So you’ve decided on your destination, applied for leave, got your itinerary planned out and bought your flight ticket. All ready for that trip of a lifetime.
But aren’t you forgetting your passport? After all, each Malaysian passport is only valid for a maximum period of five years. And even then, if your passport has only a few months left, they might not even let you on the plane!
Online or Office?
So, you have an expired passport, what next?
You will have the option of either renewing it online or physically.
For online renewal, you’ll be using or using the MyOnline Passport website.
Meanwhile, for in-person passport renewal, you’ll have to visit a Passport Recipient and Issuance Office.
In either case, you’ll still have to pick up your passport physically.
We highly recommend the first option―renewing online (don’t worry, we’ll explain why).
Renewing Online through MyOnline Passport
Why Online?
Now, dealing with the Malaysian government through online portals may not sound super fun or even reliable, but trust us―renewing your passport online will save you a ton of headaches.
There’s a few reasons for that, one of them being the large crowds and long waiting times at Immigration Offices.
Filling up your form and then settling all your payments online will help you avoid filling in paper forms in a packed and noisy office and skip most queues ahead of time.
Not only that, but Malaysian Immigration Offices tend to stop processing new passport applications by early noon. And you better hope you didn’t drop in during lunchtime or a Friday afternoon!
Renewing online will allow you to submit an application AND pick up your passport as late as you want (most pick-up offices close by 5-7pm though).
Unless you love waking up early at 6am to get in line with dozens of grumpy people, we highly recommend renewing online.
How to Renew Your Passport Online
- Visit MyOnline Pasport website.
- Click through “Setuju/Agree”
- Fill out and submit the form, take note of which Passport Recipient and Issuance Office you selected.
- Upload a passport-sized photo softcopy that follows regulations: white background, dark clothes, visible forehead and face without any hair, glasses, coloured contacts or accessories in the way.
- Follow instructions for payment.
- Print receipt.
- Wait for confirmation email or check application status at this page.
- Bring your MyKad IC card, expired passport, and your payment receipt to the Passport Recipient and Issuance Office you selected earlier.
- Pick up your passport!
You may get a message saying that your fingerprints or cap jari may have some issues. In that case, you can simply show up to the office with your MyKad, expired passport and receipt to resolve the issue.
Renewing In-Person at a Malaysian Immigration Office
As we’ve explained above, online renewal is usually better. But in some cases, you just have to bite the bullet and get in line.
If you’re in the following category, then showing up to the office is your only choice:
- First-time passport applicants
- Handicapped persons (OKU)
- Children below 13 years old
- Students studying abroad
- Hajj pilgrims
- Online applicants with fingerprint issues
Simply bring along your IC MyKad, show up at the Immigration office and you’re good to go!
As for where to show up, here is a list of Malaysian Immigration Offices.
Some Tips
Make sure to come as early as possible! Malaysian Immigration offices in most states open at 8am, but you’ll already see a line forming by 7am or earlier.
Getting there early will not only allow you to skip the crowds, but also possibly get you your brand new passport on the same day!
According to government guidelines, the entire process should take at least 2 hours, but be prepared to spare at least 3 or more hours waiting. Packing something light to eat would be a good idea.
So, those are two ways you can renew your passport in Malaysia. Here’s hoping you have a smooth and hassle-free renewal before you enjoy that well-earned vacation!