23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on 321 159 999 or 322 662 222.
Do not travel to Malaysia overall.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Malaysia. This includes in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities.
Attacks could be random and may affect locations popular with Westerners or during major events or holidays that attract large crowds.
In June 2016, Daesh-linked terrorists staged a grenade attack at a bar in Puchong, Kuala Lumpur. 8 people were injured. The group has threatened more attacks.
Malaysian authorities have arrested people for planning terror attacks. This includes attacks against entertainment venues in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian Government has increased its visibility in response to the threat.
Joint patrols by police and military are in place at public places around Kuala Lumpur, including shopping and entertainment venues.
Other possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Read our travel advice for Thailand if you're planning to go there overland.
Avoid travelling to or through the far southern provinces of Thailand.
There is a high threat of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah, including islands, dive sites and other tourist facilities.
Extremists based in the southern Philippines are active in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau in eastern Sabah.
Foreigners have been kidnapped from the nearby islands of Sipadan and Mataking and surrounding waters.
The risk of kidnapping increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall.
Some attempted and successful kidnappings have happened in coastal areas of eastern Sabah in recent years.
Some commercial seamen were kidnapped from cargo vessels in the area in 2016.
Malaysian authorities increased security in the region in response to kidnapping incidents. The Sabah Government has restricted the use of waterways.
There's a 6pm to 6am curfew on water travel in 6 coastal districts of eastern Sabah state. This includes offshore areas up to 3 nautical miles (5.5km) from the coast.
All vessels travelling in the waters off Lahad Datu and Sandakan in daylight hours must get a permit or permission from police.
Vessels must travel only on designated routes.
There's a ban on resort-organised water activities at night. This includes diving and fishing.
Authorities established the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which includes the regions of:
There's an increased presence of security forces in the ESSZone.
Authorities may extend the water travel curfew each fortnight. If you travel by water during curfew hours without permission, authorities could fine you or jail you for up to 6 months.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
If you decide to travel to eastern Sabah despite our advice:
More information:
You could encounter protests or demonstrations on the streets or at certain venues.
Protest activity could lead to violence and disrupt public services, including public transport, and cause traffic congestion. However, this is rare.
Police permission is needed for public gatherings and demonstrations. If you take part in a protest or demonstration, authorities could arrest and deport you.
Avoid protests and demonstrations.
During periods of unrest:
If civil unrest disrupts your transport plans, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.
More information:
Petty crime is common.
Snatch-and-grab robberies happen often. This is where thieves snatch handbags, shoulder bags, jewellery, mobile phones and other valuables from pedestrians.
Hotspots include busy pedestrian crossings near major shopping malls.
Motorcyclists, and sometimes thieves in other moving vehicles, pull bags from victims. This often causes injuries.
Smash-and-grab attacks against slow-moving and parked vehicles also happen.
To avoid petty crime:
Handbags, expensive watches, jewellery and cameras are tempting targets for thieves.
Many travellers have lost passports and other valuables to thieves on trains and at airports.
Carry only what you need and leave other valuables, in a secure location.
Thieves sometimes work in groups at busy shopping centres. One or more may approach you with stories of distress or warnings for your safety. When you're distracted, others steal your belongings.
Watch your personal belongings, especially:
Be wary of approaches from strangers, especially in shopping centres.
Credit card fraud is common.
Credit cards are often copied for illegal use. This can happen anywhere, from small shops to large department stores and hotels.
Always keep your credit card in sight.
Online scams have increased in recent years. Scammers often pretend to be people in need of financial help.
They prey on people looking for companions on online dating websites.
To protect yourself from being scammed:
Scams involving gambling are also common.
You could experience violent crime in Malaysia.
Criminals have assaulted and robbed travellers after spiking their drinks. This can even happen at places with a good reputation.
To protect yourself from drink spiking:
Taxi drivers have assaulted travellers, especially in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
To stay safe while using taxis:
If you're alone in a taxi, sit in the back seat. Keep your belongings with you in the taxi.
If your taxi stops to pick up other passengers, get out of the taxi when it's safe to do so. Taxi drivers aren't allowed to pick up extra passengers but it sometimes happens.
Rideshare apps are available. Use the same precautions as taxis.
Malaysia experiences severe weather and natural disasters, including:
If there's a natural disaster:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Earthquakes can happen in Malaysia.
In 2018, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Sabah. No deaths or injuries were reported. The earthquake's tremors were felt and climbing activities were suspended.
