This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Malaysia set and enforce entry rules. For further information contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus #

Entry to Malaysia #

Entry to Malaysia for British nationals is prohibited. Some exemptions may apply, including: British nationals with permanent resident status, resident pass, My Second Home Programme (MM2H) pass, expatriates of all categories, including professional visit passes as well as dependants pass, spouse to Malaysian nationals (spouse visa) and students and temporary employment passes.

The situation is changing regularly, and any British national who wishes to enter Malaysia will need to seek permission from the local Malaysian Embassy/High Commission or the Immigration Directorate before travelling.

If you normally reside in Malaysia and wish to seek further guidance, contact the Malaysian High Commission or Embassy in the country you currently stay for further guidance and your airline and keep up to date with developments, including this travel advice. You may need to complete an application on the MYTravelPass online platform. You should speak to the local Malaysian authorities for further guidance.

Transiting Malaysia #

You can transit (up to 24 hours only) via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as long as you remain airside.

Transit that requires passage through immigration (to collect bags, or to move between the two Kuala Lumpur terminals – KLIA and KLIA2) is not possible, unless you meet the general immigration requirements above.

Testing/screen on arrival #

You have to take a COVID-19 test on arrival (even if you have a negative test from your country of origin) and on completion of your quarantine. If you have an onward domestic flight in peninsular Malaysia, you will undergo quarantine in Kuala Lumpur. Any onward flight to a regional airport will need to be booked at a later date.

Quarantine requirements #

From 29 April, anyone (including British nationals) who gets permission to enter the country under the immigration rules mentioned above, from a list of countries including the UK, will be obliged to enter quarantine for 14 days at a designated government facility. The list of countries may be found on the Ministry of Health website. Travellers from countries not on the list will have to quarantine for 10 days. You will need to meet all costs associated with your quarantine. You will need to download the MySejahtera app. Quarantine is mandatory and the British High Commission is unable to assist you with not having to do it, regardless of your circumstances.

If you’re travelling to East Malaysia (Sabah or Sarawak) please consult the Malaysian High Commission/Embassy and your airline as regards quarantine procedures and onward travel from Kuala Lumpur to these provinces. Sabah and Sarawak have additional immigration rules in place. You will only be permitted to enter if you have permanent residence or an employment pass in the relevant state.

The Prime Minister announced on August 8 that fully vaccinated foreigners with a residence in Malaysia who arrive or return from abroad may be allowed to quarantine at home under a digital home surveillance order, as opposed to in a hotel. Please follow the instructions in any forms required to return to Malaysia to ascertain if you meet the requirements to do home quarantine.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status #

Malaysia has not yet confirmed that it will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. You should follow the entry rules for unvaccinated people. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination.

Data collection #

You will need to download the MySejahtera app.

Regular entry requirements #

Visas #

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be given permission to stay for 3 months on arrival. Visas for longer stays or for non-tourist purposes must be obtained from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before you travel.

The Malaysian authorities are running a vigorous campaign against illegal immigration. Do not overstay your visa, or violate the terms of entry. Even if you overstay for just a few days, you can be fined, detained, deported to the UK and blacklisted. Flight costs will be the responsibility of the individual.

If you’re travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (sometimes known as Malaysian Borneo and comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak) you will need to carry your passport. You must get an entry stamp in East Malaysia at your initial port of entry.

Regional travel #

UK citizens who wish to enter Thailand via the land border are only allowed to use Thailand’s 30 day visa exemption twice per calendar year. To cross more frequently, you’ll need to get the appropriate visa in advance of travelling. This doesn’t apply if arriving by air. See Thailand Travel Advice for further information.

Passport validity #

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Malaysia.

Yellow fever certificate requirements #

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

UK Emergency Travel Documents #

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for exit from Malaysia. You’re likely to need to get a special exit pass from Malaysian Immigration before leaving and there will be a cost for this. If travelling to another country, other than the UK, you will need to check with the relevant Embassy if a visa is needed in the ETD. If you plan to use an ETD to enter or transit through Malaysia, check entry requirements with the nearest Malaysian Embassy or High Commission before you travel.

Dual nationals #

Malaysia doesn’t recognise dual nationality. Technically you can be refused entry if you’re found to be holding two passports of different nationality.

Exchange control rules #

You can import or export up to 10,000 Malaysian Ringgit without prior approval. There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency you can import or export, but you must declare any amount in excess of US$ 10,000. Penalties include a fine of up to RM 1 million and up to 3 years’ imprisonment. Further information can be found on the Royal Malaysian Customs Department website.