- Malaysian travellers faced check-in problems with overseas airlines due to passports with validity exceeding 10 years.
- The Immigration Department suspended issuance of passports with validity over 10 years.
- Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban announced free replacement passports with a maximum validity of 10 years and priority processing for affected holders.
- The department will notify airlines and work with ICAO to resolve the matter.
- The decision to standardise the maximum validity period at 10 years was aimed at avoiding confusion over the additional six-month passport validity requirement.
- Existing passport holders whose passports are valid for more than 10 years will receive a replacement free of charge.
- Confusion arose when several holders of passports exceeding 10 years faced problems during check-in with several airlines abroad.
- Checks with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) confirmed there was nothing against having passports with more than 10 years’ validity.
The Immigration Department has temporarily halted the issuance of passports exceeding 10 years' validity following reports of check-in difficulties faced by travelers abroad. Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed that the decision aims to standardize passport validity and prevent confusion with airlines regarding the six-month validity rule.2357
"However, confusion arose when several holders of passports exceeding 10 years faced problems during check-in with several airlines abroad," he stated. The department will provide free replacements for affected passport holders, who will receive new passports with a maximum validity of 10 years.
Zakaria emphasized that the department is prioritizing these replacements and will notify airlines to assist affected travelers. The suspension will remain in effect until the issues are resolved with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and airlines. He noted, “Existing passport holders whose passports are valid for more than 10 years will receive a replacement free of charge”, ensuring that they can travel without further complications.468
The decision comes after reports of Malaysian travelers facing difficulties returning from destinations like Zimbabwe due to their passports being valid for more than 10 years. The department aims to clarify the validity requirements to avoid future issues and ensure smooth travel for all Malaysians.
“The suspension stems from confusion over the six-month validity requirement, which some airlines interpreted differently, leading to check-in problems abroad. Affected holders get priority replacement, and the department will notify airlines and consult ICAO, with the suspension lasting until resolved.”
The Star
