KUALA LUMPUR – Israeli supermodel and actress Yael Shelbia Cohen’s possible entry into Malaysia for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit will depend on the passport she uses to enter the country.
Shelbia, who is in a relationship with Aston Martin Formula One driver Lance Stroll, has frequently accompanied the Canadian racer to Grands Prix around the world.
A Home Ministry source told Scoop that Malaysia’s policy barring Israeli passport holders remains unchanged. However, cases involving individuals travelling on passports issued by other countries would be assessed in accordance with the country’s immigration laws.
Her potential appearance in Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled from Oct 2 to Oct 4, has sparked debate on social media over whether an Israeli citizen could enter the country using a passport from another nation.
The discussion has also been fuelled by reports highlighting Shelbia’s previous compulsory military service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which has faced international criticism over its conduct during the Gaza conflict.
Online reports have claimed that Shelbia may hold another passport, including one issued by the United Arab Emirates or Tunisia. Scoop has yet to independently verify those claims.
“Malaysia’s stance regarding Israeli nationals is very clear. In general, Israeli citizens are not allowed to enter Malaysia. That is the existing policy, and the position remains unchanged,” the source said.
According to the source, if Shelbia were to seek entry using an Israeli passport, she would not be permitted to enter under Malaysia’s current policy.
However, the source said that the legal position differs if an individual travels on a passport issued by another country with which Malaysia has diplomatic relations.
“If Shelbia, or any individual in a similar situation, enters Malaysia using a valid passport from a country that Malaysia has normal diplomatic ties with, and fulfills all immigration requirements, then from a legal perspective, it becomes a different situation,” the source said.
The source added that immigration authorities could not refuse entry solely because a person also holds Israeli citizenship if they are travelling on another valid passport, unless there are legal grounds or immigration-related offences to justify such action.
To illustrate the point, the source cited the case of Israeli-born content creator Nas Daily, whose real name is Nuseir Yassin.
Yassin entered Malaysia in October 2022 using a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport despite also holding Israeli citizenship. The Immigration Department later clarified that he was allowed entry because he travelled on the Caribbean nation’s passport rather than an Israeli passport.
“The same legal principle would apply to Shelbia. If she uses a passport from a country that Malaysia recognises and has diplomatic relations with, and there is no breach of Malaysian law, then the authorities have to assess the case within the existing legal framework,” the source said.
It is understood that the Home Ministry has yet to receive any information confirming whether Shelbia intends to travel to Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix or, if she does, which passport she would use.
“At this stage, we need to wait for more information. We have not received any update from the relevant parties, including whether she will actually be travelling to Malaysia,” the source said.
The source reiterated that any decision on Shelbia’s entry would ultimately depend on the travel document presented upon arrival and her compliance with Malaysian immigration laws. – August 6, 2026