Visas, immigration and citizenship
Where can I find information on Australia visas, immigration and citizenship?
Consular staff cannot provide information about, or answer questions regarding, Australian visas, immigration to Australia, or Australian citizenship.
For information, visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/ or contact the Department of Home Affairs Global Service Centre (GSC) on +61 2 6196 0196.
Who do I contact about my visa for Malaysia, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) or citizenship?
If you have questions about Malaysian visa, please contact Malaysian Immigration or call the Malaysian Government Call Centre on +603 8000 8000 and ask to be put through to the Malaysian Immigration department. If you are in Australia, please contact Malaysian High Commission in Canberra.
If you have questions about Malaysian citizenship, please contact Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) or call them via the Malaysian Government Call Centre on +603 8000 8000. Please ask to be connected to JPN.
Do I need a visa for the country or countries I am travelling to?
For information about entry and exit requirements, including visas, for other countries, please contact the relevant embassy or consulate. You can also check with Smartraveller for travel advice and destination information.
Births, deaths or marriages
How can I obtain an Australian birth, death or marriage certificate?
The Australian Embassy is unable to issue Australian birth, death or marriage certificates, or obtain them on your behalf.
To register a birth, death or marriage in Australia, or to obtain a copy of an existing Australian birth, death or marriage certificate, please apply directly through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the relevant Australian state or territory via its official website. You can obtain the contact details for the relevant state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
If you wish to register a birth, death or marriage in Malaysia, or obtain a copy of your existing Malaysian birth, death or marriage certificate, you can apply through the official website of the National Registration Department (JPN).
Health
Am I covered by Medicare (Australia) in the Malaysia?
No. Australia does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Malaysia. This means Medicare generally does not cover the cost of medical treatment you receive in Malaysia.
Medical costs in Malaysia can be extremely high, and payment is often required upfront before treatment is provided.
To avoid unexpected expenses, you should obtain comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay. Ensure that your policy provides adequate cover for medical treatment, hospitalisation, medical evacuation and other associated costs. Please note that some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Consular staff cannot assist with obtaining travel insurance or provide advice on what is or is not covered under your insurance policy. You should contact your insurance provider directly if you have questions about your coverage.
Can I bring prescription medication to the Malaysia?
Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in Malaysia. Some medications may be considered controlled substances or prohibited under Malaysian law, even if they have been prescribed by an Australian doctor.
In general, travellers may bring medication, including vitamins and health supplements, into Malaysia for personal use. The quantity should generally not exceed one month's supply for one person.
If you are carrying prescription medication, you should:
- Keep the medication in its original packaging.
- Carry a prescription and/or a letter from your doctor in English.
- Ensure the doctor's letter clearly states the medication name, dosage and the medical condition being treated.
- Check in advance whether your medication contains any controlled substances that may be subject to additional restrictions in Malaysia.
As import requirements can change, travellers should contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, or visit the Ministry of Health Malaysia website for the latest information before travelling. Malaysia has very strict laws pertaining to drug usage even for medicinal reasons.
The Australian High Commission cannot advise whether specific medications may be imported into Malaysia and cannot intervene with Malaysian authorities regarding the importation of medicines.
Please see the Traveller’s Guide - Bringing Medication into Malaysia
https://www.pharmacy.gov.my/v2/sites/default/files/document-upload/travellers-guide-bringing-medication-malaysia-personal-use-edited-16012019.pdf
Please email Health Ministry at [email protected]. for further information.
Benefits and payments
Am I entitled to receive Australian Social Security benefits?
To determine your eligibility, apply or obtain further information, please contact Centrelink International Services on 613 6222 3455 (calls to this number are not free) or visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/centrelink
Will I continue to receive my Centrelink payments while I’m in Malaysia?
You should notify Centrelink if you are travelling or living outside of Australia to avoid disruption on your payments.
Further information on how travelling outside Australia may affect your payments can be found at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/australians-overseas .
Money, tax and superannuation
How can I transfer money between Australia and Malaysia?
Banks, money transfer services, and payment apps can all be used to transfer money between Australia and Malaysia.
Bank transfers typically take between one and three days.
If you require funds urgently, you may wish to use a payment app or a commercial money transfer service such as Western Union. Depending on the service you use, funds may be transferred directly to a bank account or collected in cash from an agent location, and may be available almost immediately.
