Vacation destinations are now on the horizon for Malaysians! After seemingly endless closures and tightly closed borders for nearly two years, it was finally announced last month that fully vaccinated Malaysians can travel overseas to some countries.
Many travel-hungry Malaysians are excited to start packing and planning a year-end getaway after being barred from travel for so many months. Don’t know where to go? We’ve put together a list of five gorgeous places to visit that you won’t need to quarantine upon arrival.
Before we get into this list of vacation destinations, here’s a reminder of the current SOP for fully vaccinated Malaysian travelers:
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All travelers must undergo 2 swab tests before returning to Malaysia – before leaving their destination and upon arrival.
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Travelers are required to quarantine themselves at home for 7 days upon return to Malaysia.
5 vacation destinations without quarantine for Malaysians
England
It might be cold this time of year, but what better place to spend Christmas and New Years than England? The country now welcomes travelers from most countries except those on the red list. The call of London!
There are a few caveats, however. All travelers will need to book and pay for a COVID-19 test which must be taken by the end of Day 2 in England, and complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before you arrive in the country. Also note that the UK has yet to recognize the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines.
Thailand

Oh, how we missed those quaint Thai beaches and delicious Thai food! Good news – you can now cross the border and visit multiple destinations in Thailand without needing to quarantine upon arrival, such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Chang and Chiang Mai.
Canada

Canada is another country that has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated tourists. Get ready to experience winter in popular cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal! However, those who have received the Sinovac vaccine will not be accepted, please take note of your vaccine manufacturer before booking a flight there.
France

Have you been dying to eat flaky, decadent croissants as you walk the streets of dreamy Paris since you watched Emily in Paris? We can identify! As France has also opened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers, you will be able to visit the country without quarantine upon arrival if you meet the requirements.
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is another beautiful destination now open to Malaysian travelers. Explore its vast natural wonders and sip Ceylon tea in this culturally rich country that’s only about a 3.5-hour flight away.
If you have been fully vaccinated, you will not need to quarantine when you arrive in the country as long as you can provide a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no later than 72 hours before departure, or a negative COVID-19 PCR test. negative antigen carried out no more than 48 hours before departure. More information here.
Main image credit: Johen Redman / Unsplash