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U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur – Health Alert (July 12, 2021)
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22 MINUTE READ
July 12, 2021

U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Health Alert

Event: COVID-19
Location: Malaysia

(Updated) Immigration Policy for Expired Pass Holders in Malaysia

On July 8, 2021, the Malaysian Immigration Department announced that a new Immigration Special Counter (open 24 hours) has been established at KLIA to expedite the departure of foreign nationals holding expired Short Term (90 day) Social Visit Passes issued on or after January 1, 2020. U.S. citizens holding such expired Social Visit Passes may proceed directly to this Immigration Special Counter for processing prior to departing Malaysia, rather than waiting to obtain an appointment at a local Immigration office. The Malaysian Immigration Department’s announcement notes that travelers must present themselves at the Special Counter (located at KLIA on Level 3, next to the Domestic Arrival Hall) at least six hours before their departure flight with the following documentation:

o Return ticket to country of origin

o Payment of RM500 (payable ONLY by debit/credit or Touch’nGo eWallet)

o RT-PCR COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours prior to the flight

o (Recommended) Letter from the U.S. Embassy: see instructions below on how to request this letter, which Immigration has noted is not strictly required but which may be helpful to have

Additionally, Malaysian Immigration has confirmed to the U.S. Embassy that U.S. citizens who have a current, unexpired Malaysian pass in an expired U.S. passport, and who have obtained a new U.S. passport, may utilize the KLIA Immigration Special Counter and must present both the old passport containing the unexpired Malaysian pass AND the new passport issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Likewise, we are informed, that infants born in Malaysia who have been documented as U.S. citizens but have not yet received a Malaysian pass in their U.S. passport may utilize the KLIA Immigration Special Counter to obtain departure permissions.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that Malaysian Immigration maintains the authority to suspend or deny an application to exit Malaysia, and recommends that travelers book flight options that can easily be rescheduled if needed. U.S. citizens with specific questions regarding this program, or any other Malaysian Immigration policies, should contact Malaysian Immigration directly through the Malaysian Government call center (MyCGG) at 03-8000-8000 or 03-8888-2010.

U.S. citizens may request a letter from the U.S. Embassy through our online form, which may be provided to Malaysian Immigration in connection with an application for a Special Pass or other departure permissions.

 

American Citizen Services

Please note that routine consular services at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur are suspended. However, we are offering limited emergency appointments for U.S. passports, CRBAs, and exceptional notarial services. Please complete this form https://bit.ly/2SPVSFf to request an appointment, making sure to note in detail any urgent circumstances. If you wish to cancel an existing consular appointment, please do so via our online appointment system or contact us at KLACS@state.gov.

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.

IMPORTANT: Depending on your location, Malaysian police authorization may be required to travel to the Embassy as interstate travel and inter-district travel is restricted. Reach out directly to your local police for additional information on the requirements for interstate or inter-district travel. If you wish to cancel an existing consular appointment, please do so via our online appointment system or contact us at KLACS@state.gov.

We will announce any further changes in our consular services via alerts to registered U.S. citizens in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and on our Embassy’s website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The U.S. Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We continue to communicate travel advice to U.S. citizens during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the Department of State does not provide direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad, we are:

  • Working with other countries to ensure all residents, including U.S. citizens, can receive vaccines through their vaccination programs and in accordance with their national vaccination plans. For more information on the Malaysian national vaccine program, please visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 or Malaysia’s National Immunization Website.
  • Ensuring that U.S. citizens overseas who travel back to the United States can be vaccinated easily and effectively (please visit Vaccines.gov utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) to find a location in the United States).
  • Providing all appropriate consular assistance to U.S. citizens in need overseas. This includes providing U.S. citizens with clear information regarding eligibility to receive a vaccination in a foreign country or providing repatriation loans to assist destitute U.S. citizens with travel back to the United States.

COVID-19 Test Requirement for Travel to the United States

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 or 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.

In addition to the CDC COVID-19 test requirement, some airlines may have additional requirements; check your airline’s COVID-19 requirements prior to traveling.

COVID-19 Testing in Malaysia

For more information on COVID-19 testing in Malaysia, please visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.

General 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 3 Travel Health Notice for Malaysia. The Department of State Travel Advisory for Malaysia is Level 4 – “Do Not Travel” due to COVID-19.

 

Actions to Take:

 

Assistance:

Alerts, News, U.S. Citizen Services