Coastal regions of the world can experience tsunamis. Malaysia and its neighbours are vulnerable to earthquakes, which make destructive tsunamis more likely.
More information:
Flooding and landslides are common during the wet season from October to February.
Severe rainstorms can result in deaths and extensively damaged infrastructure.
Essential services can be interrupted.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators aren't always met. This includes for adventure activities, such as diving.
Operators may not provide enough safety equipment. They also may not pay attention to maintenance standards and safety precautions.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:
If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem, especially:
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues weekly piracy reports.
Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. This includes waters between Sabah, Malaysia and Palawan in the Philippines.
If you decide to travel by boat in these regions despite our advice:
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations if, despite our advice, you're travelling to the coastal region of eastern Sabah.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. Contact the high commission or embassy of Malaysia to check what documentation local authorities may need you to have.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Malaysia. For local health information, follow the Malaysian Ministry of Health or Director-General of Health Twitter updates.
For information on Malaysia's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Malaysian government's website on their National Vaccination Program (Malay). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Smoke haze often happens from June to October, but it can happen at any time.
Check the haze situation and any health warnings the Malaysian Government issues.
When haze levels are high, authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity. Get your own medical advice.
Check air quality reports from the Malaysian Department of the Environment.
Dengue is common, including in major urban areas. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.
There's no vaccination or treatment available for dengue fever.
Zika virus is a risk. There's no vaccination for it.
If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:
The Zika virus bulletin includes advice on how to minimise Zika virus risks.
Malaria is a risk in rural areas. It's less common in urban and coastal areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases can happen. This includes chikungunya and filariasis.
Reported cases of Japanese encephalitis have increased in recent years. Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel
The risk of contracting insect-borne diseases increases during the wet season.
To protect yourself from disease:
More information:
Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease. It's found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.
The most recent cases were reported in Sarawak. It was transmitted through feral dog and cat bites.
Rabies can also be contracted when a rabid animal's saliva gets directly into your eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.
Avoid direct contact with dogs and other mammals.
If a dog, monkey or other mammal bites or scratches you, use soap and water straight away to wash the wound thoroughly.
Get urgent medical attention.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common.
These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Stings from jellyfish and other marine animals can be fatal.
Ask local authorities, your tour operator or hotel about:
Avoid temporary black henna tattoos as they often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.
You can find private hospitals with international-standard facilities in major cities.
Public hospitals in major cities have a good range of medical services. However, access can be slow. Services are more limited in rural areas.
Most private hospitals need a cash deposit or a confirmation of insurance before they will admit you. They also expect immediate payment for services.
You need to pay up-front for treatment at government hospitals.
There are decompression chambers in:
Medical tourism, including for cosmetic surgery, is common.
Standards at discount and uncertified medical facilities can be poor.
Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can result.
Before travelling for medical tourism:
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
The Malaysian Government has implemented Movement Control Orders (MCO), Conditional Movement Control Orders (CMCO) and Recovery Movement Control Orders (RMCO), in response to COVID-19 (see Travel). Foreigners have been arrested for breaching the MCO restrictions.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include the death penalty for drug trafficking.
More information:
Malaysian civil law applies to everyone in Malaysia. Under this law, it's unclear if surrogacy is legal and what conditions apply.
Under sharia law, surrogacy is illegal. However, sharia law only applies to Muslims.
Surrogacy isn't practised openly in Malaysia. If you want to pursue surrogacy, it's mostly a private arrangement between you and the surrogate.
Get independent legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.
More information:
Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law.
Kelantan and Terengganu states are stricter than others. These laws apply to all Muslims, including those from Australia.
Research laws that apply to you before you travel.
Crimes that may attract corporal punishment include:
Same-sex sexual relations are illegal.
Punishment can include whipping and up to 20 years in prison for same-sex acts involving either men or women.
More information:
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offence, which can result in fines and/or a jail sentence. Authorities strictly enforce these laws.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country.
Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many areas. This includes at religious sites.
Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.
Learn about customs at your destination. If in doubt, get advice from locals. Take care not to offend cultural or religious beliefs.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
If you're not fasting, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in front of people who are.
Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
If Malaysian authorities find out you hold both Australian and Malaysian citizenship, you may need to renounce either your Australian or Malaysian citizenship straight away, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.
More information:
In usual circumstances, Australian passport holders can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. Due to COVID-19, all tourists remain banned from entering Malaysia.
