Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. 

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• The eastern area of Sabah State due to kidnapping.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Malaysia.

If you decide to travel to Malaysia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Malaysia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Eastern Area of Sabah State – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from both terrorist and criminal groups. These groups may attack with little to no warning, targeting coastal resorts, island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to resort islands.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to parts of eastern Sabah.