Asia / Malaysia

Malaysia

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Exercise caution — most governments advise vigilance.

8 governments of 12 advise increased caution. 4 governments rate this destination all-clear.

For informational purposes only — always verify with official government sources before travel.

United States
United States
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1
Malaysia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south due to…
Canada
Canada
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1
Malaysia - Take normal security precautions Take normal security precautions in Malaysia. Regional risks East coast of Sabah - Exercise a high degree of caution Exercise a high degree of caution on…
Ireland
Ireland
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
Exercise a high degree of caution in Malaysia.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping. This…
New Zealand
New Zealand
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1
Some things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Malaysia should be aware of are: Terrorism—watch local media to stay informed about possible risks. Drugs—tourists can be required to take a…
Netherlands
Netherlands
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
Caution: safety risks in Malaysia.
France
France
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
Exercise a high degree of caution in Malaysia.
Germany
Germany
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
Exercise a high degree of caution in Malaysia.
Poland
Poland
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
Exercise increased caution in Malaysia.
Taiwan
Taiwan
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1
Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia.
South Korea
South Korea
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
Exercise caution in Malaysia.
Japan
Japan
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2
East Coast of Sabah and surrounding islands (including Banggi Island and Balambangan Island)

For informational purposes only — always verify with official government sources before travel.

United StatesUnited States passportVisa-free · 90 days
CanadaCanada passportVisa-free · 90 days
IrelandIreland passportVisa-free · 90 days
United KingdomUnited Kingdom passportVisa-free · 90 days
New ZealandNew Zealand passportVisa-free · 90 days
NetherlandsNetherlands passportVisa-free · 90 days
FranceFrance passportVisa-free · 90 days
GermanyGermany passportVisa-free · 90 days
PolandPoland passportVisa-free · 90 days
TaiwanTaiwan passportVisa-free · 30 days
South KoreaSouth Korea passportVisa-free · 90 days
JapanJapan passportVisa-free · 90 days

Where the governments disagree on Malaysia

Opinion on Malaysia is divided, though not dramatically: ratings run from level 1 to level 2. Eight of the twelve take the stricter view, and the remaining four see no cause for it. A one-level split of this kind usually reflects differing thresholds between governments rather than a dispute about the facts.

Currency varies between sources. New Zealand's is the oldest assessment of Malaysia on file, last revised in November 2024, while the rest have been reviewed more recently.

The warnings for Malaysia are not uniform across the country. 14 distinct areas are singled out by at least one government. Among them: Eastern part of Shaba Province (territory and coastal areas) and Eastern coast of Shaba Province. At least one of these carries the highest possible rating, meaning a government advising against all travel there while rating the rest of the country lower.

Your own government's rating is the one your insurer and embassy will act on, so read that source first — the one level of daylight between the strictest and most relaxed assessments here is context, not a substitute for it.

Derived from 12 government assessments for Malaysia, most recently reviewed in October 2026.

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Top Destinations

Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Twin Towers rise above a city of Malay, Chinese, and Indian neighborhoods with world-class street food. Batu Caves and the Jalan Alor hawker strip are essential stops.
George Town
A UNESCO-listed Penang city with colonial shophouses, extraordinary street art, and the best food in Southeast Asia. The hawker stalls serving char kway teow and laksa are legendary.
Johor Bahru
A causeway away from Singapore, home to the dazzling Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple. The night markets offer budget shopping and local treats.
Kota Kinabalu
Gateway to Mount Kinabalu and Borneo's rainforests with stunning island-hopping in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The Sunday Gaya Street market and waterfront sunset are highlights.
Malacca
A UNESCO-listed historic trading port with Dutch-era churches, Peranakan shophouses, and Jonker Street night market. The Baba Nyonya heritage and river cruise are unique to this city.