Malaysia Immigration Autogate Guide for Foreigners

Malaysia has expanded the use of its automated entry system (autogate) at the country’s immigration checkpoints. Starting 1st June 2024, visitors from 63 countries are eligible to utilize Malaysia immigration autogate to enter the country. This privilege is also extended to all diplomats serving in Malaysia and their family members. Initially, only visitors from 10 countries were allowed to use the autogate when it was first opened to foreigners in February 2023.

This is certainly good news, as foreigners who have visited Malaysia in the past may have experienced long wait times to clear immigration upon arrival. When I visited Malaysia in March 2024, it took me 30 minutes from waiting in queue at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, to finally have my passport stamped by the immigration officer. On a recent trip to Malaysia, I arrived at the same KLIA terminal and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I cleared immigration using Malaysia immigration autogate.

If you’re planning to visit Malaysia, read the in-depth guide below on how you can use Malaysia immigration autogate to fast-track your entry into the country.

What is Malaysia Immigration Autogate

Malaysia autogate is an automated immigration clearance system designed to streamline the process for travelers entering and exiting the country. It uses biometric technology, such as facial recognition, to quickly verify a traveler’s identity, allowing them to bypass traditional manual checks. Originally introduced for Malaysian citizens, the system was expanded in February 2023 to include eligible foreign visitors from select countries.

Who is eligible to use Malaysia Immigration Autogate

Beginning 1st June 2024, visitors from the following countries are eligible to use autogate for immigration clearance in Malaysia.

How to use Malaysia Immigration Autogate

Using Malaysia’s autogate for fast and hassle-free immigration clearance is straightforward, requiring just a few essential steps. From submitting the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) to completing a facial recognition scan, the autogate system is designed to make your entry into the country as smooth as possible. In this section, you’ll find a clear guide that walks you through the entire process.

Step 1: Submit Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Complete and submit the MDAC within 3 days before arrival in Malaysia. You can find the MDAC on Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) website. You will need to submit the MDAC for each visit to Malaysia. There is no cost to submit the MDAC.

You will also find notices (with a QR code to access the MDAC registration form) located at arrival halls just before the immigration counters and autogate lanes. I highly recommend completing the MDAC before you arrive to save you some time and avoid unforeseen issues.

Effective 1st January 2024, completion of MDAC is mandatory for all visitors except for those listed below:

• Citizens of Singapore
• Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
• Malaysia Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders
• General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam Holders
• Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveler Facility Holder
• Thailand Border Pass Holders
• Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) Holders

Step 2: Autogate Passport Verification Scan

Before departing for Malaysia, ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport, as this is a requirement to enter the country and use the autogate. Also, check if you need a visa to enter Malaysia.

Upon arrival in Malaysia, head directly to the immigration autogate lanes and scan your passport on the autogate passport reader for verification. Once your passport has been verified, the automated entry gate will open.

Note: You may have come across information that visitors will need to enrol and verify their passports at a manual immigration counter before they’re allowed to use Malaysia immigration autogate. According to this video guide from the Immigration Department of Malaysia, there is no longer a need to verify your passport at a manual immigration counter. Just to be sure that the rules have not changed when you arrive, do check with immigration officers stationed at arrival halls before heading to the autogates.

Step 3: Autogate Facial Recognition Scan

Step inside the autogate lane and look directly at the camera for your facial recognition scan. Once the scan is successful, the automated exit gate will open, signalling a successful immigration clearance. Welcome to Malaysia!

In my experience, the entire process from the passport verification scan to facial recognition scan and opening of the autogate exit doors took less than 30 seconds (yes, really!). How quickly you clear immigration would primarily depend on the queues waiting for the autogates when you arrive. In my case, there were no queues when I arrived on a Saturday afternoon.

When departing Malaysia, you can use the autogate to clear immigration, following the same arrival procedure.

Related: Discover KLIA Ekspres, the fastest way to travel from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur city center.

Overall, the current immigration autogate process in Malaysia is more streamlined and is so much more convenient for visitors to clear immigration. Having said that, opening up immigration autogates to foreigners does mean increased congestion, as Malaysian residents will now have to contend with foreigners for usage of the autogates. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the authorities, who has announced that Malaysia will increase the number of new autogates at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminals 1 and 2) and Penang to overcome congestion at the country’s entry points.

I hope this guide has been helpful as you prepare for your trip to Malaysia. Before leaving the country, be sure to indulge yourself in Malaysia’s diverse and flavorful cuisine, a quintessential part of the Malaysian experience. Feel free to share your experience using Malaysia immigration autogate (or your visit to Malaysia) in the comments below.