Malaysia Finally Lifts Interstate And International Travel Ban
Photo Credit: @maychu_hm
As the nation's vaccination rate hit 90%, the Malaysian government finally announced the lifting of interstate and international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals from October 11 onwards. While the country's borders remain closed to incoming tourists, Malaysians that are fully vaccinated are now allowed to travel abroad for leisure again after not being able to hop on an international flight for over a year.
Excited to plan your first post-pandemic vacation? In case you're looking for travel inspiration, we've compiled a list of countries that Malaysians can travel to now without having to quarantine upon arrival! Keep reading for more inspiration.
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20 Quarantine-Free Countries Malaysians Can Now Travel To
Disclaimer: Do note that travel restrictions are subject to change. Information published here is accurate at the time of writing, but we'd suggest that you conduct more research by referring to official websites before planning your trip!
1. Thailand
The Land of Smiles is one of the first countries in Asia to reopen to fully vaccinated travellers. The authorities of Thailand announced early this year that the entire country will be reopening its borders to vaccinated travellers of all nationalities from 1 February 2022 under the "Test & Go" quarantine-free travel lane. Who's excited for authentic tom yum, pad thai, and Thai massages?
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required from 1 May 2022
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to Thailand
2. Singapore
Photo Credit: @joriselee
The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) was launched between Singapore and Malaysia in November 2021, paving way for quarantine-free travel between the two countries. As of 1 April 2022, Singapore will be replacing the VTL with a brand new Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) and easing its COVID-19 travel restrictions - travellers will no longer need to take any on-arrival tests or travel via designated VTL flights or buses!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required from 26 April 2022
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to Singapore
3. Australia
Australia is known for having one of the strictest border controls, travel restrictions, and COVID-19 precautionary measures globally since the very beginning of the pandemic. It's also why Australians have been able to go out mask-free for months at long while nationwide lockdowns were implemented in Malaysia last year. The country reopened its borders to travellers of all nationalities on 21 February 2022 - refer to the Australian government's official website for the latest information on travel rules.
P/s: Pre-departure tests will no longer be required to travel to Australia from 17 April!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to Australia
4. South Korea
Hello, oppa-land! 🥺 South Korea has finally announced that they will be welcoming back fully vaccinated travellers from most countries including Malaysia beginning 1 April 2022. Travellers will however need to take a PCR test upon arrival, declare their vaccination history on their Q-Code system, and apply for a K-ETA to be granted entry for quarantine-free leisure travel. Who's excited for some shopping at Myeongdong, cafe-hopping, oppa-hunting, and delicious Korean food?
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: required within 24 hours upon arrival
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to South Korea
5. Japan [new]
Yes, you can soon travel to Japan quarantine-free! Japan has been closed off to the rest of the world for the past 2 years, but is finally reopening borders to free-and-easy travellers from 11 October onwards. The only requirement left in place is that you'll need to be fully-vaccinated (booster shot included) if you'd like to travel to Japan quarantine and test-free. If you're unvaccinated, you'll simply need to take a PCR test within 72 hours of departure.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if fully-vaccinated
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to Japan
6. Vietnam
Malaysians can soon fly to Vietnam for bowls of authentic pho and spring rolls! Vietnam announced this week that it will be reopening borders to international tourists from 15 March 2022, three months earlier than the country's initial plans. Do note though that cases are still on the high side in Vietnam, so you might want to check it out only when things are more stabilized!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required from 15 May 2022
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to Vietnam
7. Indonesia
Sunny, vibrant, and fun-loving, Bali was a hugely popular travel destination for Malaysians prior to the pandemic, whether for a romantic honeymoon or a fun family getaway. The Indonesian government announced that they will be dropping the existing travel requirements for Bali, allowing travellers to obtain visas on arrival and travel to the sunny province without having to quarantine.
[Update] From 6th of April onwards, Malaysians (along with citizens from nine other ASEAN countries) will be able to enter Indonesia visa-free. An on-arrival PCR test is also no longer required, so you'll be free to begin your adventures once you pass the temperature check! ✨
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if fully-vaccinated
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to Bali
8. Cambodia
Photo Credit: @neysaassila
Always wanted to visit the majestic Angkor Wat? Cambodia has reopened its borders to all fully vaccinated travellers since 15 November 2021. In March 2022, Cambodia abolished the need to take pre-departure and on-arrival PCR tests, so travellers are now free to travel throughout all cities and provinces in Cambodia right upon touching down! Ready to go temple hopping in Siem Reap or bask in the sun on the beaches of Sihanoukville?
