Malaysia Pauses Issuance Of Passports Valid For Over 10 Years

By Lara Kramer  •  13 Aug 2026 in News

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Malaysia has halted the issuance of international passports with a validity period exceeding 10 years, effective immediately, following reports of travellers facing check-in issues with certain airlines overseas.

Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said Malaysians who currently hold passports valid for more than 10 years will be eligible for a free replacement passport, capped at a 10-year validity period.

The decision follows several cases where passengers encountered difficulties at airline check-in counters because some carriers interpreted passport validity requirements differently.

Zakaria said the department had consulted the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which confirmed there is no restriction on Malaysia issuing passports valid for more than 10 years.

However, to prevent further confusion and ensure smoother international travel, the Immigration Department will standardise the maximum passport validity at 10 years.

For existing passport holders who choose to replace their passport, any remaining validity will be forfeited. For example, a passport with six months left on its validity will lose that remaining period upon renewal.

The department will also issue a notification to airlines to help minimise further issues for Malaysian travellers abroad.

The suspension will remain in place until the matter is resolved with airlines and the ICAO.

Zakaria added that the Immigration Department remains committed to improving the implementation of Malaysian international passports and ensuring Malaysians can travel overseas smoothly and systematically.

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