Foreign travel advice Malaysia

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Summary Still current at: 9 October 2023 Updated: 9 October 2023 Latest update: Information that there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Malaysia (‘Entry requirements’ page).

The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all but essential travel to:

• All islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, due to the threat of kidnapping

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Terrorist attacks in Malaysia can’t be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Bars and restaurants, hotels, markets, shopping malls hosting major international brand outlets, tourist attractions, places of worship and airports are all potential targets. You should be especially vigilant and maintain a high level of security awareness in crowded places and at large gatherings.

There is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping in coastal areas of eastern Sabah from terrorist and criminal groups. The threat is particularly high between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau and on islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.

Commercial shipping companies have been advised to adopt heightened vigilance when navigating the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Most maritime incidents occur in the Sulu Sea in the area between Sabah (Malaysia) and Mindanao, the Sulu Islands and Palawan (Philippines). The Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) advise all ships to re-route from the area where possible.

Malaysia is a multicultural, majority Muslim country.

There is a risk of petty crime, especially bag snatching, throughout Malaysia. You should take sensible precautions.

You can contact the emergency services by calling 999 (police and ambulance) or 994 (fire).

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is limited in parts of Malaysia where the FCDOhas existing advice against all travel and all but essential travel (as set out above).

The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all but essential travel to:

• All islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, due to the threat of kidnapping

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover.

Terrorist attacks in Malaysia can’t be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Bars and restaurants, hotels, markets, shopping malls hosting major international brand outlets, tourist attractions, places of worship and airports are all potential targets. You should be especially vigilant and maintain a high level of security awareness in crowded places and at large gatherings.

There is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping in coastal areas of eastern Sabah from terrorist and criminal groups. The threat is particularly high between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau and on islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.

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