Malaysia announced plans to reopen its borders for tourists on January 1, 2022, as part of a national easing COVID-19.
Malaysia is easing restrictions in many states and is also ready to welcome tourists in the New Year. The government began showing glimpses this week of how it will eventually reopen its borders. With infection rates steadily declining across the country, and vaccination rates increasing, more than 76% (32 million) of Malaysia's population are now fully vaccinated.
Malaysia isn’t jumping into any rush. Malaysia announced this week that it will launch a travel bubble in Singapore on November 29. This will allow quarantine-free travel between both countries for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Reuters reports that a similar arrangement will be made with Indonesia, just before Malaysia opens its borders to international travellers on January 1.
Malaysian COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed (c.Geir Kristiansen, c. Getty Images
Most international travellers are currently prohibited from entering Malaysia. Even fully vaccinated travelers must test negative for COVID-19 prior to travel.
Given that the January travel bubble arrangements with Singapore, Indonesia and other countries require that all arrivals be vaccinated in January, it is likely that they will need to do so. However, the government has not yet specified what January's entry requirements will be. This article will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.
For Malaysia to be considered fully vaccinated, you must have traveled to Malaysia within 14 days of the last dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines or 28 days following the first dose of Johnson & Johnson. This is confirmed by the US Embassy in Malaysia.
Continue reading: How to travel with unvaccinated children
Many businesses, including restaurants and markets, are at full capacity (c/ Getty Images/iStockphoto).
Reuters reports that Muhyiddin Yassin (head of Malaysia's recovery taskforce) said Thursday at a government meeting that measures such as COVID-19 tests would remain in place. Authorities will determine entry based upon the COVID-19 situation within originating countries and other factors.
