U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Health Alert
Event: COVID-19
Location: Malaysia
Movement Control Orders
(UPDATED) The Movement Control Order currently in effect in Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan, Melaka, Johor, Kelantan, and Sabah has been extended through February 4. In addition, the following states remain subject to a Movement Control Order through February 4: Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Terengganu, Perlis and Negeri Sembilan (all of the states listed above, the “MCO Areas”). According to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) released by the Malaysian authorities, the following restrictions will be implemented within the MCO Areas:
- Prohibition on interstate and inter–district travel;
- Vehicular movement is limited to a 10-km radius from a person’s home; a maximum of two people per household are permitted to travel in the same vehicle at any one time for the purpose of buying essential items;
- Roadblocks will be implemented;
- Recreational activities are allowed outdoors and only among members of the same household; jogging is limited to two individuals at a time; cyclists are not allowed to ride in groups; group sports are prohibited;
- Supermarkets, healthcare services, and banks will operate;
- Social gatherings of any kind, including meetings, seminars, conferences and training are prohibited;
- Religious gatherings are limited to a maximum of five at places of worship;
- Restaurants and food stalls will operate for take-away and delivery only;
- Only five essential economic sectors are permitted to operate: manufacturing, construction, services, trade and distribution, and plantation and commodities.
Individuals who need to cross district or state borders must obtain a police authorization letter prior to traveling. The police authorization form to cross districts or states in the MCO Areas is available here. If you are considering traveling across state or district borders, please consult with local police directly for specific guidance.
The entire country remains under a “Recovery Movement Control Order” (RMCO) through March 31, 2021.
The Malaysian Ministry of Defense instituted a mandatory mask requirement effective August 1, 2020. Failure to comply with any of the MCO, CMCO or RMCO restrictions, including the mask requirement, may result in a fine of RM 1,000 (USD $235) or more, and/or jail time.
The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to review current MCO, CMCO, and RMCO restrictions frequently to ensure compliance. Restrictions may be changed with little notice and are strictly enforced. Give yourself a healthy margin of time to return home prior to applicable curfews. Carry your U.S. passport with you at all times. If detained, request that local authorities notify the Embassy (+60-3-2168-5000), and review the ways in which we can provide assistance when a U.S. citizen is arrested abroad. For additional questions on current MCO restrictions, please check with local police directly.
American Citizen Services
American Citizen Services consular appointments that have already been scheduled during the MCO period will not be canceled. We continue to allow collection of U.S. passports, passport cards, and Consular Reports of Births Abroad during the scheduled times indicated in our pick-up confirmation email. However, please note that depending on your location, Malaysian police authorization may be required to travel to the Embassy as interstate and inter-district travel are restricted during the MCO. Please reach out to your local police directly for additional information on the requirements for interstate or inter–district travel.
If you are a U.S. citizen with a life or death emergency (e.g. victim of a violent crime, arrest, reporting a death of a U.S. citizen) you may reach us at +60-3-2168-5000 or via email at: KLACS@state.gov.
Please note that most routine Consular Services at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur remain suspended due to the MCO in effect in Kuala Lumpur. Please complete this form https://bit.ly/2SPVSFf to request an emergency appointment, making sure to note the nature of your emergency.
We will announce further resumption of services via alerts to registered U.S. citizens in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and on our Embassy’s website.
COVID-19 Test Requirement for Travel to the United States
Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
COVID-19 Testing in Malaysia
The Malaysian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Doctor On Call, has set up a platformto disseminate information on COVID-19 in Malaysia, including a list of designated public hospitals in each state that are equipped to screen for COVID-19.
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 240-700 RM. COVID-19 testing is conducted at clinics and hospitals approved by the Ministry of Health. The Malaysian Ministry of Health has lists of private and public clinics able to offer COVID-19 testing on their website. More information on testing options is available at the Doctor On Call website.
For more information regarding COVID-statistics in Malaysia, please review the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Portal and visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccines in Malaysia
Malaysia has granted conditional registration to Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, allowing for its immediate emergency use. According to Malaysian authorities, the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be rolled out in late February.
The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Malaysian Immigration Information
For additional information, please visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.
Malaysian Entry Requirements, Quarantine Process, and Immigration Services
For additional information, please visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.
COVID-19 Information
For more information regarding COVID-statistics in Malaysia, please review the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Portal and visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 – Avoid All Travel Travel Health Notice for Malaysia. The Department of State Travel Advisory for Malaysia is Level 3 – “Reconsider Travel” due to COVID-19.
Actions to Take:
- Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
- Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19.
- Check with your airline or travel operator regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Review what the State Department can and cannot do for you during an international crisis.
- Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
- Visit keeping workplaces, homes, schools, or commercial establishments safe.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
376 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 60-3-2168-5000
KLACS@state.gov
https://my.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Malaysia Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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