Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Malaysia.

Visa requirements vary. Citizens of ASEAN countries do not need visas for visits of up to a month. Citizens of most countries of the British Commonwealth (except those in the Indian subcontinent) do not require visas. Visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, and visa extension are at the discretion of the Immigration authorities; ask your local host or travel agent for assistance. Only nationals of Israel are not allowed entry, but there have been exceptions.

For inquiries, contact:

Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia
Aras 1-7, Blok I (Utara)
Jalan Damansutra
Pusat Bandar Damansara
50550 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60-3 255-5077
Fax: +60-3 252-4868
Hotline (24 hours): 250-5777
Email: opsroom@imi.gov.my

Top

Customs

Visitors with nothing to declare may use the Green Channel. Otherwise, declare dutiable goods and pay 30% ad valorem duty. For liquor and cigarettes, the rate will be that prevailing at the time. Travelers should also open, unpack, and repack their luggage to facilitate Customs inspection.

Products allowed in without duty include books, portable radios weighing less than 10 kg., watches and clocks, cameras, videotapes, calculators, computers, fishing equipment, golf clubs and racquets, as well as trade samples of no commercial value.

Prohibited Items

Travelers are not allowed to bring the following items into Malaysia: illegal drugs, flick knives, daggers, and pornographic materials. Import and export of dangerous drugs are prohibited, except with a license. A conviction for drug smuggling carries the death penalty.

A special permit is required to carry firearms and ammunition. Taped videocassettes should be submitted to Customs for clearance. Taking out of antiques and historical objects is not permitted unless visitors obtain an export license from the Director General of Museums Malaysia or unless these items were originally imported and declared to Customs at that point.

Travelers are required to declare to Customs or the Plant Quarantine Inspector any plants or parts of plants such as seeds, flowers, fruits, soil samples, cultures of fungi, bacteria and viruses, insects or any other vertebrate or invertebrate animal, in their possession.

In case of specific questions, send an email to kastam@hq.rced.gov.my or call the KLIA Customs office at Tel: +60-3 8776-6575.

Currency

Travelers who enter Malaysia need not fill out the travelers' declaration form (TDF) indicating the amount of money they are carrying into the country unless the amount exceeds those specified by Bank Negara, the central monetary authority.

Local currency in amounts less than RM1,000 (US$263) and foreign currencies and travelers' checks worth not more than RM10,000 (US$2,632) need not be declared, according to the Customs Department.