Kota Kinabalu Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Malaysia operates a tiered visa policy with visa-free entry for many nationalities, electronic visa options for others, and traditional visa requirements for remaining countries. The duration of stay permitted varies significantly by nationality.
Citizens of these countries can enter Malaysia without a visa for tourism or business purposes
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Proof of onward travel may be required. Extension of stay is possible through the Malaysian Immigration Department.
Citizens of these countries receive 30-day visa-free entry
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds required. Extensions may be possible but should be arranged through Immigration Department before expiry.
ASEAN member states enjoy extended visa-free access
Singapore and Brunei citizens can stay up to 90 days. Other ASEAN nationals typically receive 30 days. Passport validity of 6 months required.
Citizens of eligible countries can apply for electronic visa authorization online
Cost: eNTRI: approximately USD 20; eVisa: approximately USD 25-200 depending on nationality and visa type
eNTRI is single-entry only with 15-day validity. eVisa offers 30-day stays. Print authorization and present upon arrival. Not extendable in Malaysia.
Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free or electronic visa must apply for a traditional visa
Required for citizens of countries including Pakistan, Nigeria, most African nations, and several Middle Eastern countries. Check with your nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission for specific requirements.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, international travelers proceed through immigration and customs. The process is typically efficient, though wait times can vary during peak tourist seasons. Immigration officers may ask questions about your visit, so have your documentation ready.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Malaysian customs regulations apply in Kota Kinabalu. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and are prohibited from bringing in certain goods. Sabah has additional restrictions on certain items due to its unique ecological status.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Malaysia has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
- Weapons, firearms, and ammunition - including replicas, air guns, and parts without proper authorization
- Fireworks and explosives - strictly prohibited without special permits
- Pornographic materials - magazines, videos, or digital content deemed obscene
- Counterfeit currency and goods - fake branded items, pirated software, and counterfeit money
- Endangered species products - ivory, turtle shells, certain animal parts under CITES regulations
- Meat and poultry products - from most countries due to disease control (particularly relevant for Sabah)
- Daggers and traditional weapons (keris) - without proper documentation
- Telecommunication devices - walkie-talkies and certain radio equipment without approval
- Publications contrary to public interest - materials deemed seditious or threatening to national security
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only necessary amounts with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Certain medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Malaysia
- Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificates. Sabah has strict biosecurity due to unique ecosystem
- Fresh fruits and vegetables - restricted or prohibited to protect local agriculture, especially important for Sabah
- Pets and animals - require import permits, health certificates, and quarantine compliance (see special situations)
- Religious materials - Bibles and other non-Islamic religious texts for personal use are allowed but proselytizing materials may be restricted
- Drones and aerial photography equipment - may require permits from Civil Aviation Authority
- Professional camera/video equipment - commercial equipment may require temporary import permits or deposits
- Satellite phones - require approval from Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Health Requirements
Malaysia generally does not require specific vaccinations for entry unless arriving from yellow fever endemic areas. However, health requirements can change, especially in response to disease outbreaks or pandemics.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelers from Africa and South America should check if their country is on the list and obtain vaccination certificate.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food/water contamination risks
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
- Japanese Encephalitis - Consider if spending extended time in rural areas, especially during rice growing season
- Rabies - Consider for adventure travelers, those working with animals, or visiting remote areas
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date with MMR, DPT, polio, and COVID-19 vaccinations
- Malaria prophylaxis - May be recommended for travel to interior regions of Sabah, though Kota Kinabalu city itself is low risk
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not mandatory for entry but is strongly recommended. Malaysia has excellent private healthcare facilities in Kota Kinabalu, but costs can be high for foreigners. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and emergency treatment. Some activities like diving and mountain climbing may require specific coverage. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.
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Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport regardless of age. If traveling with only one parent, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent authorizing the trip. For children traveling without parents (with relatives or groups), a notarized parental consent letter is strongly recommended and may be requested by immigration. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines. Keep copies of children's birth certificates accessible.
Importing pets to Malaysia requires advance planning. You must obtain an import permit from the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services at least 4 weeks before travel. Pets need a microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months), health certificate from a licensed vet (issued within 7 days of travel), and endorsement from the veterinary authority of the exporting country. Pets from rabies-free countries may have reduced quarantine. Most pets require quarantine upon arrival (duration varies by country of origin). Certain dog breeds are banned in Malaysia. Airlines have specific pet travel requirements. Consider using a professional pet relocation service for Sabah.
Tourist visas cannot be extended beyond their maximum duration in most cases. For stays longer than permitted on tourist visa, consider applying for: Social Visit Pass (extendable up to 6 months for certain nationalities), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program for long-term residency, Student Pass for educational purposes, or Employment Pass for working. Extensions must be applied for before current visa expires at the Sabah Immigration Department office. Overstaying results in fines (RM 10 per day), blacklisting, or deportation. Business travelers requiring extended stays should apply for Professional Visit Pass. Retirees may explore MM2H program which offers 10-year renewable visa.
Passengers transiting through Kota Kinabalu International Airport without leaving the airport generally don't need a visa if continuing within 24 hours. However, if you wish to leave the airport during transit, you must meet normal entry requirements for your nationality. Malaysia offers Transit Pass Without Visa (TWOV) for citizens of certain countries for up to 120 hours if holding confirmed onward tickets to third countries (not country of origin). Check if your nationality qualifies for TWOV. Keep boarding passes and onward tickets accessible.
Business visitors entering on tourist visa/visa-free entry can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot receive payment from Malaysian sources or engage in employment. For business activities, carry invitation letter from Malaysian company, business cards, and documentation of purpose. For extended business stays or paid work, apply for Professional Visit Pass or Employment Pass before arrival. Certain business equipment may require temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet). Business travelers should declare commercial samples and equipment at customs.
Students enrolled in Malaysian educational institutions must obtain Student Pass before arrival through their institution. Researchers and academics attending conferences can usually enter on tourist visa for short visits. For research work or teaching, obtain Professional Visit Pass or Employment Pass. Carry enrollment confirmation, scholarship documents, and institution contact information. Student Pass holders have different visa conditions and must comply with institution and immigration requirements.