Malaysia, explained properly
News, policy and everyday life, in plain English.
Flying Soon? Malaysia Suspends Passports With More Than 10-Year Validity
Malaysia has suspended passports issued with more than 10 years of validity after travellers faced airline check-in problems overseas. Here is what affected Malaysians should do before flying.
The short answer
Malaysia has suspended the validity of Malaysian International Passports (PMA) issued with more than 10 years of validity after some travellers faced problems during airline check-in overseas. If your passport runs beyond 10 years, check with Immigration before flying. Do not wait until already at the airport, can become very stressful there.
The Immigration Department said affected passport holders will be given priority for replacement, while airlines will receive notification letters to help with affected Malaysian travellers. Bernama also reported that passports with more than 10 years of validity will be replaced free of charge. Read the latest Bernama report and Bernama’s latest update.
What happened with the 10-year passport?
Malaysia introduced a new passport structure with validity of up to 10 years from 1 July 2026. The move was meant to reduce repeat renewals and make travel administration easier.
But some Malaysian passport holders with validity beyond 10 years later reported trouble at overseas airports. The problem was not simply about the printed expiry date. Some airline and border-control systems reportedly could not properly process passports with validity longer than 10 years, especially when the usual additional six-month validity rule was being interpreted differently.
To make things clear, the Immigration Department has now set the maximum validity period for a Malaysian International Passport at 10 years while the issue is being resolved with airlines and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Who may be affected?
The update mainly affects Malaysians holding a Malaysian International Passport with validity exceeding 10 years.
| Passport type | What the latest update means |
|---|---|
| More than 10 years validity | Validity suspended; check replacement arrangements before travel |
| 10 years validity | This remains the standard long-validity option |
| 5 years validity | This remains available under the normal passport rules |
| Passport used by a child below 18 | Check the applicable eligibility and validity rules before applying |
The Immigration Department’s standard public information lists Malaysian passports as having five-year and 10-year validity options. The normal fee for applicants aged 18 to 59 is RM200 for five years or RM350 for 10 years. See the official Immigration passport page.
What travellers should do before flying
If you think your passport may be affected, here is the practical checklist:
- Check the issue date and expiry date. Confirm whether the passport validity is longer than 10 years.
- Contact the Immigration Department before your trip. Ask about the replacement process and whether you need to attend a counter.
- Do not rely only on the airline app or online check-in. The issue reported so far is connected to airline and airport document systems, so a successful online check-in may not be the final confirmation.
- Check the destination country’s entry rule. Many countries require a passport to have at least six months of validity, but the exact rule can differ.
- Reach the airport earlier than usual. If you are waiting for a replacement or clarification, keep your passport, flight details and supporting documents together.
For Malaysians already overseas, contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission and the airline before going to the airport. The Immigration Department said notification letters would be issued to airlines to help affected travellers, but travellers should still confirm their own booking and document status.
Will the replacement cost money?
Bernama’s latest update says passports with validity exceeding 10 years will be replaced free of charge. This is for affected passports, not a general removal of normal passport fees.
For normal applications, the Immigration Department lists RM350 for a 10-year passport for applicants aged 18 to 59 and RM200 for a five-year passport. Fees for children, senior citizens, students, Hajj pilgrims and other special categories can be different, so check the official Immigration information before payment.
Why ICAO and airline systems matter
ICAO is the international organisation that sets standards used for passports and travel documents. Airlines and border agencies depend on document-reading systems to check identity details, passport validity, visas and entry conditions.
In simple terms, a passport can show a date that looks valid to a traveller, but the airline’s system must also be able to recognise the document correctly. That is why the current move is about standardising the maximum validity period and preventing passengers from being stopped during check-in.
This does not mean every Malaysian passport is suddenly invalid. The immediate issue is passports exceeding 10 years, while standard five-year and 10-year passport arrangements remain in place.
Frequently asked questions
Does this affect all Malaysian 10-year passports?
No. The latest notice concerns passports with validity exceeding 10 years. Standard Malaysian passports with five-year or 10-year validity continue under the normal rules.
Can I still travel with a passport valid for more than 10 years?
Do not assume it will be accepted at check-in. Contact Immigration and your airline before travelling, especially if the passport was issued recently or your journey includes transit airports.
How much is a normal Malaysian passport?
The official Immigration page lists RM350 for a 10-year passport and RM200 for a five-year passport for applicants aged 18 to 59. Affected passports exceeding 10 years are reported to be replaced free of charge.
What should Malaysians overseas do?
Contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission and the airline before going to the airport. Keep your passport, booking reference and any Immigration communication ready.
Is the six-month passport rule the same everywhere?
No. Entry and transit rules can vary by country, airline and route. Always check the destination’s latest entry requirements and confirm with the airline before travelling.
Bottom line
If your Malaysian passport has more than 10 years of validity, this is the time to check, not the night before your flight. The Immigration Department is moving affected holders towards replacement while it works with airlines and ICAO to remove the confusion.
For everyone else, the main reminder is simple: check your passport validity, check the destination rule and give yourself enough time at the airport. Better settle early than kena stop at the counter when holiday mood already on.
Sources
- Bernama: 10-year Passport — Immigration Standardises Validity Period, To Replace Affected Passports
- Bernama: latest Malaysia news update on affected passports
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: Malaysian International Passport
This article was updated on 12 August 2026 based on the latest available Immigration Department and Bernama information. Passport and entry requirements can change. Confirm directly with Immigration, the relevant Malaysian diplomatic mission and your airline before travelling.
