Malaysian State of Sabah Decade-Old Travel Restriction Lifted

Incredibly exciting news came to travel this week as the UK government officially lifted some restrictions and advice against travel to the Malaysian State of Sabah which have been in place for over a decade. 

The update comes after a recent improvement in security for the State of Sabah, specifically in the east of the state. The most significant changes occurred across the north-most parts of the island of Borneo, where restrictions have been very tight.  

The change in Foreign Travel Advice by the UK government has been changed this week to reflect the security developments. In the updated advice, the government are no longer advising travellers against travel to the State of Sabah or the dive sites in the maritime area surrounding Kudat.  

The government released the new advice with assurances that this came following a “rigorous review” after the decade-long restrictions and advice against travel. This is the first update that UK travellers will receive for travel to the State of Sabah since 2013, and is a point of excitement for many travellers and businesses alike. 

Despite the change, not all advice or restrictions are lifted, with recommendations still in place from the government that travellers do not travel to the islands or dive sites from Sandakan to Tawau for anything but essential trips. This could limit some holiday protection provided if travellers are to travel to the State of Sabah.  

The British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ailsa Terry, commented on the update and said, “This travel advice review has been a priority since I arrived in August this year.  

“It is a testament to the work of the government of Malaysia to improving security in eastern Sabah in recent years.  

“I am very pleased that, with the end of travel restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the thousands of British nationals who call Malaysia home or visit every year will be able to see more of this amazing country.” 

So, if you’re looking forward to your next holiday, don’t wait, book now with a travel business member of PTS for 100% financial protection through trust. Or, if you’d like assistance choosing one of the lovely PTS members to book with, you can contact PTS directly at 0207 190 9988 or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.  

If you’d like to learn more about your financial protection with PTS or how the Package Travel Regulations protect your holiday booking, check out our pages and Travel Advice.