COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected federal parliamentary government. The country is comprised of thirteen states, eleven on the Malayan Peninsula and two, Sabah and Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country of 23 million people. Malays form the predominant ethnic group. The two other large ethnic groups in Malaysia are Chinese and Indians. Islam is the national religion. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language although English is widely spoken. Travelers to Malaysia may access information on areas of interest through the Malaysian government's home page via the Internet at http://www.kln.gov.my and through the Malaysian tourism promotion board websites at http://www.visitmalaysia.com and http://www.tourismmalaysia.com.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens are required to have a passport valid for at least six months to enter Malaysia, but do not need a visa for a pleasure or business trip if their stay in Malaysia is 90 days or less. Visitors to Malaysia will receive a Malaysian Disembarkation Card to complete and present to Malaysian immigration upon arrival. Travelers are required to carry their passports for travel between Sabah and Sarawak. Visitor passes issued for entry into peninsular Malaysia are not valid for entry into Sarawak. New visitor passes must be obtained upon arrival in Sarawak; in most cases, visitor passes issued by Sabah and Sarawak immigration are valid for any part of Malaysia.

For more information on the latest entry procedures and requirements, contact the Embassy of Malaysia, 3516 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 572-9700, the Malaysian Consulates located in New York, telephone (212) 490-2722, or Los Angeles, telephone (213) 892-1238, or the Malaysian Government Internet home page with information on Malaysian embassies and consulates abroad at http://www.kln.gov.my. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: Malaysia does not recognize dual nationality. U.S. citizens who are also Malaysian citizens could experience close scrutiny by Malaysian immigration officials when entering or departing Malaysia on Malaysian passports. The United States requires all U.S. citizens to enter and depart the U.S. on U.S. passports. U.S. visas cannot be issued to dual U.S. citizens. In addition to being subject to all Malaysian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other Malaysian laws that impose special obligations on Malaysian citizens. For additional information, see the consular affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our dual nationality flyer.