|
Entry Formalities
Passport/Travel Documents
Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of valid passport/travel
documents with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of intended
stay. In the case of a national passport not recognised by the Malaysian
Government, the holder must be in possession of a document in lieu of passport
obtainable at the nearest Malaysian Mission abroad. The national passport
must also ensure his re-entry into the country of his citizenship.
Every visitor to Malaysia has to fill in a Disembarkation Card (IMM.
26). The card has to be handed over to the Immigration Officer on arrival
together with the national passport or other internationally recognized
travel document endorsed for travel into Malaysia. A passport/travel document
is also necessary for travel between Sabah and Sarawak.
Visitor passes issued for entry into Peninsular Malaysia are
not valid for entry into Sarawak. Fresh visit passes must be obtained on
arrival
at the point of entry in Sarawak. However, subject to conditions stipulated,
visit passes issued by the Immigration Authorities in Sabah and Sarawak
are valid for any part of Malaysia.
Visa Requirements:
- Commonwealth Citizens (except Bangladesh/India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka),
British Protected Persons or Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Citizens
of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not need a
visa to enter Malaysia.
- Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic
of Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, South
Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Italy, United States of America, Bahrin,
Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, North Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia,Qatar
United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Tunisia do not require a visa for a Social
and Business visit not exceeding three months.
- Nationals of ASEAN Countries do not require a visa for a Social and
Business visit not exceeding one month.
- Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, South Yemen do not
require visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding 14 days.
- Citizens of Bulgaria, Romania and Russia do not require a visa for
a Social and Business visit not exceeding one week.
- Nationals of the Republic of China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, India,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, North Korea, Nepal, Myanmar, Taiwan, Vietnam and all
Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must obtain a visa before entering
Malaysia.
- Citizens of nations other than those stated above (except Serbia Montenegro
and Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia for a Social and Business visit
not exceeding one month without having a Visa.
- A visitor intending to visit any part of Malaysia is required to be
in possession of only one visa to travel direct from one part of the nation
to another.
Visas are issued by Malaysian Diplomatic Missions abroad or British
Consulates which act for Malaysia in countries where no diplomatic representation
of Malaysia is established. All visitors to Malaysia should inquire at
the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic
Mission for the latest entry procedures and requirements.
Tourist Police
Lost your way? Need help? Look for a tourist police
officer. Tourist police officers are recognized by their checkered hat bands,
dark
blue shirts and trousers, and the letter "I" (for information)
on a red and blue badge on their breast pocket.
Public Holidays
With its multi-ethnic population, it is not surprising that
almost every month sees a different festival. Some of these are declared
as Public Holidays. As festivals vary from year to year, it is best to
check the dates with the nearest Tourism Malaysia Office before you plan
your trip.
School Holidays
There are five term breaks in the year for schools throughout
Malaysia. The term breaks vary slightly from state to state. However, they
fall roughly during the later part of the months of January (1 week), March
(2 week), May (3 weeks), August (1 week), October (4 weeks).
Water
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled
mineral water, however, is easily available in shops and supermarkets.
Electrical Supply
Electric supply is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system.
Newspapers
English Language newspapers are available i.e. The New Straits
Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily
News and Sarawak Tribune. International newspapers can be obtained at most
bookshops and newsstands. Several dailies in other languages include Utusan
Melayu, Berita Harian, Nanyang Siang Pan, Sin Chew Wit Poh and Tamil Nesan.
There are also weeklies, such as the Leader and Straits Shipper.
Radio
Radio services are in Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese, and Tamil.
Television
There are 4 television stations with TV 1 and TV 2 being government
networks while the other two are privately run.
Health Services
In the event you need medical care, there are private clinics
in most towns. It is a good idea to take out a medical insurance before
you travel as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service agreements
with other nations. For over-the-counter prescriptions, there are pharmacies
and 'Chinese medical halls'.
Health Regulations
No vaccination is required for cholera and smallpox.
Climate
With a temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year,
travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperature is between 21 C and
32 C. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February
on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern
Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia the rainy season is April
to May and October to November. Click here
for the current four-day weather forecast in Kuala Lumpur.
Clothing
As Malaysia's climate is sunny almost year round, light clothing
is ideal. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples,
to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts.
Time
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16
hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.
Etiquette
To avoid "cultural offenses," here are some
tips:
- Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
- Dress neatly in a suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting
places of worship.
- Handle food with your right hand.
- Do not point your foot at someone.
- When giving or receiving money gifts to/from a Malaysian, do so with
your right hand.
Home
| Places | People
| History | Nature
| Activities
| Fun | Essentials
| Calendar
This page, and
all contents of this Web site are Copyright (c) 1996-2005 by
interKnowledge Corp..
All rights reserved.
|
|