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.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers over 1 year old. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider vaccination.
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.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially if visiting rural areas, smaller cities, or staying with local friends/family.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Cholera
Cholera vaccine is not needed for Malaysia as there is no active transmission.
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.
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.
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.
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
Brunei Darussalam carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine not needed from US, but required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or long layovers there
Cambodia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in rural and forested areas of Cambodia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Christmas Island carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: 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.