15 Countries Welcoming Malaysians To Visit Now That Overseas Travel Is Allowed

Even though borders are open for Malaysians to visit these foreign countries, there are restrictions and rules to follow.

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Malaysians can finally kickstart all their #wanderlust plans that have been delayed for the last two years since the pandemic began: both interstate and international travel have been allowed.

But even though the country’s borders are finally open to let us out, where do we go? Which countries are letting us in?

Twitter user Afid Mahadhir, part of a travel group, recently compiled a list of countries that also have their borders open. As a general rule, all countries will require negative Covid-19 swab tests from fully vaccinated individuals.

1. United Kingdom

The UK is opening its borders without requiring quarantines from travellers, but visitors must alight at one of 8 allowed airports. No quarantine required.

However, the European Union does not recognize all vaccines such as Sinovac although they are currently reviewing this ruling. Check here to see what vaccines are accepted by the EU.

Long live the Queen.
(Credit: Eva Dang/Unsplash)

2. Finland

Entry for international tourists begin on 25 October, but quarantine is required.

3. Ukraine

Ukraine requires a minimum 1 vaccine dose for entry, but a quarantine is not required. However, tourists must download their government health app Vdoma and have travel insurance.

4. United States

Much like usual, you will require a visa to enter the US. The only new thing is to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 swab test and a direct flight from your home country or transit through approved countries only.

5. Romania

Because Malaysia is listed in Romania’s Red Category, tourists will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

You’ll need to wait 2 weeks before you can freely explore Romania.
(Credit: schengenvisainfo)

6. Mauritania

To visit this African country, tourists will need to sit through a 10-day qurantine.

7. Bali, Indonesia

The rest of Indonesia is still keeping its borders sealed, but the tourist island of Bali will be open to international travellers. Tourists will need to go through a 8-day quarantine and 3 PCR tests.

8. Saudi Arabia

The country of Saudi Arabia, home to the holy city of Mecca, will be open to religious worshippers for the purpose of umrah ONLY.

Serious prayers: yes. Casual tourism: no.
(Credit: Unsplash)

9. Phuket, Thailand

Tourists to Phuket will require an additional approval from the Thai Embassy to visit. Like Bali, only the island of Phuket will be open for tourists– unless you stay for 7 days straight on Phuket, after which you will be allowed to travel domestically to other parts of Thailand in accordance with their ‘Phuket Sandbox’ regulations.

10. Egypt

Visitors to Egypt will not need to undergo a quarantine unless they start exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms.

11. Qatar

No quarantine neccessary for tourists, but those who have received the Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Sputnik vaccines must be tested for antibodies before arriving in Qatar.

12. Maldives

Like Egypt, Maldives will not require a quarantine unless symptoms are shown.

Get your fill of crystal-blue beaches and luxury living in Maldives.
(Credit: Envato)

13. Iceland

Visitors must obtain a visa to visit Iceland, but the country will not require a quarantine period.

14. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Tourists must also apply for a tourist visa to enter UAE, but the country will also not require a quarantine period unless Covid-19 symptoms are shown.

15. Turkey

Turkey is opening its borders to Malaysians without requiring quarantine.

[Update: A previous version of this story noted that visitors to Turkey requires a visa. This has been amended.]

According to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri, fully vaccinated Malaysians are not required to apply for MyTravelPass to travel overseas starting 11 October.

However, before they return, they will be required to conduct swab tests twice – three days before coming back into the country and once they arrive. (This means that you will need to do 4 swab tests, 2 for departure and 2 for return.)

Travellers will also be required to undergo quarantine but locals will be allowed to self-isolate in their homes for 14 days.

See Afiq’s full thread here:

Dah boleh rentas negara? Tapi negara mana nak terima kita? HAHAHAHA ok la, aku buatkan list dan rules negara2 yang nak accept kita. Thread akan dikemaskini ikut info semasa

[Thread]— محمد أميرول أفيق (@AfiqMahadhir) October 10, 2021