Travel advice for Malaysia

Be extra careful in Malaysia because of terrorism, crime, demonstrations, piracy, natural disasters and dangerous traffic. Avoid all non-essential travel to islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah from Lankayan to Sipadan because of a very high kidnapping risk posed by terrorist and criminal groups; travel only for very special reasons. Take particular care in large cities, at night and at sea, and follow local authorities' recommendations.

Travel only if essential to islands coded orange around Sabah, where kidnapping and piracy are risks, using protected accommodation, official operators working with Malaysian authorities, and security. Expect extra checks off the east coast of Sabah. Across Malaysia, remain alert for possible terrorist attacks, city crime, demonstrations, strict drug and same-sex contact penalties, and LGBTQ discrimination. Tropical storms mainly affect the east coast from November to March.

Avoid all but essential travel to parts of Malaysia. British citizens must have an undamaged passport valid for at least six months, obtain any required visa, and carry it when travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Risks include refusal of entry, detention, deportation and bans for overstaying or drug use, while undeclared cash or unlicensed firearms can lead to seizure, fines or prosecution.

Avoid nonessential travel to the islands off eastern Sabah, excluding Banggi and Balabagan. Take sufficient care on the eastern Sabah coast from Kudat to Tawau and on Banggi and Balabagan. Violence is rare and security has stabilised, while no ransom kidnappings have occurred in the eastern islands since January 2020. The risk of terrorism or kidnapping cannot be ruled out, so keep informed of the latest security information.

Exercise caution throughout Malaysia due to pickpocketing, motorcycle bag snatching and armed robbery, with urban theft common in Kuala Lumpur and other large cities. Take extra care in eastern Sabah because armed attacks and kidnappings may occur at night. Watch for box jellyfish in shallow coastal waters around Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor. Check conditions before crossing into southern or southeastern Thailand and take piracy precautions in the Strait of Malacca.

Exercise normal security precautions in Malaysia, but exercise a high degree of caution on Sabah’s east coast between Kudat and Tawau because of kidnapping and violence by terrorist and criminal groups. Risks include petty crime, scams, demonstrations that may become violent, terrorism, and drink or food spiking. Stay alert around coastal waters, especially at night, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

Hong Kong advises a high degree of caution for Malaysia.

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in Malaysia. Avoid nonessential travel to all islands off eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau on the Indonesian border because of the risk of kidnapping, especially near the Sulu Archipelago. Exercise extreme caution around Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, and follow local authority and tour operator advice.

Exercise vigilance and caution on the eastern coast of Sabah, keep updated on security developments, and take all necessary precautions for personal safety, including purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and understanding its coverage. Across Malaysia, take general personal-security precautions, including keeping belongings away from the street.

Exercise increased caution and avoid eastern Sabah, including tourist destinations, because of kidnapping risk. Petty crime and bag snatching occur in tourist areas. Piracy and armed robbery are risks in the Malacca Strait and waters between Sabah and southern Philippines, while terrorism is possible at tourist sites. Drug possession can carry the death penalty, waterborne diseases are common, and Kelantan and Terengganu have strict rules on alcohol and public decency.

Take normal precautions in Malaysia, with extra care in Penang, Kedah and on the eastern coast and islands because flooding, storms, landslides and high waves may disrupt travel. Severe smoke and air pollution reduce visibility, delay flights and affect breathing in children and older people. Obtain full stay travel insurance covering medical and infectious disease costs. Sabah coastal and maritime areas need extra caution because kidnappings and violence may occur.

Australia advises normal precautions for Malaysia.

No advice against travel is in force, but passport, visa and entry requirements must be observed. Severe haze from Indonesian fires may affect areas; people with respiratory problems should avoid them, while others should limit outdoor exposure and wear an adequate mask. Travel to islands off eastern Sabah is formally discouraged, and extreme caution is needed along eastern Sabah's coast; drug offences and overstays carry severe penalties.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Malaysia. Heavy rain may cause flooding and landslides, and tourists driving must hold a valid Estonian licence together with an international permit. Estonian citizens may stay visa free for up to 90 days, although entry conditions may change without other countries being promptly notified. As Estonia has no embassy in Malaysia, consult other countries' travel advice and alerts.

Germany advises normal precautions for Malaysia.

Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia, which is generally safe for travelers. Exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south because of the risk of kidnapping.