U.S. Embassy in Malaysia

Event: COVID-19
Location: Malaysia

Movement Control Order
(UPDATED) The Movement Control Order (MCO) currently in effect in all Malaysian states other than Sarawak has been extended for the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur and the states of Selangor, Johor, and Penang through March 4, 2021. From February 19 until March 4, a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will be reinstated for Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kelantan, Melaka, Pahang, and Sabah as well as the federal territories of Putrajaya and Labuan. Perlis will be placed under a Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) during the same period. All districts in Sarawak are subject to a CMCO through March 1.

The Malaysian authorities have not released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the MCO/CMCO/RMCO restrictions in place from February 19 through March 4, however, press releases and news reporting indicate the SOPs will include the following policies:

Nationwide:

CMCO areas:

• Interdistrict travel is prohibited.
• Vehicle occupancy is limited only by the vehicle’s capacity.
• Restaurants may permit more than two people to dine at a table but must maintain social distancing.

RMCO areas:

• Interdistrict travel is permitted.

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 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.

For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.htm. Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity (COVID-19 testing is currently widely available throughout Malaysia). To submit information in support of an exemption, email KLACS@state.gov.

COVID-19 Testing in Malaysia
The Malaysian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Doctor On Call, has set up a platform to 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 and via the MySejahtera app.

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 and initial shipments will be reserved for front line workers including health care workers, police and army officials. Foreign nationals residing in Malaysia will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Malaysia launched a National Immunization Website containing information about the anticipated roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia (Bahasa only).

The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow Malaysian 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.