Disclaimer: This article was first published on 13 October 2021 and has been updated on 28 October 2021 to include more countries.
Since the Malaysian government finally decided to ease restrictions and allow citizens to travel abroad, it’s now easier to hop on a plane and get your fix of travelling.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Sunday, October 10th, that the MyTravelPass programme will no longer be enforced, and Malaysians have been able to travel abroad for tourism since 11 October.
But, there are some rules.
All individuals arriving from overseas will, however, be subjected to pre-departure and arrival polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests before re-entering Malaysia, as well as a 14-day quarantine period.
For updated Entry Requirements to Malaysia, you may also check this safe travel resource by Traveloka. You can find the latest travel updates, entry requirements, quarantine rules, and other information to enter Malaysia for your travels.
So, if you’re willing to brave two weeks of quarantine (at home) after you return to Malaysia, here are 40 countries where you don’t have to go through quarantine upon arrival if you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Pack your bags: A (somewhat) stress-free vacation awaits!
1. United Kingdom
The UK is opening its borders to visitors without needing them to pass through quarantine, but they must fly into one of the eight permitted airports.
Before you travel there, you must book and pay for a COVID-19 test which can cost anything between GBP1.25 (RM7.12) to GBP399 (RM2,272.25). The test must be taken within two days of your arrival in England and you must also complete a passenger locator form 48 hours prior to your arrival.
The European Union, on the other hand, does not recognise all vaccines, including Sinovac, and is now revisiting this decision. Check here to find which vaccines the EU accepts.
For more information, check out the guidelines issued by the United Kingdom Department for Transport here.
2. Maldives
All travellers to the Maldives must produce proof of a negative PCR test performed within 96 hours before departure in order to go to the Maldives. The certificate must include the laboratory’s name and address, as well as the date the sample was taken.
The results must be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form, which must be filed online at least 24 hours before departure. Visitors are encouraged to download and use the TraceEkee national contact tracing app during their trip.
Maldives is recognised as one of the top recreational diving locations in the world, with white sand beaches and crystal clear water. The Maldives also has over 60 local dive sites spread across the islands. Here are six places in the Maldives you simply must visit.
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering the Maldives.
3. United States
For a Malaysian passport holder to enter the US, they will need a visa. But other than that, only a negative COVID-19 swab test and a direct flight from your native country or transit through recognised countries are required.
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering the US. However, travellers should check quarantine requirements for the specific states they are going to as some states may still have mandatory quarantine for incoming international travellers.
4. Spain
Travellers from Malaysia who are fully vaccinated are not required quarantine but must present a negative COVID-19 test result for entry to Spain. Travellers must conduct a PCR test within 72 hours before arrival.
However, the country is not yet open to tourists, and visitors must fit one of the following criteria: holding a Residence Permit/Long-Term Visa for EU/Spain; holding a Student Visa for Spain; transport, marine, or aeronautical personnel; diplomats; business travellers with an invitation letter from business partners in Spain; official/working visit.
It will be mandatory to present a Health Control Form upon arrival at the airport. The form must be completed within 48 hours before your flight, and once the form is submitted, you will receive an email with a QR code that will allow you to access the airport of destination.
For more information, check out the guidelines issued by the Spanish Ministry of Health here.
5. Finland
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering Finland. A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from high-incidence countries, and fully vaccinated travellers and those who recovered from Covid-19 are exempted by presenting their approved vaccination and recovery certificates.
6. Honduras
Fully vaccinated Malaysians who have not travelled to South Africa in the previous 21 days are allowed to visit Honduras without having to test for COVID-19. Visitors from Malaysia are also not required to quarantine when entering Honduras.
Those who have symptoms, or have come into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, on the other hand, may be compelled to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Visit the National Immigration Institute of Honduras‘ online portal for more information.
7. France
You can enter France with no limitations if you are completely vaccinated against COVID-19. Meanwhile, if you’re travelling with children above the age of 12, you must present the child’s COVID-19 test result, which must be negative.
Proof of vaccination and a written declaration stating that you have no signs of COVID-19 infection and have not come into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days leading up to your journey are required papers to enter France.
