Now that Malaysia is in its endemic phase, the nation’s travel borders have been reopened and the international travel SOPs has officially been loosened. If you’ve been fully vaccinated, you are now allowed to make all of your travel dreams come true again after not being able to hop on an international flight for over 2 years.
Can’t wait to plan your first post-pandemic vacay? We’ve compiled a list of countries that Malaysians can now travel to without being required to quarantine upon departure/arrival! Keep reading for inspiration for your next stop!
20 Amazing Quarantine-free Countries Malaysians Can Now Visit
*Travel restrictions in the following countries are subject to change, so make sure to do sufficient research by visiting official websites before booking that international flight!
1. Thailand
Being one of the first countries in Asia to reopen its travel borders to fully vaccinated travellers, the Land of Smiles would be the perfect choice for those who have been craving the adrenaline rush from outdoor activities by the beach, authentic pad thai, and unforgettable massages.
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: PCR upon arrival and self antigen test on day 5
2. Singapore
With the launch of the brand new Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF), travellers will be enjoying quarantine-free travel between Singapore and Malaysia, and will no longer be required to take any on-arrival tests or travel via designated VTL flights or buses!
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: PCR or RTK within 2 days of departure
3. Australia
Known for having one of the strictest border controls, travel protocols, and COVID-19 preventative measures around the world, the country has finally reopened its borders to travellers of all nationalities! To the lovers of all things city and sandy beaches, this is your time to shine – we’ve only heard the most amazing things about the brunches and city lights in Melbourne, and the golden, sandy beaches in Gold Coast!
Travel SOPs:
Pre-departure tests: not required
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: required upon arrival
4. South Korea
The land of oppas and your favourite K-dramas is officially welcoming fully vaccinated countries for most countries, including Malaysia to visit South Korea. Treat yourself to only the most incredible K-bbq, shopping trips at Myeongdong, Hanbok photoshoots, and days of island hopping.
Travel SOPs:
Pre-departure test: PCR test required
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: required prior to departure & upon arrival
5. Vietnam
Who’s up for bowls of authentic pho and bahn mi? Vietnam has announced that its borders are now open to international tourists! However, since the amount of cases in the country are still on the higher side, we would recommend you to visit its beautiful cities only when things have settled down!
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: PCR (within 72 hours) or RTK (within 24 hours) before trip
6. Cambodia
Are you ready to bask in the sun on the glorious beaches of Cambodia or visit the majestic Angkor Wat? Cambodia has reopened its borders to all fully vaccinated travellers without the requirement of taking pre-departure and on-arrival PCR tests!
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required
7. Indonesia
Into the party scene or the eat, pray, love lifestyle? Either way, international travellers are now allowed to visit sunny, dreamy Bali and other beautiful cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam, and Riau Islands!
Travel SOPs:
Visa: not required
On-arrival PCR test: not required
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: PCR within 48 hours from departure
8. The Philippines
The Philippines has opened its borders to travellers from non-visa-required countries, including Malaysia. Vaccinated travellers no longer have to quarantine upon arrival, whereas unvaccinated visitors will have to observe a two-week quarantine. What are you waiting for? Get vaxxed and visit the beautiful, white, sandy beaches in Boracay!
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required if fully vaccinated
Swab test: required (within 48 hours before departure
9. Switzerland
Look out, the picture-perfect landscapes of Switzerland are awaiting you! The borders of Switzerland are now open to all fully vaccinated AND unvaccinated international travellers without the requirement of pre-departure tests, quarantine, or entry forms to be filled.
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
10. Canada
Say hello to the gorgeous Niagara Falls and the amazing art galleries in the city of Toronto! Canada has reopened its borders to visitors who have received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by the country and has recently extended its welcome to those who are Sinovaxxed!
Travel SOPs
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required
11. United Kingdom
Of fish and chips and dreamy attractions in London, the United Kingdom has opened its travel borders to travellers from Malaysia! If you’re fully vaccinated, you won’t have to quarantine or submit a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. All you have to do is provide proof of vaccination and a completed passenger locator form that can be filled up online prior to your departure from Malaysia.
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
12. France
Indulge in croissants for breakfast and the scenery of fairy tales when visiting France! The picturesque country is open to fully vaccinated travellers with no quarantine restrictions! All you have to do is provide proof of your vaccination status and apply for a COVID Health Pass.
Travel SOPs
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
13. Iceland
Keen on going on a Northern Light chase or a dip in the otherworldly Blue Lagoon? The ever-so dreamy Iceland is officially welcoming international travellers to visit the country!
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required
14. The Maldives
Goodbye city life, hello beautiful beaches. Lavish in the clear blue oceans and amazing resorts of The Maldives now that its travel restrictions have been lifted! All you have to do is submit a Traveller Health Declaration (THD) within 48 hours prior to your travel and you’re set to begin your travels away from the crowds.
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required
15. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Marvel at incredible Arabic architecture and swim with the dolphins in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) now that all vaccinated travellers from Malaysia no longer have to quarantine or take a pre-departure test before entering the country!
Travel SOPs
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required
16. Egypt
Up for a vacation unlike any other? Explore the great land of mummies and pyramids when you visit Egypt! The country is currently open to incoming visitors and all you have to do is fill up a health care declaration form before arrival. However, do note that unvaccinated travellers are required to submit a negative PCR test report taken at most 72 hours before departure.
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
17. Turkey
Historic ruins, bustling cities, beautiful beaches, and excellent food, all at an affordable price – what more could you ask for when deciding on a country to travel to? Turkey is now welcoming fully vaccinated tourists as long as they full up a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online at least 72 hours before departure!
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required if fully vaccinated
18. Nepal
Up for a visit to majestic temples, royal palaces, and Durbar Square? Nepal is now offering highly discounted accommodation rates to international tourists and has lifted its borders for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, without the need for them to take a pre-departure PCR test.
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required
19. Sri Lanka
Known for its exotic beaches and cuisine, Sri Lanka has also reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers, without the requirement of taking any pre-entry PCR tests. However, Malaysians will need a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka, which can be obtained online or even upon arrival!
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required
Swab test: not required
20. Mauritius
Adrenaline junkies and outdoorsy people, this one’s for you! With its iconic rainforests, hiking trails, and waterfalls, Mauritius is definitely a country you should visit. Though pre-departure tests are not required, visitors who are fully vaccinated will have to buy COVID-19 insurance health coverage and take a mandatory Antigen Test at your hotel upon arrival.
Travel SOPs:
Quarantine upon arrival: not required if fully vaccinated, 7 days if not
Swab test: required upon arrival
And that’s all we have for you, folks! Where are you planning to travel to for your first post-pandemic vacation? Share this article with your wanderlust gang before deciding on your next travel spot!