means tourists can visit, investors can enter… It means AirAsia (AIRA.KL) can fly again, as an example,” 

Malaysia reopened a Langkawi travel bubble last year, but entry requirements were strict. As a result, very few travelers bothered to visit Malaysia in 2021.  

Langkawi island

The Current COVID-19 Situation In Malaysia 

Malaysia has recorded record cases of COVID-19 in recent weeks. The current 7-day case average is 10,610. However, with that said, Malaysia has fully vaccinated 98% of its entire adult population; this is one of the highest vaccine take-ups in the world. 

Currently, Malaysia has internal restrictions in place. A movement control order, whereby people can’t freely move around Malaysia, is currently in place.

However, some states have reduced restrictions as they move into the National COVID Recovery Plan. 

Travelers must wear a face mask in airports and public transport. There is a social distancing mandate of 1 meter. To enter many facilities, they’ll take a test of your temperature before you enter; this includes shops, cinemas, tourist destinations, and cinemas. 

What About Other Asian Nations? 

It’s great to hear that Malaysia is planning to reopen its borders in March; however, what about other Asian nations? 

Asia has typically pursued a strict zero-COVID policy at all costs throughout the continent.

But as many countries outside Asia learn to live with COVID-19—Asia is now opening for tourism. 

Here are some travel options in 2022:

Vietnam 

Phu Quoc Cable Car

Vietnam is reopening for tourism by April 2021. The nation pursued an extremely stringent zero-COVID policy throughout 2020 and 2021. Still, the nation will reopen will the following requirements:

  • Show proof of full vaccination—at least 14 days before entry—or Proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the previous 6 months
  • Travelers must take a negative PCR test result at least 72 hours before departure 
  • Travel medical insurance with coverage of at least USD 50,000
  • Separate requirements will apply for partially vaccinated individuals and children (news to follow)

Thailand 

Hikers In Thailand

Thailand has restarted its Test & Go system. It allows travelers to skip quarantine requirements and enjoy Thailand if they meet the following requirements:

  • Travelers need a scanned copy of their passport and visa
  • Proof of fully vaccinated status, such as a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery
  • Travel insurance with coverage worth USD 50,000
  • Confirmation of fully paid SHA Extra+/AQ hotel reservations (Day 1 and Day 5 with RT-PCR tests and airport transfer). The hotel for Day 1 must be within five hours of the traveler’s port of arrival, and the second hotel can be anywhere in the country.

The Philippines

After two years of closure, The Philippines is reopening its borders to international visitors. Here are the new entry requirements:

  • Travelers—regardless of their vaccination status—need evidence of a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. 
  • Fully vaccinated travelers won’t need to undergo any quarantine measures
  • Children under 18 don’t need proof of vaccination.

Read More

U.S. Issues Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ Warning For 7 More Countries

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022 

Hawaii Removes Testing And Quarantine For Travelers With Boosters

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.


carson willis

Thursday 10th of February 2022

98% vaccinated. record infections. those 2 things are irrevocably mutually exclusive. facts are facts i suppose. but its embarrassing to read.

Max

Thursday 10th of February 2022

Screening before departure and on arrival was legit. as long as no quarentine.

They dont trust before departure testing as its arrived via PDF file, easy to edit and manupulate text of the testing date in secounds.

At the border officials and airlines look less then 2 sec to verify the date. only that.

so, i thing testing after landing was legit in the midle of the pandemic era. Now its belong to the past.

Dee

Thursday 10th of February 2022

Wow, Malaysia, 98% vaccination rate. You know the anti-vaxxers won't be allowed in this country, along with most of the others listed here!