It has been awhile since Malaysians travel overseas for a memorable getaway or simply, meet our family and friends who live abroad. If you're living in Malaysia and curious to know whether Malaysians can travel overseas during the pandemic, we have some answers for you!

Can Malaysians travel overseas now? 

As of July 2021, Malaysians are not allowed to travel overseas for non-essential or leisure travel purposes. This temporary travel ban also applies to Malaysians who have been fully vaccinated. However, there are several situations that might allow Malaysians to travel internationally.

1. Death and critically ill emergencies

For Malaysian citizens who need to travel abroad for emergency, you're allowed to travel outside of Malaysia. However, you need to submit an application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia before departure.

Starting May 2021, the Malaysian and Singaporean governments have also agreed to allow Malaysians to travel to Singapore for Death and Critically Ill Emergencies. In a joint statement provided by Malaysia's senior minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Singapore's foreign minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, this agreement aims to facilitate travel under compassionate grounds and emergency reasons. For more information, read can Malaysians travel to Singapore now?

2. Holding a work permit and wish to return to their place of work

For Malaysian citizens and permanent residents who are holding a work permit from the third world countries, you're allowed to travel outside Malaysia to return to your place of work. However, you're required to present essential documents during departure, including a Resident Pass, Long Term Pass or Work Permit.

3. Students who wish to resume their studies

For Malaysian citizens who wish to continue their studies, sit for an examination or who have received offers for international studies, you're allowed to travel outside of Malaysia. However, you need to present necessary documents during departure, which includes a Student Pass, Visa, Long Term Pass, Letter of Offer, or Letter of Instruction. Do note that a maximum of two family members are allowed to accompany the new student abroad.

4. Business purposes and seminars

For Malaysian citizens who are required to travel for work, business or attend a seminar, you're allowed to travel outside of Malaysia. However, you need to submit an application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia before your departure.

5. For other reasons

For travel reasons other than the ones stated above, you may contact the Immigration Department of Malaysia for further clarification.

We hope this article clarifies some of the questions you might have about whether Malaysians can travel overseas or not. For more related articles, read important things you should know about the Movement Control Order in Malaysia and the latest update on inter state travel and interdistrict travel in Malaysia.