Arrange a visa before you travel if you're visiting for:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
If you breach your visa conditions or overstay your visa, authorities may fine, detain or deport you.
Always check the correct dates are on the visa stamp placed in your passport.
Follow immigration rules, including your visa conditions.
Tourists are currently not permitted to enter Malaysia.
Continuing foreign students at public and private education institutions, except for students from the United Kingdom, are permitted to enter Malaysia.
If you plan to visit Malaysia, you must hold or have been granted a visa by the authorities. You also need to request permission from the Malaysian Government to enter (or exit and re-enter) Malaysia. All categories of pass holders can submit an application to enter Malaysia via the My Travel Pass website.
You must also complete a ‘Letter of Undertaking and Indemnity’, and send this with supporting documents (specified in the links below) to your nearest embassy or consulate of Malaysia at least three days in advance.
If you're granted permission, they will issue you a ‘Notice of Travel’ before your departure. You'll need this document to board.
You can find guidance for your 'Letter of Undertaking' from the Malaysian Government's Facebook pages:
There may also be other requirements to enter if you are on certain types of long-term visas – do your research on what is required. Further information on the approval process is available on the Expatriate Services Division website, Malaysian Department of Immigration.
The Malaysian National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has also issued Guidelines on the Entry and Quarantine Process for a Person under Surveillance (PUS) arriving from abroad.
All foreigners who are given permission to enter Malaysia are subject to 10 days quarantine in a government-managed facility on arrival. Travellers are responsible for all quarantine costs.
A 7-day quarantine period will apply to travellers who undertake a COVID-19 (RT-PCR), three days before their arrival in Malaysia. You'll need to provide a copy of your lab results showing a negative result.
You'll be tested on arrival and a 10-day quarantine period will apply, if you're unable to provide a copy of your negative test result.
All foreigners entering Malaysia must prepay quarantine and COVID-19 testing costs before arriving in Malaysia. Payment is made online via the My Safe Travel website or the MyQR by MyEG mobile application. Proof of payment must be presented on arrival in Malaysia.
On 12 April 2021, the Malaysian Department of Immigration issued a statement (Malay) to announce that the grace period for holders of expired social visit passes (tourist visas) will cease as of 21 April 2021.
If you are in Malaysia on a social visit pass that expired after 1 January 2020, you have until 21 April 2021 to depart Malaysia without incurring any penalties or enforcement action. Contact your airline or travel provider to organise options to depart Malaysia as soon as you can.
Applications for extension (special pass) will be approved by the Malaysian Government on a case by case basis. This includes applications from foreign nationals who cannot immediately return to their home country due to flight availability and COVID-19. There is no guarantee that your request for extension will be approved. If you remain in Malaysia or attempt to depart Malaysia after this date, you may be subject to penalties including fines or detention.
Flight options to return to Australia are extremely limited. If you're travelling to the airport, be prepared to show your ticket and passport. Check with your airline or travel provider, as transit restrictions and flight availability are changing regularly. Contact your airline directly for possible direct flights or flights via transit hubs.
Due to restrictions in place on interstate travel, you must seek permission from your nearest police station to travel to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Subang International Airport, unless you are travelling to the airport from within Selangor or from the nearby states of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. If you are travelling to the airport from one of these states, and are stopped at a roadblock, you must show your plane ticket or boarding pass.
International transit is permitted in Malaysia with restrictions.
Transit requirements are subject to change at short notice, so please confirm with your airline that you are permitted to transit via Malaysia to your final destination.
For regular updates, including updates on commercial flight options, register with the Australian Government or follow the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Facebook and Twitter, or the High Commission website.
Malaysia has implemented strict COVID-19 'Movement Control Orders', which vary according to your location. There are two levels of Movement Control Order restrictions in place, which include:
The Malaysian Government regularly update their procedures for these Movement Control Orders and publish them on the Malaysian National Security Council website (in Malay) and on the MySejahtera app (in Malay).
These restrictions may change at short notice. Remain aware of the restrictions that apply in your area and follow the advice of local authorities.
Interstate travel is not permitted in Malaysia, except for travel between the neighbouring states of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Checkpoints have been set up to ensure people and vehicles are complying.
You must maintain social distance in public and wear a face mask in public spaces and on public transportation.
Foreigners have been arrested and charged for breaching restrictions, including failures to socially distance in public places or being present in a venue that is suspected of breaching these restrictions.