You must also download and activate the TousAntiCovid programme while in France.
For more information, check out the guidelines issued by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs here.
8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Citizens of all countries are welcome to visit the UAE for tourism if they are fully vaccinated with one of the World Health Organization-approved COVID-19 vaccines (WHO).
Travellers must, however, undergo a quick PCR test upon arrival at the airport.
Fully vaccinated travellers are normally not required to quarantine themselves, although they may be asked to do a second or third PCR test after a specified period of time, depending on which nation they are from and whether they are travelling to Abu Dhabi.
For more information, check out the travel advisory issued by the UAE government here.
9. Mexico
Mexico welcomes visitors and does not require a negative PCR test or quarantine upon arrival. This includes Malaysians. However, a completed Health Declaration form should be presented upon arrival.
Individuals who are connecting to Mexico via another country should examine the testing criteria of the country they are transiting through.
Visit the Mexico Travel Advisory here for more information.
10. Switzerland
Everyone entering Switzerland is required to fill out an entry form on a computer or smartphone before they travel. After you’ve completed the form, you’ll receive an email with a QR code as confirmation.
Those who have been fully vaccinated will not be required to submit COVID-19 test results that are negative or to undergo quarantine. Children under the age of 16 are likewise exempt from having to show documentation of a negative COVID-19 test when entering Switzerland.
To enter restaurants, pubs, clubs, and discos, a COVID-19 immunisation certificate will be required. Museums, zoos, and indoor pools are examples of attractions that fall under this category.
Visit the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health’s website for further information.
11. Andorra
Tourists visiting Andorra must show that they are completely vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of their arrival. It’s also worth noting that before visiting the nation, travellers should purchase private travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage.
In public venues and on city roadways, wearing a mask is not required if persons are able to practise physical distancing with a 1.5m distance between them. Meanwhile, wearing a mask is required in enclosed public spaces such as pubs, restaurants, stores, and cultural institutions.
Visit the Visit Andorra online portal for additional information.
12. Qatar
No quarantine necessary for tourists, but those who have received the Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Sputnik vaccines must be tested for antibodies before arriving in Qatar.
Travellers also need to download the App, Ehteraz.
13. Germany
Unvaccinated visitors from Malaysia will not be allowed to enter Germany while fully vaccinated visitors from Malaysia can enter Germany without restrictions.
All travellers aged 12 or over who are permitted to enter Germany must present a negative test result or proof of vaccination or recovery. Entry is possible from EU member states, States associated with Schengen, and other countries from which entry is possible in light of the epidemiological situation assessment by the EU.
Please check with the BMI prior to your trip to find out what regulations apply specifically with regard to the country from which you plan to enter Germany.
14. Nepal
Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine. Travellers are required to have valid health insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
Travellers with emergency purposes, children under five years of age and their guardians, travellers above 75 years of age, differently-abled travellers, and travellers with a vaccination certificate are allowed to quarantine at home and must quarantine for 10 days as long as they have proper documentation.
All travellers must take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test on day seven and on day 11 of quarantine.
Travellers are required to complete a health declaration form before departure to Nepal. Once the form is completed the traveller will receive a barcode that must be saved or printed so it may be presented to immigration on arrival.
15. Portugal
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering Portugal while children 12 years old and below are exempted from the testing requirement.
Travellers holding a valid vaccination or recovery certificate arriving in Portugal from a third country will no longer be required to undergo pre-departure testing. In addition, they will also be exempt from the testing requirement upon their arrival as well as from self-isolation measures.
All travellers, except children under the age of 12, may be allowed to enter Portugal with an EU Covid Digital Certificate, vaccination certificate, or a recovery certificate. Acceptable vaccines include AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Johnson and Johnson.
Third-country national holders of residency permits or long-term resident visas issued by EU member states may transit Portugal to return to their country of residence.
All arrivals must complete a passenger locator form in advance.
16. Canada
Visitors from Malaysia who are fully vaccinated with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine.
Canada opened its borders to fully vaccinated non-essential foreign travellers from across the globe on 7 September, allowing them to skip the 14-day quarantine requirement.
