10 Holiday Destinations Malaysians Can Visit Without Having To Quarantine Upon Arrival
Whether you're looking forward to lazing around on sandy beaches or getting cosy at ski resorts, we got you.
The Malaysian government has finally decided to ease restrictions and allow residents to travel abroad
In a special announcement on Sunday, 10 October, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the MyTravelPass programme will no longer be enforced and Malaysians can travel abroad for tourism purposes starting today, 11 October.
However, all individuals arriving from overseas will, however, still be required to undergo pre-departure and arrival polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests before re-entering Malaysia and must undergo quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the country.
If you're not looking forward to sitting through quarantine twice for a holiday, here are a few places you can consider travelling to as they welcome fully vaccinated individuals and do not require compulsory quarantine upon arrival:
1. Maldives
In order to travel to the Maldives, all travellers must present a certificate of a negative PCR test carried out within 96 hours prior to departure. The certificate must clearly show the name and address of the laboratory, as well as the date of the sample taken.
The result needs to be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form, which must be submitted online within 24 hours prior to arrival. Visitors are asked to download the national contact tracing app, TraceEkee, and use it during their stay.
Here, you can enjoy white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and with over 60 local dive sites across the islands, the Maldives is ranked as one of the best recreational diving destinations in the world.
For more information, check out the Visit Maldives website here.
2. Malta
Fully vaccinated travellers who have been in Malaysia in the past 14 days before travel are not required to quarantine on arrival in Malta.
However, do note that individuals aged three years old and above must wear masks in indoor and outdoor places in the country.
Malta is a popular holiday destination due to its warm climate and breathtaking landscapes. It is home to some of the oldest temples in the world and it is surrounded by beautiful teal waters.
For more information, check out the guidelines issued by the Maltese Ministry of Health here.
3. England
Before you travel to England you must book and pay for a COVID-19 test which can cost anything between GBP1.25 (RM7.12) to GBP399 (RM2,272.25).
The test must be taken within two days after your arrival in England and you must also complete a passenger locator form 48 hours prior to your arrival.
If you're travelling from Malaysia, you will not be required to quarantine after your arrival.
England is famous for many things including David Beckham and fish and chips. However, if you do get the chance to visit the country, you might like to visit its historical sites such as Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.
For more information, check out the guidelines issued by the United Kingdom Department for Transport here.
4. Spain
In order to travel to Spain, fully vaccinated travellers from Malaysia are not required to have a negative COVID-19 test result for entry as long as they present valid proof of vaccination.
Meanwhile, children under the age of 12 are exempted from the vaccination certificate requirement.
It will be mandatory to present a Health Control Form upon arrival at the airport. The form must be completed within 48 hours before your flight and once the form is submitted, you will receive an email with a QR code that will allow you to access the airport of destination.
The Sagrada Familia, located in Barcelona, is one of the most visited attractions in Spain and besides that, you can immerse yourself in the country's vibrant arts and culture scene, fantastic food, and incredible museums.
For more information, check out the guidelines issued by the Spanish Ministry of Health here.
5. Honduras
Fully vaccinated travellers from Malaysia who do not have a travel history to South Africa 21 days prior to their arrival in Honduras are allowed to enter the country without having to test for COVID-19.
However, those with symptoms or who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 may be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Located in Central America, tourists love Honduras for its lush tropical rainforests and breathtaking beaches.
For more information, check out the National Immigration Institute of Honduras online portal here.
6. France
If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you are able to enter France with no restrictions. Meanwhile, if you're travelling with children over the age of 12, you will have to present the child's negative COVID-19 test result.
The documents you will need to enter France include proof of vaccination and a sworn declaration stating that you have no symptoms of COVID-19 infection and to your knowledge, you have not been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to your journey.
During your stay in France, you must download and activate the TousAntiCovid application.
There are a lot of things to see in France including medieval cities, alpine villages, and Mediterranean beaches. In Paris, you'll be able to visit fashion houses, classical art museums such as the Louvre, and monuments like the Eiffel Tower.
For more information, check out this page on the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website.
7. Mexico
Mexico is open to travellers and there is no need to provide a negative PCR test or quarantine on arrival. However, CNN Travel noted that most resorts will ask guests to fill out health questionnaires.
Individuals who are connecting through a different country on the way to Mexico should also check the testing requirements of the country they are transiting through.
Many tourists are drawn to Mexico due to its cultural festivals, colonial cities, nature reserves, and beach resorts. According to Culture Trip, the top three must-visit attractions in the country include the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, the beaches of Tulum, and the natural underground reservoir at Dos Ojos.
For more information, check out the Mexico Travel Advisory here.
8. Andorra
Tourists in Andorra must prove to the public authorities that they are either fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival. It is also important to note that travellers are recommended to have private travel insurance that provides coverage against COVID-19 before visiting the country.
The use of a mask is not mandatory in public spaces and on urban roads, provided that people are able to practise physical distancing with a 1.5m distance apart from each other. Meanwhile, in enclosed public premises such as bars, restaurants, shops, and cultural establishments, it is mandatory to wear a mask.
Andorra is known for its ski resorts and tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping.
For more information, check out the Visit Andorra online portal here.
9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Citizens of all countries can visit the UAE for tourism if they are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, travellers must undergo a rapid PCR test at the airport on arrival.
Fully vaccinated travellers are generally not required to quarantine themselves but depending on which country they are from and if they're travelling to Abu Dhabi, they must take a second or third PCR test after a certain period.
Most people who fly to the UAE are looking to visit Dubai, a regional business hub known for its sleek skyscrapers and home to the Burj Khalifa. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE and offers natural islands and luxury resorts.
For more information, check out the travel advisory issued by the UAE government here.
10. Switzerland
Everyone entering Switzerland must present an entry form which needs to be filled out on a computer or smartphone before travel. As soon as you have filled out the form, you'll be emailed a QR code as confirmation.
Those who are fully vaccinated will not have to show negative COVID-19 test results or undergo quarantine. Meanwhile, children under the age of 16 are also not required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon entry to Switzerland.
A COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be required to enter restaurants, bars, clubs, and discos. This also applies to attractions such as museums, zoos, and indoor pools.
Switzerland is famous for its mesmerising alpine scenery, alluring cities, and scenic train rides that showcase the best of the country's natural landscapes.
For more information, visit the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health website here.
Remember to limit your movement and keep practising physical distancing. Find out the latest COVID-19 updates on the Ministry of Health's COVIDNOW website.