Arriving at KualaLumpur

Customs Formalities

Transport Options

Alternative Arrivals

Visa Infomation

Arriving at Kuala Lumpur
KLIA - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (IATA code: KUL) is the main gateway to all international routes for Malaysia and the major hub for domestic flights with over 50 airlines flying into and out of KLIA. Fwiw, KLIA itself is located in the the Sepang district state of Selangor (of which Kuala Lumpur was capital until 1974 when KL became the federal capital) about 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur. A new Low Cost Carrier Terminal was opened for budget airlines (Air Asia, Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific, etc.) in March 2006. Although the LCCT is only just across the runway from the Main Terminal Building the trip by road around the airport is almost 20 km! There are frequent shuttle buses connecting the two terminals that cost a nominal RM1.50 per way. From the Main Terminal Building the shuttles depart from the Bus Terminal on the ground floor of C Building. From the LCCT the buses depart directly from the front of the building.

Upon arrival to KLIA, you will be impressed and perhaps surprised by the size of the Main Terminal Building. Opened in 1998 KLIA boasts some 241,000 sq. meters, KLIA is able to handle an annual capacity of 25 million passengers. The graceful curved ceilings (see photo above), held up by conical pillars and conspicuous steel frames with shiny granite floors and large glass-paned walls give KLIA an very modern look compatible with the Kuala Lumpur's forward looking vision. With its look, style, amenities and facilities some travelers may find a resemblance to the airport in Hong Kong.
Passengers who arrive on international flights disembark at Gate C, which is separate from the Main Terminal Bldg. To get to the main terminal you will need to take the free monorail shuttle "AeroTrain" located in the centre of the arrival hall. Whilst this is not difficult it is not readily apparent to first time visitors that this is the only way to get to the Main Terminal Bldg. where customs, immigration and baggage claim are located.

Many nationalities do not require a visa for short social or business visits however there are some nationalities that need to obtain a visa prior to entering the country and Malaysia has specific rules for obtaining and using a visa. For more information on visa requirements click here.

Foreign nationals entering Malaysia must present a valid passport or travel documentation with a minimum validity of at least six months beyond the intended stay period. Be advised that your passport is also necessary for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

Together with your passport, you will need to present a completed Disembarkation Card, Travel Declaration Form (TDF) and Customs Declaration Form to the immigration officer. With the Travel Declaration Form you are required to declare the amount of currency you are carrying. The permitted limits are detailed below.

Permitted currency limits:

	Residents and nonresidents alike are permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia Ringgit notes not exceeding RM 1,000 per person.
	There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency note and traveler's cheques carried into Malaysia by residents and nonresidents.
	A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia, foreign currency notes including traveler's cheques, not exceeding RM 10,000 or the equivalent thereof per person.
	A nonresident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency notes including traveler's cheques, only up to the amount brought in.

After presenting the Disembarkation Card and TDF a thirty to sixty day permit is given to most nationalities upon arrival (see visa info). As a rule, if you arrive by flight, you will be given sixty days automatically. Coming overland though you may be given only thirty days unless you specifically ask for a 60 day permit. Extensions are obtainable at an immigration office in the country for a total stay of up to three months.

After clearing immigration you can proceed to baggage claim where luggage carts are available free of charge.

Arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
The major entry point to Kuala Lumpur is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Opened in 1998, the airport handles both domestic and international flights. The Main Terminal Building comprises of some 241,000 sq. meters and was built to handle some 25 million passengers annually.

Passengers who arrive on international flights disembark at Gate C, which is separate from the Main Terminal Bldg. To get to the main terminal you will need to take the free monorail shuttle "AeroTrain". located in the centre of the arrival hall. Whilst this is not difficult it is not readily apparent to first time visitors that this is the only way to get to the Main Terminal Bldg. where customs, immigration and baggage claim are located.

KLIA itself is located in the state of Selangor, of which Kuala Lumpur was capital until 1974 when KL became the federal capital.