17. South Africa
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering South Africa. However, travellers who display any COVID-19–related symptoms must be tested on arrival. In the event that the result of the COVID-19 test is positive, they will be required to quarantine for 10 days. The cost of testing and quarantine will be at the travellers’ expense.
A health declaration form must be completed in 48 hours prior to arrival in South Africa.
18. Austria
Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine. For this, travellers will need to show either a negative COVID-19 test result, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or proof of vaccination.
In addition, travellers who have not been in Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, or Suriname in the 10 days before arrival are allowed to enter Austria.
Travellers from Lesotho, Brazil, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Uruguay, or Zimbabwe must register on the digital pre-travel clearance form (PTC) a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Austria. They must also show their PTC form in digital or hard copy on arrival.
When going about, travellers are required to present a health pass to enter restaurants, hotels, and other public spaces. Sinovac/Sinopharm vaccine certificates are not valid for entering hotels, restaurants, and so on within Austria. This requirement does not apply to travellers under the age of 12, and in Vienna, travellers under the age of 6.
19. Costa Rica
Visitors from Malaysia can enter Costa Rica without restrictions. They are not required to provide a negative PCR test result or undergo a quarantine.
All travellers, except tourists who are 0 to 18 years old and fully vaccinated individuals, should fill out the Health Pass 72 hours prior to their departure date.
Fully vaccinated individuals are recognised if they have been inoculated with Moderna, PfizerBioNTech, AstraZeneca, or Janssen. You must also wait 14 days after the end of the vaccination process before entry to the country. The vaccine certificate must be attached to the Health Pass.
More details regarding entry to Costa Rica can be found here.
20. Turkey
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine when entering Turkey. Travellers from Brazil, South Africa, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are prohibited from entering Turkey. therefore, if travellers are arriving from other countries but stayed in these said countries in the last 14 days, they are required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival and they must quarantine for 14 days.
21. Thailand
Thailand is set to welcome fully vaccinated foreign visitors, including returning Thais and foreign residents, from an approved list of 40-over countries including Malaysia from 1 November. Visitors will be allowed to enter the country by air with no quarantine requirements. There will also be no documentation process such as the certificate of entry issued by the Royal Thai Embassy.
For now, Thailand is now open to travellers from any country and territory around the world. There are currently two entry options:
- Alternative Quarantine (AQ) System
- Sandbox Pilot Reopening Program
More information on the entry requirements available on the Tourism Authority of Thailand website TAT.
22. Dominican Republic
Most visitors from Malaysia can enter the Dominican Republic without quarantine. Fully vaccinated people should have a vaccination certificate that shows they have had the last dose of a vaccine no less than three weeks before arrival.
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the Dominican Republic. However, travellers may be required to take a COVID-19 breath test at random on arrival.
23. Estonia
Unvaccinated visitors from Malaysia must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) or Antigen (quick-test) test taken 72 for RT-PCR (NAAT) and 48 Antigen (quick-test) hours before departing to Estonia.
Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test. Travellers with proof of COVID-19 vaccination and no more than one year has passed since its completion are exempted from this requirement.
Unvaccinated visitors from Malaysia will need to quarantine for 10 days upon entering Estonia while fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine.
All passengers arriving in Estonia must submit a health declaration form a maximum of 72 hours before their arrival in Estonia. Travellers should keep the confirmation e-mail after completing it electronically or print it out before travelling.
24. Panama
Vaccinated travellers have to present a card or digital certification of a complete vaccination schedule endorsed by WHO, EMA, and FDA, 14 days after their last dose. Fully vaccinated visitors from Malaysia with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine.
Travellers are recommended to have health insurance with COVID-19 coverage before arrival in Panama. Temperature screening is required for all travellers on arrival in Panama.
All travellers are required to complete an Electronic Affidavit (sworn statement) before boarding their flight to Panama. After filling up the document, travellers will receive a QR code that must be shown on their smartphones.
25. Seychelles
Visitors from Malaysia must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) test taken 72 hours before departing to Seychelles. Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering Seychelles.
