*** From 1 August 2022, all entry requirements for Malaysia related to Covid-19 have been removed, regardless of vaccination status. ***
Two years after closing its borders on 18 March 2020, Malaysia reopened its borders to international tourists on 1 April 2022. Fully vaccinated tourists with valid travel documents can enter without quarantine. As with other destinations, Malaysia has a set of covid entry rules or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This article provides a summary of everything you need to know to enter Malaysia as a tourist. There may be updates to the procedures for entering Malaysia from time-to-time so please refer to the government’s Safe Travel website for the latest information.
Who Is Considered As Fully Vaccinated For Travel Purposes
So, first-things-first, who qualifies as “fully vaccinated” by the Malaysian authorities. In general, an adult aged 18-59 who has had a primary course of a WHO-approved vaccine. For most people (and vaccine types) a primary course is two doses. However, Malaysia has added another level for travellers aged 60 and above. If you are in this age group you will need a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated. See the chart below for a summary of vaccination status in Malaysia.
Procedures For Entering Malaysia
From 1 August 2022, all entry requirements for Malaysia related to Covid-19 and travel have been removed, regardless of vaccination status.
So, unvaccinated travellers no longer need to do pre-arrival tests or hotel quarantine on arrival. The entry requirements to Malaysia are now the same for all travellers and no longer depend on vaccination status. You do not need to show proof of vaccination. You may be asked to down the MySejahtera app but you do not need to fill in the Travellers card or any other nonsense like before.
Note some airlines may still maintain regulations regarding vaccination so best check with your airline.
1. Download the MySejahtera App from Google Play or the App Store. MySejahtera is Malaysia’s covid tracking app. It was previously used to check-in to shops and serves as a vaccine passport.
2. Upload your overseas vaccination details in the MySejahtera App.
Click on the Traveller icon on the main menu.Click on the ‘Overseas Vaccination Details’.Fill in the form.Press the submit button.
Note: From 1 August 2022 you do NOT need to fill out the blue MySejahtera Traveller Card before your trip. This was announced by Malaysia’s Minister of Health on 30 July 2022.
Notes:
Any files (e.g. vaccine certificates) uploaded to MySejahtera should be below 250kb in size.
From 1 May 2022 fully vaccinated travellers do NOT need to take a pre-departure PCR test or on-arrival rapid test.
(Partially or unvaccinated travellers are required to take a RT-PCR pre-departure test 2 days before arrival and a supervised RTK-AG test within 24 hours of arrival. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers will be issued a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for 5 days. These travellers will need to quarantine for 5 days upon arrival in Malaysia.)
Notes On Entering Sarawak & Sabah
In the first month or so of the reopening of borders to international tourists Sarawak & Sabah had additional rules for entry. These are no longer applicable. Both the East Malaysian States now follow the national entry policy (i.e. no tests for fully vaccinated travellers, etc.).
Covid-19 Travel Insurance
Whilst it is no longer mandatory to have covid-19 travel insurance to enter Malaysia we recommend that you have it.
Mask Rules
On 7th September 2022 Malaysia dropped its mask mandate requiring masks to be worn indoors. The only places you are required to wear a mask are in hospitals and clinics and when travelling on public transport (flights, trains, buses taxis and e-hailing rides like Grab). There are no physical distancing rules.
No App Check-Ins
You do NOT need to use MySejahtera to check into shops, hotels, etc.
What Happens If I Test Positive Whilst in Malaysia
Hopefully this won’t happen! If you do feel sick and have covid symptoms you can buy rapid tests in any pharmacy for RM 3-10. You can also take a professionally administered test in any private hospital and at some private doctor’s clinics. RTK-AG tests cost RM 60-100 and PCR tests are RM 160-220.
If you test positive you are required to update the MySejahtera App and quarantine at home or at your hotel for 7 days. You can report your symptoms in the health assessment tool in the App. Under a test and release scheme you can take a supervised RTK-Ag test on the 4th day and if the result is negative you can end your isolation / quarantine.
If you test positive and are feeling rough you can go to a private hospital for a check up and treatment or go to one of the Malaysian Government’s Covid-19 Assessment Centres (CAC). To check the nearest centre, open the MySejahtera App and click the Health Facilities tab. This will show a map with the nearest centre to you. Even small towns have a centre whilst cities have multiple centres. At the centre you will be assessed and if needed admitted to a hospital covid ward. Rest assured you will be well looked after and get all the necessary care and treatment you need.