Enhanced Movement Control Orders (EMCO) and Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Orders (TEMCO) are also in place in areas of Peninsular and East Malaysia with a high number of COVID-19 infections. Non-residents are not permitted to enter these areas and non-essential businesses are closed. Follow the advice of local authorities if you’re in an area that has been placed under an EMCO or TEMCO.
Additional entry restrictions are in place in Sabah. Malaysians (MyKad holders), Malaysian permanent residents (MyPR holders), long term pass holders, dependents and spouses to Sabahans are permitted to enter Sabah. Non-Malaysians who do not have a valid long-term immigration pass must obtain special permission from the Sabah State Government. You will need to have a RT-PCR or RTK-Ag Covid-19 detection swab test three days before you enter Sabah.
The Sarawak State Government has implemented additional entry restrictions. If you are travelling from Peninsular Malaysia, you will require permission to enter Sarawak. Requests to enter Sarawak can be submitted online via the EnterSarawak website. On your arrival, you will be required to complete 14 days quarantine and COVID-19 testing. Non-Sarawakians are not permitted to enter Sarawak from Sabah or Labuan.
These requirements can change at short notice. Before you travel, please confirm entry requirements with your airline and/or local authorities.
If staying in Malaysia:
Foreigners need to provide biometric fingerprints of thumbs and index fingers on arrival.
Children aged younger than 12 years and visitors with finger disabilities don't have to do this.
Malaysian law requires that you carry identification, such as your passport or a Malaysian Immigration Issued Card (IKAd), with you at all times. If you are asked by police and are unable to provide it, you may be detained until you can present valid identification.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
When you depart, declare any MYR over MYR30,000, $US10,000 or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
You can take larger amounts out of the country if you declare it when you arrive.
ATMs are widely available.
If you travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, you need your passport. East Malaysia includes Sabah and Sarawak.
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for any related damage and injuries if you plan to hire:
To drive in Malaysia, you need both:
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
If you don't have both, you need to apply for a Malaysian licence.
More information:
Motorcyclists are a common traffic hazard. They often:
Motorcyclists have been increasingly confronting drivers who shout, gesture or toot their horn at them. They sometimes assault drivers.
You're 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Malaysia than in Australia.
To stay safe, drive carefully and avoid road rage.
On a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.
Some taxi drivers, especially in tourist spots or when roads are jammed, don't use their meter. This is illegal.
Malaysia's taxi regulator has an English-language hotline for reporting problems. To make a report, call 1 800 88 7723 and provide the:
Always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree the fare, before you get in a taxi.
At the start of your trip, take note of the vehicle number, the taxi company name and the name of the driver.
There have been fatal and other serious accidents involving long-distance tour buses. This often happens at night or in bad weather.
If you plan to travel by bus, choose a company with a good reputation and avoid overnight travel.
More information:
In recent years, several passenger boats have sunk due to overloading and poor maintenance.
Before booking tickets on a passenger ferry, speedboat or other vessel, check there is appropriate safety equipment available.
Don't travel on any vessel that looks overloaded or in poor condition.
When you board, confirm there are enough life jackets for all passengers. Know where they are.
In bad weather, wear a life jacket, even if others don't.
There is a curfew on travel by water from 6pm to 6am in the coastal districts of eastern Sabah. See Safety
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Malaysia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
National parks are protected areas and some are home to ethnic minority groups.
Be respectful of the law and customs in these areas. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Don't remove any wildlife or plants from the park.
Before entering a park, register your plans with park officials and let someone you trust know where you're going.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 999.
Call 999.
Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on 321 159 999 or 322 662 222.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 3) 2146 5555/2146 5575
Fax: (+60 3) 2141 5773
Website: malaysia.highcommission.gov.au
Email: ahckl.consular@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Malaysia
Twitter: @AusHCMalaysia
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
You can get limited consular help, including lodging Australian passport applications, at the following Australian consulates headed by honorary consuls:
14A (1st Floor), Lorong Abu Siti,
10400 Penang
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 4) 226 8955
Fax: (+60 4) 228 3366
Email: datolimpa@gmail.com
Suite 10.1, Level 10
Wisma Great Eastern
65 Jalan Gaya
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 88) 267 151
Fax: (+60 88) 266 509
Email: andrewsmk@yahoo.com
Block E No 32-34 (1st Floor)
Taman Sri Sarawak Mall
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
93100 Kuching
Sarawak
Malaysia
Phone: (+60 82) 521 805
Email: philipting66@gmail.com
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.