Britons itching to sample out Kuala Lumpur’s hospitality and its colourful culture must be fully aware of all the entry requirements and other important issues before booking flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a splendid holiday destination that is dotted with a plethora of charismatic attractions. Heaps of holiday makers are keen on booking flights to Kuala Lumpur to unravel all the glittering gems of this radiant Malaysian city. Other Malaysian cities like Penang and Langkwi make it even more prudent to plan luxury holidays in the country. Of course, Malaysia has certain entry requirements that must be paid heed to by Britons. Before booking cheap tickets on flights to Malaysia, British should also get acquainted with matters like visa, passport and health.
Visa Regulations
British nationals planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Generally, travellers are provided the permission to stay for a period of three months on their arrival. On the other hand, Britons visiting the country for a non tourist purpose need a visa. Visa is also required for longer stays.
The Malaysian authorities are very strict when it comes to illegal immigration. Travellers are recommended not to overstay one’s visa or defy any rules that concern entry into the country. Individuals who are found to be in violation of any such rule will have to pay a fine and can be even detained by the authorities and deported later on.
High Commission of Malaysia
Malaysian High Commission
45 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8QT
Passport Requirements
- Britons must hold a valid passport to be allowed to enter Malaysia. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.
- UK citizens travelling from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia (sometimes referred as Malaysian Borneo and incorporates the states of Sabah and Sarawak) must carry their passports as it may be a prerequisite for entering East Malaysia.
Exchange Control Laws
As per current Malaysian exchange control rules, one does not need a prior approval from the concerned authorities for exporting or importing currency up to 1,000 Malaysian Ringgit per individual. There are also no restrictions or limits on the amount of foreign currency notes and or travellers’ cheques one may import or export into Malaysia.
Travellers, however, are required to declare the amount to customs authorities on entry and exit, in case the amount is above and over the equivalent amount of USD 10,000. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to RM 1 million and/or up to three years’ imprisonment. All the diligent efforts for procuring cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur will be rendered meaningless in case something like this happens, so take care.
Dual nationals
Travellers who have dual nationalities and are planning to book flights to Kuala Lumpur must be aware that dual nationality is not acknowledged in Malaysia. A traveller found in possession of two passports can be refused an entry into the country. Dual nationals who are keen on a Malaysia tour should use the passport on which they departed from the last country visited by them.
Travelling with Children
Most countries ask for documents that establish the parental responsibility of the visitors travelling alone with children. These documents can be birth certificate, a letter of consent offered by the other parent or some other sort of documentary proof establishing the accompanying adult’s responsibility for the child. It must be noted that Malaysian authorities usually don’t ask for such documents of proofs. However, travellers who have apprehensions regarding the same can contact the Malaysian representation in the UK to sort out the issues.
Health
- Britons travelling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia must bear in mind that not all medical facilities in the country can be comparable to the UK standards. Nevertheless, medical care in most hospitals of the country is good. While both government and private hospitals charge a fees for the health services, private hospitals tend to be more expensive than government ones.
- Malaysia has a sort of recurring problem with air quality that can reach dangerous levels because of smoke haze. British holiday makers with breathing ailments on Malaysia bound flights should take care. Further information is available on the Malaysian Department of Environment’s website.
- It is advisable to avoid bathing in rivers or under waterfalls as a precaution against Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease).
- Dengue fever, malaria and other mosquito borne illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and serious outbreaks can take place from time to time. It is recommended to take precautions against mosquitoes.
- There are also sporadic outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Malaysia.
- The prevalence of HIV in Malaysia is estimated to be approximately 0.5% in the adult population. In the UK it is 0.2%. Travellers are recommended to exercise normal precautions against HIV/AIDS.
- It is essential to be up to date on all appropriate vaccinations before travelling to Malaysia. One can visit the website of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre to garner information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention.