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
9. Taiwan [new]
Here's a new destination that recently eased travel restrictions! Like Japan and Hong Kong, Taiwan has been extremely careful with its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Just this week though, Taiwan announced their plans to reopen borders to international travellers from 11 October 2022. While the quarantine requirement will be lifted, visitors will however be required to self-monitor for 7 days and take RTK self tests on day 1 and day 2. The Taiwanese government is still monitoring the COVID-19 situation before the scheduled open date, and we'll update this article with the latest information once there are further announcements!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: RTK self tests on day 1 and 2 (test kits will be provided upon arrival)
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to Taiwan
10. United Kingdom
Fancy a dreamy getaway in London? The United Kingdom has opened its borders to travellers from most countries with the exception of countries and territories listed on their red list. In fact, you won't need to quarantine or even need to take a COVID-19 test if you're fully vaccinated! All you have to do is provide proof of vaccination and a completed passenger locator form that can be filled up online prior to your arrival in the UK.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
- Click here to read our FAQ guide on travelling to the UK
11. Canada
Canada has also reopened its borders to travellers who have received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by the country. While the country announced last year that they will not be accepting travellers who have taken the Sinovac vaccine, they've expanded their list of approved vaccines in November 2021, so even if you're Sinovac-vaxxed, you're welcomed in Canada now! 😉 Find out more about Canada's travel restrictions on the Government of Canada's official site.
p/s: Starting 1 April 2022, pre-entry tests will no longer be needed for fully vaccinated individuals travelling to Canada!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
12. The Philippines
The Philippines is one of the latest countries in Southeast Asia to have opened its borders to travellers from non-visa-required countries, including Malaysia. Since February 2022, vaccinated travellers no longer have to quarantine upon arrival, while unvaccinated visitors can also enter the country but will have to observe a quarantine and test period for two weeks.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if fully-vaccinated
13. Switzerland
Photo Credit: @wanderchu
Photo Credit: @catherine.kaixin
The dramatic landscapes and snow-covered mountains of Switzerland are waving at you! The borders of Switzerland are now open to all international travellers - even those who are not vaccinated can travel here upon submission of a negative PCR test. In February 2022, Switzerland announced that they will be lifting its COVID-19 travel requirements and other restrictions - no more pre-departure tests, quarantine, or entry forms will be required to enter the country.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if
14. France
Photo Credit: @bakemetoparis
Photo Credit: @edisashahini
Ready to explore dreamy fairytale castles, scenic villages, and picturesque streets? France is now open to fully vaccinated travellers with no quarantine restrictions! All you have to do is provide proof of your vaccination status and apply for a COVID Health Pass. Hands up if you're ready to have croissants for breakfast before spending a magic-filled day at Paris Disneyland!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
15. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE opened its borders to vaccinated international tourists in August last year. Following a recent announcement, vaccinated travellers from Malaysia no longer have to quarantine or take a pre-departure test before entering the UAE. Check out UAE's Government Portal for the latest travel guidelines.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
16. The Maldives
Beach and ocean lovers, you'll love this one. Effective from 13 March 2022, pre-departure PCR tests are no longer mandotory to enter the Maldives! All you have to do is submit a Traveller Health Declaration (THD) within 48 hours prior to your travel and you're good to go. Also, thanks to the isolation of most hotels in the Maldives, travellers can easily enjoy a peaceful vacation away from crowds here.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
17. Nepal
Nepal currently welcomes both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. The country has lifted quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers as of September 24, and they've also scrapped the need to take a pre-departure PCR test in March 2022. As part of efforts to revive its badly hit tourism sector, many hotels in the country are even offering highly discounted accommodation rates to international tourists!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
18. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has also reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers this year. Like many other countries on this list, Sri Lanka has recently lifted the requirement for pre-entry PCR tests. Do note though that Malaysians will need a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka - it can be obtained online or even upon arrival at the port of entry, though we highly recommend getting yours done before your trip to avoid complications!
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
19. Turkey
Turkey is another country that is currently open for tourism. As long as you're fully vaccinated and not travelling from a high-risk country, you will not require a PCR test to enter Turkey, but do note that you will have to fill up a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online at least 72 hours before departure! Click here for more information on travelling to Turkey.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
20. Egypt
Up for an exotic adventure in the great land of mummies and pyramids? Egypt is currently open to incoming travellers - all you have to do is fill up a health care declaration form before arrival. Fully vaccinated tourists are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements, while unvaccinated travellers must submit a negative PCR test report taken at most 72 hours before departure.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
21. Mauritius
After over a year of border closures, Mauritius reopened its borders to international travellers in July 2021. While pre-departure tests are not required, vaccinated tourists will have to arrange for COVID-19 insurance health coverage as well as take a mandatory Antigen Test at your hotel upon arrival. If you're unvaccinated, you can also travel here but will have to stay at an official quarantine hotel for 7 days before you're free to explore the island. Get more information on travelling to Mauritius here.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: required upon arrival
22. Iceland
Photo Credit: @visitreykjavik
Photo Credit: @kevburbau
Up for a romantic, otherworldly adventure? Dreamy Iceland currently welcomes travellers of all origins and has lifted all COVID-related border restrictions as of February 2022! Ready for a dip in the Blue Lagoon or a Northern Lights chase? Click here for more information on travelling to Iceland.
- Quarantine upon arrival: not required
- Swab test: not required
Not Ready To Travel Overseas Just Yet?
Photo Credit: @wawaa.zubir_ || 📍 Colmar Tropicale
Still skeptical about hopping on an international flight? Go on a local Cuti-Cuti Malaysia adventure first before making bigger plans! Besides, there's more to explore close to home than you think. Click here to start planning your getaway within Malaysia with exclusive packages available on Klook.
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