Travel Documents Entry Formalities Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of valid passport/travel documents with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the period of intended stay.
VISA Requirements Commonwealth citizens (with some exceptions) do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Nationals of ASEAN countries do not require a visa for a social and business visit not exceeding one month.
Customs Items such as video equipment, cameras, radio cassette players, watches, pens, lighters, perfumes and cosmetics are duty free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure.
Airport Tax An airport tax (Currently RM5.00 and RM40.00) is charged upon departure for all passengers of domestic and international flights, respectively.
Drug Trafficking Trafficking in illegal drugs carries the death penalty in Malaysia.
Business Hours Government offices are open from 8 a.m. up to 4.15 p.m. on Monday - Friday and 8 a.m. up to 12.45p.m. on Saturdays with Sunday a day of rest. Banking hours are generally from 10 a.m. up to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9.30 a.m. up o 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Department stores and supermarkets are open daily from 10 a.m. up to 10 p.m.
Language Bahasa Malaysia is the national language but English is widely spoken. Other main languages are Chinese and Tamil.
Climate Generally warm throughout the year with temperature ranging from 21 ºC to 32 ºC. Humidity is high all year round.
What to Wear Light, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round.
Time Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard time.
New Currency Control Law With effect from 1 October 1998, all travellers are required to fill in the Travellers Declaration Form (TDF) on arrival/departure. Residents and Non-Residents are allowed to bring in not more than RM1,000 in cash and an unlimited amount of foreign currency.
