Travel Vaccines and Advice for Malaysia

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Malaysia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Malaysia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Rabid dogs and other species are widespread in Ecuador. Before a trip to the region, you can get pre-exposure vaccination against rabies. Children are more vulnerable.

Many mosquito-borne diseases are present in Malaysia including dengue, malaria, Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya. Japanese encephalitis can be prevent through vaccination and malaria through antimalarial medication. But, the other infections are best prevented through use of mosquito repellents, netting and wearing proper clothing.

Medical facilities are common and many doctors are well-trained. Doctors expect payment upfront for any services, though most major cities accept credit cards. Over-the-counter drugs are readily available, but prescriptions must be obtained from doctors.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

A passport that is valid for at least six months is required for entry into Malaysia. You don’t need a visa if your stay is under 90 days. When you enter the country, you will receive a social visit pass, which serves as a visa for 90 days.

Malaysia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Malaysia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Malaysia and U.S. State Department

If you travel to the states of Sabah and Sarawak, you must have your passport to enter and exit. Immigration officers in Malaysia don’t allow entry for U.S.-Israeli Dual Nationals when if they show their Israeli passport.

Malaysia has an equatorial climate where it is hot and humid year-round. The average temperature is consistent throughout the year at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is high and averages at 98 inches each year.

Malaysia has two monsoon wind seasons one from May to September, the other being from October to March. The climate differs a little in the highlands, with extra cloud cover.

There is a continued terrorist threat in Malaysia for U.S. travelers. There is a high presence of terrorist supporters in Malaysia.

If you are traveling to Sabah, use extreme caution. Kidnappings and violence from terrorist groups are known to occur. Be careful on ferries off of the coast, as terrorist may target these.

Due to these concerns, all U.S. government employees must obtain written permission from the Embassy to visit eastern Sabah.

Petty theft is common in Kuala Lumpur. Stay away from public demonstrations. If you are a woman, try not to travel by yourself, especially at night.

Malaysia is well known to its biodiversity, which attracts tourists to its many national parks.

One of the most popular national parks among botanists include Gunung Gading National Park. This park is home to the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia. The best time to see these three-foot flowers is between November and January.

Tunku Abdul National Park is another popular park located on Manukan Island. Tunku Abdul is best known for its beaches and coral reefs. The island also provides some of the best tourist facilities in Malaysia. The island is accessible by ferry.

Other national parks include Bako National Park, Turtle Islands National Park, and Kinabalu Park.

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Malaysia:

• Clothing made of breathable and light fabric.
• Umbrella or ponchos. It rains often in Malaysia, be prepared to get wet.
• Mosquito repellent and nets. Mosquito-carried viruses are common in Malaysia. Always cover yourself in repellent, wear clothing that covers open skin and cover your bed with a mosquito bed at night.
• Shoes that are easy to remove. It’s common for homes and buildings to ask you to remove your shoes before entering.

All Americans visiting Malaysia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in Malaysia, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
376 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: 60-3-2168-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-5000 (press 1 at the recording)
Fax: +(60) (3) 2148-5801

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!