Consular staff cannot coordinate these transactions for you or source funds on your behalf.
Where can I find information about my tax obligations in Australia and in Malaysia?
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have appropriate taxation arrangements in place.
Questions relating to Australian taxation, including how to lodge your tax return from Malaysia, should be directed to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Tel number +61 2 6261 1111.
Questions regarding Malaysian taxes should be directed to the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDNM) . Tel number +603 8911 1000.
The High Commission is not able to advise you on tax matters.
How can I access my superannuation in Australia?
Consular staff cannot assist with enquiries about superannuation.
For information or advice about your entitlement or access to superannuation, contact your provider directly.
Public safety, law enforcement and legal representation
Can the High Commission provide me with security, guarantee my safety or investigate crime?
The High Commission cannot guarantee your safety, provide security services, or investigate crimes. Responsibility for these matters rests with the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). Should you require the assistance of the RMP or any Malaysian emergency service, please dial 999.
Can the High Commission provide me with legal advice or help me find a Malaysian lawyer?
Staff in the Consular Section can provide resources to assist you in locating a lawyer, including information from the Malaysian Bar and a list of local lawyers. However, we cannot provide legal advice or recommend a particular lawyer or law firm.
The Malaysian Bar's website contains a directory of lawyers by area of practice, which can be accessed here. If you would like to obtain our list of lawyers, please email us at [email protected] .
How can I obtain an Australian or Malaysian Police Clearance, Criminal History Check or a Certificate of Good Conduct?
If you wish to obtain an Australian police clearance, criminal history check, or certificate of good conduct, you will need to contact the relevant state or territory police authority in Australia. Alternatively, may apply for a National Police Check through the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Further information is available here .
If you wish to obtain a Malaysian Police Clearance, Criminal History Check, or Certificate of Good Conduct, you must submit an application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) website. Further information is available here .
The Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is unable to assist with applications relating to police clearances, criminal history checks, or certificates of good conduct issued by either Australia or Malaysia.
Driving in Australia and in Malaysia
Can I drive in Malaysia on my Australian driver’s licence?
To drive in Malaysia, please refer to driving in Malaysia page on our website.
Can I drive in Australia with a Malaysian licence?
Australians who wish to drive in Australia using a foreign driver's licence should seek advice from rental car companies or the relevant motor vehicle authority in the state or territory in which they intend to drive.
Can I renew my Australian driver’s licence at the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur?
Australian driver's licences are issued by the individual states and territories of Australia. For further information on renewing or replacing your Australian driver's licence, please contact the relevant licensing authority in the state or territory that issued your licence.
Consular staff cannot issue renewals or replacement driver's licences. However, they can assist by witnessing signatures on applications and certifying documents, where required. For information about witnessing signatures and obtaining certified copies of documents, please visit the Notarial Services page on our website.
Voting in Australian Elections
Can I vote in Australian Elections while overseas?
When you go overseas you must meet requirements in order to remain on the electoral roll, and in some cases, to avoid a fine.
Voting is mandatory for Australians. However, being overseas is a valid reason for not voting.
Up to date information on elections and eligibility, and copies of relevant forms (e.g. applications for postal votes, application to be registered as an overseas elector) are available from individual electoral commission websites. We are unable to advise you or comment on the eligibility of individual voters. Eligibility is a matter for the relevant electoral commission. Further information can be found here .
Australians returning to Australia
Can I take my pet to Australia?
Information on the current requirements and procedures for importing cats and dogs from Malaysia to Australia can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Can I bring my pet to Malaysia?
Information on the current requirements and procedures for importing cats and dogs from Australia to Malaysia can be found on the Department of Veterinary Services website.
Tracing relatives or friends in Australia
Can the High Commission help me to locate a person in Australia?
The Australian High Commission is unable to assist with locating persons in Australia. You may wish to consider engaging the services of a family tracing or reunion service, such as those offered by community organisations or private investigators - Oz Reunion or Australian Red Cross .
Exam invigilation
Can I sit an exam at the High Commission?
The High Commission does not provide invigilation services. If you require invigilation services in Malaysia, you may wish to contact the British Council in Malaysia.