The Malaysian government has suspended all entry of foreign tourists since March 2020, in an attempt to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The decision has been taken to protect the safety and well-being of the Malaysian people and visitors in the country. However, the government has recently started to ease travel restrictions for selected categories of foreign visitors.
The travel restrictions have been gradually lifted for long-term pass holders, such as expatriates, permanent residents, and students. The Malaysian government has also introduced the “Malaysia My Second Home” program, which is open to foreign retirees and their dependents, who wish to stay in the country for extended periods.
Besides that, Malaysia has also allowed travelers from countries that have managed to contain the spread of COVID-19, to enter the country. Travelers from countries like Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea can now visit Malaysia, provided they comply with the strict travel measures and quarantine requirements.
In addition to that, Malaysia is also introducing the “travel bubble” concept, which would allow limited travel between countries with low COVID-19 infection rates. This would allow tourists to travel between Malaysia and other countries, without the need for quarantine upon arrival, provided they have tested negative for the virus.
Although Malaysia has started to open its doors to foreign visitors, it is important to note that travel restrictions and quarantine requirements are subject to change based on the COVID-19 situation in the country. Visitors will need to follow the health and safety protocols as set by the Malaysian government, which may include a mandatory quarantine for a specified number of days, depending on the country of origin.
So, is Malaysia open to tourists? The simple answer is yes, but with certain conditions and restrictions in place. The Malaysian government is taking a cautious approach to reopening its borders, in order to protect the safety of its people and visitors in the country. Tourists who wish to travel to Malaysia need to comply with the strict travel measures and quarantine requirements, which may be subject to change based on the COVID-19 situation.
In conclusion, Malaysia is slowly but surely opening its doors to foreign visitors. It is promising news for the tourism industry, which is a key contributor to the country’s economy. However, travelers need to be patient and adhere to the travel guidelines and restrictions, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful country.