Malaysia Travel Risk Level

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. The geographic area in Sabah State subject to Level 2 carveout with a K indicator was revised. Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south due to risk of kidnapping. Advisory summary Malaysia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution - Islands and Maritime Areas Off the Coast of Sabah State Exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south due to risk of kidnapping . Kidnappings-for-ransom have occurred in this area, targeting island resorts and maritime activities. U.S. government employees working in Malaysia need special authorization to travel to this area, and due to its remote location, the U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services. If you decide to travel to islands and maritime areas between Kudat and Tawau in eastern Sabah State: Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime . If you decide to travel to Malaysia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Malaysia . Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Malaysia. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist . We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

Higher-risk regions — Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution): Some areas of the country carry a higher risk than the country overall.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Eastern Sabah coastal islands FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping. This does not apply to the mainland of Sabah. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts. be mindful of your permitted length of stay in Malaysia Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advi

Higher-risk regions — Advise against all but essential travel: Eastern Sabah coastal islands FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the…

France Diplomatie : vigilance normale (vert).

Higher-risk regions — Travel formally advised against: Au nord et à l’est de l’État du Sabah, les îles et tous les espaces maritimes environnants des côtes nord et est de l’État du Sabah sont formellement déconseillés, plusieurs personnes ayant été tuées…

Auswärtiges Amt: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (general travel and security advice); no travel warning in effect.