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COVID-19 Information
Last updated: May 31, 2023
19 MINUTE READ

Entry and Exit Requirements

Entry restrictions, COVID-19 testing requirements, and health screening requirements on arrival may change with little advance notice. Travelers are encouraged to monitor the websites and social media of the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Immigration Department and contact the Malaysian authorities directly with any questions. Please note that the social media pages for these Malaysian agencies are often the first to be updated with the latest information on new policies.

  • Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? No
    • Effective August 1, 2022, non-Malaysians, including U.S. citizens, may enter Malaysia without advance permission. Downloading and updating the MySejahtera mobile app is not required before arrival, but travelers may wish to download and use the app to indicate their risk status while in Malaysia, as it may be checked when entering businesses or other premises.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?  Yes
    • Effective December 30, 2022, the Malaysian Ministry of Health reimplemented temperature checks for all travelers arriving to Malaysia.
    • Those found to be feverish or who display or self-report other possible COVID-19 symptoms will be subject to further health screening, which could include COVID-19 testing. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine (see Quarantine Information below)

 

Quarantine Information

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Possibly
  • Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 while in Malaysia are required to quarantine at home for 7 days, with early release possible for those who test negative on the fourth day or later. More information may be found on the Ministry of Health’s website here (Bahasa Malaysia).

 

COVID-19 Testing

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Malaysia? Yes, both types of tests are available.
  • If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day? Yes.
    • Many testing providers can provide results within one calendar day for antigen tests. PCR test results are typically available within 72 hours, though some labs may offer quicker results. Prior to scheduling your appointment, confirm with the testing provider when the results will be available.
  • The Malaysian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Doctor On Call, provides a platform to share information on COVID-19 in Malaysia, including options for purchasing self-test kits or booking a COVID-19 testing appointment online.
  • The Malaysian Ministry of Health maintains lists of private and public hospitals and clinics able to offer COVID-19 testing.
  • The MySejahtera mobile app also contains information about COVID-19 testing locations and will automatically show the testing sites closest to the user’s location.
  • U.S. Citizens must pay all COVID-19 testing fees.  There are a variety of public and private testing options and costs for foreigners can range from 100-500 RM ($20-115 USD).
  • The method of delivery of COVID-19 test results may vary by provider.  If you need the test results for international travel, inform your provider that you need an electronic or hard copy of the test results.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

  • Are vaccines available in Malaysia for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes.
  • Which vaccines are available in Malaysia?
    • Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has approved use of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

 

Local Resources

Information regarding COVID-19 in Malaysia can be found at the website of the Ministry of Health, as well as Ministry of Health social media accounts listed below. Malaysian authorities frequently share policy updates first on official social media accounts prior to publishing on official websites.

 

Movement Restrictions

  • Is a curfew in place? No.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No.
    • Please note that the states of Sabah and Sarawak maintain semi-autonomous immigration controls and may impose additional entry requirements at any time. See the Country Information on Malaysia for further information.

 

Fines for Non-Compliance

  • Failure to comply with any of the National Recovery Plan Standard Operating Procedures (including an ongoing requirement to wear masks in health care facilities and on public transportation) may result in a fine of RM 1,000 (USD $235) or more, and/or jail time.
  • The Malaysian government may implement further changes with little or no advance notice. Please contact the appropriate local authorities directly with any additional questions. U.S. citizens should carry their passport and visa with them at all times.