Travellers must complete an Online Health Travel Authorization prior to boarding their flight and must ensure that accommodation bookings are made only at licensed tourism accommodation establishments that have been certified by the Public Health Authority. Booking vouchers reflecting the entire duration of stay in Seychelles must be presented at the Immigration counter for verification. Travellers without such a booking will be directed to another establishment that is certified.
26. The Bahamas
Visitors from Malaysia need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to enter The Bahamas and are required to opt-in for mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when submitting their Bahamas Travel Health Visa application. The insurance covers travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.
Travellers must fill the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application and receive confirmation before travel. Those under 18 years of age must be added to the parent or guardian account. Applications take up to 48 hours to process.
27. Tunisia
Fully vaccinated visitors from Malaysia can enter Tunisia without quarantine. Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test.
Travellers must complete a Health Declaration Form before entering the country. The said form must be printed, signed, and presented to airline officials on departure and to health officials upon arrival. Travellers must also download and use the Tunisian government’s Track and Trace App on their mobile phone.
Travellers, including vaccinated individuals and passengers who recovered from COVID-19 (tested positive six weeks before departure), are required to present a negative PCR test written in Arabic, English, or French upon arrival in the country.
Travellers are still subject to rapid testing once they enter the country. If they are tested positive, they are required to undergo quarantine.
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 PCR test result.
28. Tanzania
Most travellers can enter Tanzania, but there are restrictions. Temperature and health screening are required for all visitors on arrival.
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering Tanzania but must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) test taken 96 hours before departing to Tanzania. Travellers entering in Tanzania must also take a COVID-19 rapid test on arrival at their own expense. This requirement does not apply to travellers in transit and travellers aged five years and under.
Travellers are required to complete an online Health Surveillance Form a maximum of 24 hours before arrival in Tanzania. They will then receive a Unique Health Code (UHC), which they will present to health officials upon arrival.
29. Venezuela
No quarantine period required if negative for COVID-19. A negative PCR test should be presented before boarding/arrival at the international airport (applies to all travellers, even if they have a complete vaccination schedule).
You will need to fill up a Health Pass online that will generate a QR code which must be presented upon arrival.
30. Serbia
Fully vaccinated visitors from Malaysia can enter Serbia without quarantine, while fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test.
Travellers are required to present either a negative PCR test taken not more than 48 hours prior to arrival to Serbia, a certificate of complete vaccination or certificate of COVID-19 recovery (valid for the period from the 14th to the 180th day). Minors up to 12 years of age are exempt from this requirement.
Citizens of the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Bulgaria, Hungary, the Republic of Northern Macedonia and Montenegro are also exempt from providing a negative PCR test.
Travellers who are unable to present any of the three certificates: Negative PCR Test, Certificate of complete vaccination, or Certificate of recovery from COVID-19 disease (no less than 14 days or more than six months), are required to quarantine at home for 10 days.
To know more of Serbia’s entry conditions, please click here.
31. Romania
Access is permitted only for those inoculated with a vaccine recognised by EMA (European Medicines Agency). This includes Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson. Vaccines will also only be recognised after at least seven days have passed since the second dose with Pfizer, Moderna, and Astra Zeneca, or after 28 days for the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.
Unvaccinated visitors from Malaysia will need to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Romania while fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine.
Travellers are required to fill out a travel declaration form and submit it to officials on arrival and an online health declaration form before departure to Romania.
32. Saint Lucia
Vaccinated visitors from Malaysia can enter Saint Lucia with a negative COVID-19 test result taken 120 hours before departing to the country.
Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine.
All passengers will be screened on arrival. The Health Declaration Form must be completed on the day of travel and before landing to expedite processing. It must then be presented at the health screening desk on arrival in Saint Lucia.
33. Sri Lanka
Vaccinated visitors from Malaysia can enter Sri Lanka with a negative COVID-19 test result taken 72 hours before departing to Sri Lanka.
Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine, but travellers must pay for COVID-19 insurance on their booking for a stay at a level1 Safe and Secure certified hotel. Insurance is USD12 (approximately RM50) with coverage of up to USD50,000 (approximately RM207,400) for up to one month.
People with a travel history in the last 14 days to South American countries, India, South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are not permitted entry until further notice.
Travellers are required to complete a health declaration form before arriving in Sri Lanka.
