Travel Vaccines and Advice for Malaysia
Malaysia has a high amount of biodiversity thanks to its tropical climate and a large population of over 30 million people. Its economy is steady and has some of the best economic records in Asia due to its natural resources and science sectors.
The capital city of of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s other major cities include Ipoh, George Town, and Klang.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Malaysia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Malaysia?
What is the Climate Like in Malaysia?
How Safe is Malaysia?
National Parks in Malaysia
What Should I Pack To Malaysia?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Malaysia
Do I Need Vaccines for Malaysia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Malaysia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Malaysia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Found year-round in Sarawak. October to December in throughout the country. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Malaysia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Found year-round in Sarawak. October to December in throughout the country. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Malaysia?
No visa is required for stays under three months in Malaysia. Passport validity must be for at least six months to be allowed entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Malaysia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Malaysia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Malaysia and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations have a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures all year round. Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Langkawi has a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall from September to November.
Penang has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons, from April to May and from October to November. Malacca also has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons, from April to May and from October to November.
The best time to visit these destinations varies, but generally, it’s best to visit when it’s dry and sunny.
How Safe is Malaysia?
There is a continued terrorist threat in Malaysia. There is a high presence of terrorist supporters in Malaysia.
If you are travelling 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 UK 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.
National Parks in Malaysia
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 seasides 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.
What Should I Pack for Malaysia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Malaysia:
- Clothing made of breathable and light fabric.
- Umbrella or kagouls. 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.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Malaysia
If you are in Malaysia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British High Commission Kuala Lumpur
Level 27 Menara Binjai
2 Jalan Binjai
Kuala Lumpur
50450
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Telephone: +6 03 2170 2200
Emergency Phone: 03 2170 2200
Fax: +6 03 2170 2370
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