The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
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 app is not required before arrival, but travelers should plan 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 announced that all travelers arriving to Malaysia will be required to undergo temperature checks for fever, and to self-report any other possible COVID-19 symptoms.
- 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, and may be required to quarantine.
- For additional details, see “Quarantine Information” section below.
Quarantine Information
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Possibly
- Effective December 30, 2022, the Malaysian Ministry of Health has reinstated health screening for all travelers upon arrival in Malaysia, including on-arrival COVID-19 testing for travelers suspected to be COVID-19-positive (see “Entry and Exit Requirements” above). Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival will be required to quarantine.
- The Malaysian Ministry of Health has not yet published further details regarding these new quarantine requirements, including the length of the required quarantine or whether travelers will be required to quarantine in a government or private quarantine facility or be permitted to self-quarantine at home.
- Our COVID-19 page will be updated as more details are announced, and we also recommend travelers 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.
- Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 later on, after arriving in Malaysia, will be required to quarantine for 7 days , with early release possible for those who test negative on the fourth day or later. More information may be found at https://mysafetravel.gov.my/
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 publicclinics able to offer COVID-19 testing on their website.
- 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, including travel to the United States, 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.
- Foreign nationals residing in Malaysia are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination through Malaysia’s national vaccination program.
- Individuals in Malaysia can register for the COVID-19 vaccine in one of the following ways:
- Through the MySejahtera app
- Via Malaysia’s National Immunization Website
- Via the National COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Line: 1800-888-828
- Which vaccines are available in Malaysia?
- Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) granted conditional registration to the Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, CanSino Biologic, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
- Malaysia has not yet approved vaccines for children less than five years of age.
- 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 (MOH), 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.
- MOH Facebook
- MOH Twitter
- MOH Instagram
- COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Malaysia Country Information Page on travel.state.gov
- Malaysia Travel Advisory
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? No.
- As of May 15, 2022, all economic sectors will be allowed to operate.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No, except that Sabah and Sarawak may impose their own entry policies. Please see the Country Information on Malaysia.
Fines for Non-Compliance
- Failure to comply with any of the National Recovery Plan Standard Operating Procedures, including wearing masks when required, 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.