One of the most popular holiday destinations of South-east Asia, Malaysia is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes. From vibrant cities to sweltering rainforests, this country is home to a wide variety of terrains. Be it exploring the colonial city of George Town, the beautiful beaches of Langkawi or the charming city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will leave you wanting for more.

Re-opening of borders and the conversations for travel are starting to happen soon! We think it is time to take down our Covid cancel policy and start to talk about the future of travel. While we understand some people will not be ready to travel for a while still, many are ready to go now. Travel in the next 6-12 months is a personal choice and many new safety measures are being put in place or are already there. We have heard about the efforts of the airlines and are learning more about hotels and so on, and we want to communicate this to you as well.

I have been on airplanes lately and I have to report that it was a pleasant experience. I appreciated the efforts of Airasia Airlines to hand out masks and encourage their use as well as handing out disinfecting wipes. Nearly all passengers wore their own masks. An interesting statistic shows airline air to be as clean as hospital operating rooms. Malaysia is not open for tourism, only to special long-pass holders and returning nationals only. The country started its vaccination campaign and tourism officials are confident this will allow them to welcome international tourists soon. They are negotiating bubble agreements and green lanes with neighboring countries.

So, what can you expect once you arrive? Hotels and taxis as well as other transport services all have new and slightly varied systems in place to maintain hygiene and minimized virus exposure. Double face mask is the new normal; you can expect to find it installed at hotel check-in, airport check-in, and just about everywhere you have face to face transactions traditionally. Hotels all vary in their daily efforts but in Kuala Lumpur for example, the government is issuing a new “Clean & Safe” label to hotels and other service providers who meet recommended operational practices post-Covid. E-hailing operator such as Grab which operating throughout all Malaysia, will limit to 3 persons per car and to the back seat only. So, for larger parties, especially families, it remains to be seen if and what exceptions may be possible.

The Ubiquitous Face Mask:
You will need one. You may be required to wear it in most public places, such as going into shops, restaurants, museums, etc.  You do not have to ride or hike or be active with your mask on.

50% Occupancy:
Restaurants and Transportation are being asked to operate at this capacity number and so tables have been removed. Social distancing will be the norm everywhere.

The next big question is, “Can I arrive to my destination without quarantine?”  This is still somewhat unknown as border openings and who will be allowed to cross is an ever-changing issue. As of today, we know the following to be true: There is a mandatory quarantine of 14-21 days at a government-appointed facility and negative PCR test results are required. All costs for additional testing and hospitalization (if necessary), as well as quarantine accommodation, will be covered by the traveler.

Rules for travelers entering Malaysia:

1. Compulsory quarantine for 14-21 days on arrival.

2. Mandatory medical test for coronavirus will be done on arrival.

3. All visitors must complete the health declaration at least one day before departure by using the MySejahtera App

4. Mandatory to present a negative PCR test certificate carried out less than 72 hours before departure

5. Compulsory to submit a Letter of Undertaking and Indemnity along with an Entry Permit

6. Recommended to download MySejahtera App