The Immigration Department has capped the validity of Malaysian international passports at a maximum of 10 years, effective immediately. 

Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department was aware of viral reports involving Malaysians whose passports exceeded 10 years and ran into travel issues, prompting the department to refer the matter to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for clarification.

Some Passports Exceeded 10 Years

The confusion did not stem from Malaysia’s new 10-year passport option, introduced on 1 July 2026 for citizens aged 18 and above. 

It came from an older renewal practice, where applying up to six months before expiry meant the new passport’s 10-year validity was added on top of the remaining six months, pushing the total past 10 years.

No Border Control Issue Exists

Zakaria said ICAO confirmed there is no international rule against passports valid for more than 10 years. He said the actual problem lies with individual airline check-in systems, not with immigration or border control.

The department also dismissed viral claims that Malaysia’s passport validity breaches international limits or could get travellers barred from boarding flights.

Free Replacements For Affected Holders

For now, immigration will stop issuing passports valid for more than 10 years until the matter is resolved with airlines and ICAO. 

But if your existing passport has a validity period that goes over 10 years, you can get a free replacement with a standard 10-year validity, and applications from affected holders will be given priority. You can apply at any nearby Immigration office, or at the nearest Malaysian embassy, high commission or consulate if you’re currently overseas.

The department will also send notification letters to airlines to help Malaysians currently travelling overseas with these passports.

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Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

About THE AUTHOR

Iman Aminuddin

Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

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