Entry Requirements for Malaysian Borneo: Sabah and Sarawak Visa Requirements

Malaysian Borneo, divided into Sabah and Sarawak, offers an array of experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. However, understanding the Borneo entry requirements is essential before planning your trip.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Borneo visa and documentation requirements for these regions, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey.

What Is Malaysian Borneo?

Malaysian Borneo comprises the northern part of the island of Borneo, which is shared with Indonesia and Brunei, and is divided into two distinct states: Sabah and Sarawak.

These states are governed separately from Peninsular Malaysia, with their own immigration rules and systems, making travel to this region slightly different from the rest of the country.

Malaysian Borneo is a haven for biodiversity, boasting some of the world’s oldest rainforests and a wide variety of wildlife like orangutans and proboscis monkeys. The capital cities, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak), serve as entry points.

Do I Need a Visa for Sabah?

Malaysian Borneo visa requirements follow Malaysia’s general visa policies, which means that you need to meet the same requirements to enter Sabah as Malaysia.

Citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter Sabah without a visa for short-term stays. The duration of permitted stay is typically up to 30 or 90 days, depending on your nationality.

Those who need a visa to enter Malaysia will also need a visa to visit Sabah. You may be asked to show proof of your visa for Malaysia when passing through immigration in Sabah.

Do I Need a Visa for Sarawak?

Sarawak’s entry requirements are similar to Sabah’s and the rest of Malaysia. Like Sabah, Sarawak allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries for short-term visits.

However, Sarawak has its own immigration control, and travelers from West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) may need to show identification or travel documents. Ensure you carry a valid passport, and for specific purposes such as employment, additional permits might be required.

Again, if you’re arriving directly in Sarawak from abroad, you’ll need to complete an MDAC prior to your arrival. If arriving in Sarawak from another part of Malaysia, you won’t need to complete a new MDAC.

Do I Need a Passport to Travel to Sabah and Sarawak?

Yes, travelers need a passport to enter Sabah and Sarawak, even if arriving from Peninsular Malaysia.

While Malaysian citizens can use their MyKad identification card for internal travel, international travelers must present a valid passport.

Immigration checks are in place for both states to regulate entry, given their semi-autonomous governance.

Do West Malaysians need a passport for Sabah and Sarawak?

West Malaysians do not need a passport to travel to Sabah and Sarawak, but must carry their MyKad identification card. However, if traveling for purposes like work or study, additional documentation may be required.

Immigration procedures are in place, and West Malaysians should verify entry requirements if staying for an extended period or engaging in specific activities.

Extra Documentation for Entry to Sabah and Sarawak

While a valid passport is the primary requirement for international travelers, some additional documentation might be necessary based on the purpose of your visit. For example:

All international travelers arriving in Sarawak or Sabah must complete customs clearance upon arrival. Duty-free items are not permitted for passengers arriving from Peninsular Malaysia or the other Malaysian Borneo state.

However, visitors arriving in Sabah from Labuan Island can purchase duty-free goods, provided they spend more than 24 hours on Labuan.

Is Borneo Safe?

Borneo is generally considered a safe travel destination, with friendly locals and low crime rates in tourist areas. Both Sabah and Sarawak have well-established tourist infrastructures.

However, visitors should exercise standard precautions, such as securing valuables and staying informed about local advisories. Certain remote areas may have limited healthcare facilities, so we advise you to carry necessary medications and travel insurance.

Consider taking the following additional safety precautions:

Airports in Borneo

Borneo is well-connected by air, with major airports including:

There are daily direct flights to/from BKI and Kuala Lumpur via Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, making it easily accessible from Malaysia's capital. International flights to Sabah connect with major cities in South East Asia, such as:

Kuching is accessible from both Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in 1 hour 30 minutes. There are also direct international flights from Indonesia, Brunei, Macau, and Singapore.

AirAsia also provides international flights from Miri to Singapore. To travel between cities and rural areas in East Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak.