MY flagModerate riskAsia · South-Eastern Asia

Malaysia Travel Health Guide

Moderate risk

Malaysia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in rural, forested areas of Malaysia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Malaysia, but is required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or having long layovers in such countries.

Overall risk

Moderate risk

Malaria

Present

Best time to visit

Year-round

Recommended vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Make sure all routine vaccines are current before travel, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.

Recommended

COVID-19

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers over 1 year old. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider vaccination.

Recommended

Measles

All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.

Recommended

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially if visiting rural areas, smaller cities, or staying with local friends/family.

Recommended

Chikungunya

Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.

Situational

Cholera

Cholera vaccine is not needed for Malaysia as there is no active transmission.

Situational

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended if you're staying long-term, moving there, or doing outdoor activities in rural areas without proper protection from mosquitoes.

Situational

Rabies

Consider rabies vaccination before travel if you'll be around animals or in remote areas. Rabies vaccines are available throughout Malaysia if needed after exposure.

Situational

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Malaysia, but is required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or having long layovers in such countries.

Situational

Disease risks

Malaria risk

Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.

Malaria risk exists in rural, forested areas of Malaysia. No risk in major cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang. Take antimalarial medication if visiting rural forested areas.

Emergency numbers

Police

999

Medical / Ambulance

999

Fire

994

Tourist Police

1800-88-5050

U.S. Embassy

+60-3-2168-5000

More country guides

Plan your Malaysia trip

Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Malaysia — matched to your itinerary and travelers.

Build my Trip Kit

Sources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.