Travel Info Malaysia

MALAYSIA

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

A passport that is valid for at least six months is required for entry into Malaysia. You don’t need a visa if your stay is under 90 days. When you enter the country, you will receive a social visit pass, which serves as a visa for 90 days.

Please Embassy of Malaysia and U.S. State Department for the most up to date information on passport and visa requirements.

VACCINATIONS:

Vaccines are recommended or required for Malaysia. We recommend going to your local travel health services provider, like Passport Health for individual recommendations. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations are recommended for Malaysia:

• typhoid

• hepatitis A

• polio

• yellow fever

• Japanese encephalitis

• chikungungya

• rabies

• hepatitis B

• influenza

• pneumonia

• meningitis

• chickenpox

• shingles

• measles

• covid -19

• mumps and rubella (MMR)

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

SAFETY IN MALAYSIA:

We recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before traveling aboard and to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

There is a continued terrorist threat in Malaysia for U.S. travelers. There is a high presence of terrorist supporters in Malaysia.

If you are traveling to Sabah, use extreme caution. Kidnappings and violence from terrorist groups are known to occur. Be careful on ferries off of the coast, as terrorist may target these.

Due to these concerns, all U.S. government employees must obtain written permission from the Embassy to visit eastern Sabah.

Petty theft is common in Kuala Lumpur. Stay away from public demonstrations. If you are a woman, try not to travel by yourself, especially at night.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations have a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures all year round. Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Langkawi has a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall from September to November.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS:

 Year Round (2 Rainy Seasons)

The hot season in Malaysia can be scorching, with temperatures soaring and humidity levels at their peak. To stay comfortable, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow air circulation. Cotton and linen are excellent choices, as they absorb sweat and keep you cool. Loose-fitting clothing, such as flowy sundresses and relaxed-fit shirts, are ideal for this season.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MALAYSIA:

 Plan to tip your tour guide 10-15%, at the end of a tour or expedition.

Restaurants and Hotels: 10% is customary on meals providing you are satisfied with the service.