With the announcement that fully vaccinated Malaysian residents are now allowed to travel internationally again, along with news of more and more nations opening up their borders to tourists, we are understandably whipped into an excited, travel-starved frenzy.
Long neglected travel bucket lists are being dug up from the archives, while passport renewal offices are filled with eager faces flush with a new optimism. Here we’ve rounded up a list of countries open to fully vaccinated Malaysian tourists that we are most looking forward to visiting.
As immigration policies at this time are constantly changing, remember to regularly check for governmental updates before and during the planning of your trip.
Maldives
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Home to crystal clear waters, soft white sands and luxurious island resorts, it’s no wonder the Maldives frequent makes an appearance on most top beach destinations lists. This Indian Ocean gem has been open to most international tourists for more than a year, while ensuring that strong safety protocols are in place across tourist establishments.
Travellers arriving are required to present a negative PCR test for Covid-19, with a sample taken within 96 hours prior to departure. They must also have a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility, and submitted a completed Traveller Health Declaration (THD) 24 hours before departure.
Find more information at immigration.gov.mv and visitmaldives.com
Thailand
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Don’t want to travel far? Just a hop, skip and jump away are the famed sandy locales belonging to our northward neighbour. Under the Sandbox program, fully vaccinated visitors can head to Phuket, Surat Thani, Phang-Nga, and Krabi for a quarantine period of seven days, and then move on to other parts of Thailand.
Requirements for entry include a valid visa or re-entry permit, Certificate of Entry (COE), Covid-19 health insurance policy, Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel booking and a certificate with RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that Covid-19 is not detected, issued within 72 hours before departure.
For more information, visit tatnews.org
Ireland
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If the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant’s Causeway aren’t enough to earn Ireland a spot on your travel list, the Emerald Isle also happens to be the birthplace of Guinness, Riverdance and literary greats like Oscar Wilde.
Malaysian travellers can now jump straight to getting lost in historical sights or enjoying a pint at the pub without undergoing the mandatory hotel quarantine. They do, however, need to complete a Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form and provide valid proof of vaccination.
Find more detailed information about requirements at gov.ie
Sri Lanka
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Whether it’s the blue whales, elephants and leopards sightings, the rolling and expansive tea plantations and estates, or the palm lined beaches that intrigue you, Sri Lanka is ready to once again share all it has to offer with international tourists.
Before boarding a flight to this island country, fully vaccinated travellers are required to have a valid tourist visa and a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before embarkation.
For more information, visit srilanka.travel
Iceland
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Majestic waterfalls, mystical ice caves and geothermal lagoons are just some of the spectacular natural wonders that sets Iceland worlds apart from any other travel destination. Tourists might bask in its rich history and mystic folklore or even chance upon the northern lights if they’re lucky.
To enter Iceland, vaccinated visitors must complete a pre-registration, show proof of vaccination, and provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before boarding.
Find more detailed information at island.is
Turkey
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Visitors to Turkey will not lack choices when it comes to unique new experiences. Take in the Byzantine era splendour of the Hagia Sophia, dip your toe in the flowing cotton castles at Pamukkale, or drift through a moving sky mosaic of floating hot air balloons in Cappadocia.
Fully vaccinated travellers are required to complete a ‘Traveller Entry Form’ at least four days before arriving in Turkey, provide a vaccination certificate, and might be subject to PCR testing on the basis of sampling at arrival.
Find more information at easyturkeyvisa.com
United Kingdom
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Whether you’re energised by the buzz and bustle of the cities or drawn to the heritage of the stately countryside manors, a chance to see the best of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland presents a diverse array of activities, sites and cultures.
Visitors who are fully vaccinated will need to book and pay for a Day 2 PCR test to be taken after arrival into the UK, and also complete a ‘Passenger Locator Form’ 48 hours before arrival.
Find detailed information at visitbritain.com
France
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Pre-pandemic, France held the position of the world’s number one destination for international tourists. With international travel beginning to see daylight once again, the country famed for its food, wine, art and culture is set on reclaiming that title.
Fully vaccinated visitors will be required to provide proof of vaccination, and a sworn declaration stating that they have no symptoms of a Covid-19 infection or been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to their journey.
Find more detailed information at diplomatie.gouv.fr
Mauritius
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Just off the southeast coast of Africa sits Mauritius, an idyllic tropical destination known for its pristine white beaches and shimmering turquoise waters. Beyond that, visitors will find striking natural formations like the Seven Coloured Earths and historical colonial heritage in locations like the Champ de Mars Racecourse.
It is mandatory for fully vaccinated travellers to Mauritius to arrange COVID-19 insurance health cover, and present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure to enter into the country. Covid-19 testing will also be required upon arrival and on the fifth day of their stay.
Find more detailed information at mauritiusnow.com and mauritiusnow.com/faqs
Egypt
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A visit to the cradle of civilization will be one to remember, with an abundance of ancient sites to see such as the iconic Giza Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel Temple. Tourists may experience these attractions through a leisurely cruise down the Nile, carried down the same river that witnessed the rise and fall of great empires of millennia past.
Fully vaccinated travellers into Egypt should submit a certified vaccination certificate with a QR code two weeks before their arrival.
Find more detailed information at egypt.travel/