34. Saudi Arabia
Arriving visitors must register their vaccination status through the Muqeem web portal, 72 hours before departure. The site is available in Arabic and English.
Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to quarantine upon arrival, provided they have an official vaccination certificate and proof of a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours from the time of departure.
All visitors arriving in the country with a valid tourism visa must provide evidence of a full course of one the four vaccines currently recognised: two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, or Moderna vaccines, or a single dose of the vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson.
Guests who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted if they have received an additional dose of one of the four vaccines approved in the Kingdom.
35. Timor-Leste /Dili
Only open for diplomats, business purposes, and family visitation only. All entry are subject to approval by the Integrated Crisis Management Centre (CIGC). So, if you’ve got a reason to visit, why not?
All incoming travellers need to have a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of the validity period. A 14-days quarantine is imposed upon arrival for non-vaccinated individuals or travellers with incomplete COVID-19 vaccination.
Home quarantine is possible upon request. Fully vaccinated incoming travellers are no longer needed to serve 14- days quarantine. However, one should undergo a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival in Timor-Leste and a negative result is required.
36. Aruba
Visitors from Malaysia are not required to quarantine after entering Aruba, but need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to enter.
All travellers are required to purchase the Aruba Visitors Insurance. This purchase must be completed a maximum of three days and minimum of four hours prior to travel to Aruba. Visitors can buy or use their own travel or health insurance to supplement the Aruba Visitors Insurance, but not to replace it. This requirement does not apply to travellers arriving and leaving from Aruba the same day.
37. Iceland
Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine but must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) test taken 72 hours before departing to Iceland.
Travellers with ties in Iceland (Icelandic citizens, individuals domiciled in Iceland, individuals who have an Icelandic work permit, and applicants for a work permit or international protection in Iceland) are also exempt from presenting a negative PCR test prior to arrival in Iceland. However, they are required to undergo testing within 48 hours upon arrival. They can undergo testing at no cost at the border or at a testing location in the country.
Children born in 2005 or later and connecting passengers who do not exit the border station are exempt from the rules at the border.
All travellers are required to download the Rakning C-19 app. Further details about entry to Iceland can be found here.
38. Ireland
Fully vaccinated visitors from Malaysia with approved vaccination certificates do not need to quarantine, while fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test.
All travellers aged 16 and above who are going to Ireland are required to complete the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before arrival to the country. Details of children under the age of 16 should be included on a form completed by an adult accompanying them. The e-receipt must be saved for 14 days after arrival and produced upon request to a Member of An Garda Síochána.
Diplomats and supply chain services like haulers, pilots, and maritime staff are exempted from completing the said form.
More details on Ireland entry can be found here.
39. Jordan
Fully vaccinated travellers from 26 countries including Malaysia are no longer required to conduct a PCR test upon arrival in Jordan and will be automatically exempted from home quarantine.
Travellers from countries not included in the list are required to undergo the PCR test upon arrival, and in case of positive COVID-19 result, they must adhere to home quarantine for a period of 14 days at their own expense.
Travellers are required to have valid health insurance with COVID-19 coverage for the entire period of the intended visit. This requirement does not apply to Jordanian residents and citizens and medical tourism patients.
40. Mauritius
Fully vaccinated visitors from Malaysia can enter Mauritius with a negative COVID-19 test result taken 72 hours before departing and without quarantine.
All travellers, except Mauritian citizens, resident permit holders, and occupational permit holders are required to present an insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
All travellers must also fill out the health forms before or during your flight to Mauritius. To save time click on the ALL IN ONE FORM. You will need to hand these printed forms to immigration and health officials on arrival at Mauritius airport.
More details can be found here.
For a full list of where Malaysians can and cannot go, visit this site. Just FYI, there are four countries fully open to us with 150 more that are open with restrictions. Happy browsing!
Disclaimer: Whichever country you wish to visit, please check the official guidelines from your destination country’s official government website for the types of accepted and permitted COVID-19 vaccinations, requirements on proof of vaccination certificates, vaccination validity period, and persons and/or groups that may be exempt from vaccination restrictions. Please do your part to check travel rules and requirements of all countries as they are constantly changing.
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