Malaysia Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

If you're from the UK and going to Malaysia, you need to know what documents you’ll need when you arrive.
Understanding Malaysia’s entry requirements for Brits and having your paperwork ready will make things go fast and easy at the border.
Malaysia has different rules for people coming into the country, based on where they're from and why they're visiting. This page will tell you exactly what you need to do if you're from the UK, so you can be all set for your trip.
Read on to find information about:
- What documents you need to bring
- Information about the British High Commission in Malaysia
- Answers to common questions British passengers might have
Documents Required to Travel to Malaysia From the UK
If you’re traveling to Malaysia for a visit, make sure you have all the items on this checklist:
- UK passport
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
- Proof of onward travel (a return flight ticket, for example)(*)
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay(*)
(*)Malaysian border control officers may ask to see these documents, particularly at airports. You should bring proof of your onward flight and a bank statement in case a border officer requires them.
UK passport requirements to enter Malaysia
Your British passport must meet the following standards when you arrive in Malaysia if you want to be granted entry:
- Valid for 6 months (from the date of arrival)
- At least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps
- Undamaged; no pages missing
All types of British passports are accepted for entry to Malaysia, including: British citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), and British subjects.
MDAC for UK passport holders
The MDAC is an Malaysia entry requirement for all travelers from the UK and any other part of the world.
You can complete this quick arrival card online from the UK in minutes. You must do this before arriving in Malaysia.
Learn more about the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card or complete it now for your trip.
Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Malaysia?
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Malaysia as tourists or for business. They are typically allowed to stay for up to 90 days.
However, a visa would be required for the following:
- Stays longer than 90 days
- Non-tourist visits
- Moving to Malaysia permanently
- Working or studying in Malaysia
What types of Malaysian visas can UK citizens apply for?
Citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can apply for the following Malaysian visa types, depending on their needs:
- Work Visa: For UK citizens who have received a job offer from a Malaysian company. This visa category also includes visas for expatriates and professionals working in Malaysia.
- Student Visa: Required by UK citizens who intend to study in Malaysia. This visa is necessary for enrolling in short-term or long-term educational programs.
- Dependent Visa: For family members of those holding a long-term Malaysian visa, such as a work or student visa. It allows dependents to live in Malaysia for the duration of the primary visa holder’s stay.
British nationals do not need to apply any type of visa to go on holiday to Malaysia or visit on a business trip.
UK High Commission in Malaysia
The United Kingdom’s diplomatic representation in Malaysia is the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
British nationals traveling in Malaysia can seek assistance here, such as getting an Emergency Travel Document in case your UK passport has been lost during your stay.
Address:
Level 27 Menara Binjai
2, Lrg Binjai
Kuala Lumpur
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
FAQs for British Passport Holders Traveling to Malaysia
Here are some common questions asked by Brits planning a trip to Malaysia:
What documents do I need if I am a UK citizen with dual nationality? Toggle faqs
Malaysia does not recognize dual nationality, so you must be careful. If you arrive with 2 passports on your person, you may be denied entry.
If one of these passports is Malaysian, you will likely be forced to rescind one of your citizenships there and then and turn over the other passport to Malaysian authorities.
We recommend traveling with one passport and following the entry requirements for that nationality.
You should certainly use the same passport to enter and leave Malaysia.
Do British passport holders need health insurance to travel to Malaysia? Toggle faqs
Health insurance is not a mandatory requirement for British passport holders to enter Malaysia.
However, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel and health insurance before traveling to any foreign country, including Malaysia. Health insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, emergencies, and unexpected incidents, offering peace of mind during your travels.
It’s a good idea to check the latest travel advice from official sources or the Malaysian embassy before your trip. This ensures you are up-to-date with any new requirements or changes that might have been implemented.
What are the UK Emergency Travel Documents? Toggle faqs
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are issued by the British government to British nationals who are abroad and have lost, had stolen, or otherwise cannot use their regular passport.
ETDs are intended as a temporary replacement for a standard passport in emergency situations and are valid for a limited time, usually enough to complete your journey. The document contains personal details and photo identification, similar to a regular passport.
If you find yourself without your passport in Malaysia, you can go to the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to get a UK ETD.
ETDs can be used to leave the country and travel to your destination via a maximum of five countries. They can also be used for a return journey from Malaysia to the UK.