Malaysia Travel: Entry Requirements, Visa, Police and Health Advice

Practical Advice for your visit to Malaysia

As a tourist you are sure to encounter Malaysia’s bustling cities but the real heart of Malaysia is its gentle and hospitable citizens. The country is a great mix of tradition and modernity and the warmth of Malaysia pleasantly surprises every visitor. Malaysia is a rich nation of South-East Asia and its high skyline, infrastructure and well developed cities certainly reflect that! However, it is also a country that hasn't lost touch with its fascinating and varied cultural roots.

If you take heed of certain small things whilst in Malaysia, it will certainly make the trip even more enchanting. Here are some travel tips to guide every tourist visiting Malaysia.

• Be interactive in Malaysia to get the most out of your stay. Even Malaysians enjoy meeting people from other places and this is certainly the best and easiest way to learn a new culture. So, do not hesitate to strike a conversation - go ahead and talk! You may greet them differently. Offer your right hand to a Malaysian Muslim or say Salam (which is a 'greeting of acceptance’). Greet a Hindu with Namaste or Vanakam. Conversely a Chinese Malaysian may be greeted with a simple shake of the hand. Even simpler would be a polite ‘hi’, with a smile and a nod while being introduced to a Malaysian.

City life has a much faster pace than Malaysia's serene islands but mixing with friendly local people is an experience unto itself! Locals and tourists alike mix to enjoy the food at popular stalls which serve clean, tasty and value for money treats.

• Passport/Travel documents should be complete. A passport with a minimum validity of six months should be in possession. Do not forget to fill in the Disembarkation Card (IMM. 26) on entry and hand it to the Immigration Officer with your passport. You will also need a passport/travel document when you travel between Sabah and Sarawak which must be obtained on arrival in Sarawak. New legislation in action means that all foreign visitors to Malaysia are required to provide fingerprints to help maintain national security. This will happen on arrival.
• Visa requirements may vary for citizens of different countries and for different purposes. However, a visitor who wishes to visit Malaysia is required to have just a single visa to travel anywhere within the country. To obtain the latest requirements and entry procedures for visiting Malaysia, travelers should pay a visit to the nearest Malaysian Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. US, UK and Australian visitors along with Singaporeans travelling for business or tourism purposes do not require a visa for stays of up to 3 months. Indian visitors should consult their nearest embassy.
• Tourist Police officers can be recognized by their dark blue shirts, checkered hat bands and the letter "I" (for information) on a red and blue badge on their front pocket. They are here to help tourists in every way, so feel free to seek any kind of help or advice from them while in Malaysia!
• Before planning your trip, check for the public holiday dates from the nearest Tourism Malaysia Office to avoid any inconvenience or hassle. On public holidays you will find that some services, including transport, do not run as usual.
• Tourists may seek health services from private clinics; however, getting medical insurance is a better idea before travelling to Malaysia. For OTC medicines, there are many pharmacies and 'Chinese medical halls'. Tourists may use drinking water straight from the tap (Malaysia's tap water is clean and drinkable), however, bottled mineral water is also easily available. Vaccination is not required for smallpox and cholera while visiting Malaysia.
• The climate is generally good in Malaysia. The temperature generally stays between 21 C and 32 C. Humidity is high, however, and conditions can be sticky at times.
• Light clothing is recommended because the climate is mostly sunny.

Malaysia has adopted some aspects of Western culture but it maintains a strongly individual identity. Here Chinese Malaysians mix in a Malacca night market

• Etiquette should be followed to avoid any religious or cultural problems. Remember to remove your shoes while entering homes and places of worship. Ladies should dress neatly and cover their arms and legs while visiting places of worship. Use your right hand to handle food, and for taking or giving gifts to Malaysians and do not point your foot at someone, this can be considered insulting in the Malaysian culture!
• Malaysia is a very safe nation on the whole. Violent crime is extremely rare. It should be noted, however, that there have been reports of a relatively higher rate of petty crimes including pick-pocketing in the city of Johor Bahru, though precaution should be taken in all cities. Tourists must take care of their documents and remain a little aware whilst out and about to save themselves an inconvenience. Credit cards should be used in reputable shops only.
• Maintain clean habits in public washrooms and carry some loose change, generally RM 0.20 to 2 to be paid there for maintenance.

‘Malaysia, truly Asia’ is indeed an apt tag line for the nation of Malaysia. Here you’ll find many different races and cultures – each of which will truly engage you with their charm and traditional hospitality.

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Photo Credits: mckaysavage and plassen