The easy-to-use autogates, long available for Malaysian citizens, were made available earlier this year for visitors from more than 60 countries.

A reminder for non-citizens that the Malaysian Immigration Department expanded its autogate facility earlier this year to accommodate visitors from 63 countries, which should improve efficiency at key entry points like Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Initially available to only 10 countries, the updated system now includes citizens from 53 additional nations, allowing seamless immigration clearance for eligible travellers. This move reflects Malaysia’s commitment to facilitating smoother international travel while maintaining stringent security measures.

Now, the country is rolling out a new QR code scanning system for immigration clearance, in order to increase efficiency and security.

COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR AUTOGATE USE

The extended autogate facility now newly covers:

1. European Union (EU) Nations: 26 member states, including France, Germany, and Italy.
2. Other European Nations: 17 countries such as Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
3. Arab States: Six countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
4. Others: Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

To access the autogate, first-time travellers from these countries must undergo manual verification of their passports before being eligible for subsequent autogate use. All passengers (except for Singaporean citizens, diplomats, foreign residents with long-term visas in Malaysia, and a handful of other minor categories) are also required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least three days before arrival. The full list of all autogate-eligible countries is included at the end of this article.

ENHANCED ENTRY TECHNOLOGY AND FUTURE PLANS

To further streamline the immigration process, the Malaysian government is introducing QR code scanning systems at entry points such as KLIA, with plans to expand this technology to other airports, land border crossings, and sea ports. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah noted that these innovations aim to speed up immigration clearance while enhancing security. The QR code system is expected to reduce congestion, particularly during peak travel periods, and improve overall visitor satisfaction.

The Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Johor, which handle heavy traffic from Singapore, will be among the first locations to adopt QR code-based clearance in 2025. This development is expected to ease travel for residents, tourists, and workers crossing the border daily. The government is also exploring similar improvements at land and maritime checkpoints nationwide​.

This expansion aligns with Malaysia’s focus on boosting tourism and trade by reducing barriers for international visitors. With the introduction of more advanced systems and facilities, Malaysia continues to position itself as a modern and accessible travel destination.

WHO CAN USE THE AUTOGATES?

Here is the alphabetical list of the 63 countries whose citizens are eligible to use Malaysia’s autogate immigration system:

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Armenia
4. Australia
5. Austria
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahrain
8. Belarus
9. Belgium
10. Bosnia and Herzegovina
11. Brunei
12. Bulgaria
13. Canada
14. China
15. Croatia
16. Cyprus
17. Czech Republic
18. Denmark
19. Estonia
20. Finland
21. France
22. Georgia
23. Germany
24. Greece
25. Hong Kong SAR
26. Hungary
27. Iceland
28. Ireland
29. Italy
30. Japan
31. Jordan
32. Kuwait
33. Latvia
34. Liechtenstein
35. Lithuania
36. Luxembourg
37. Malta
38. Moldova
39. Netherlands
40. New Zealand
41. North Macedonia
42. Norway
43. Oman
44. Poland
45. Portugal
46. Qatar
47. Romania
48. Russia
49. San Marino
50. Saudi Arabia
51. Singapore
52. Slovakia
53. Slovenia
54. South Korea
55. Spain
56. Sweden
57. Switzerland
58. Taiwan
59. Türkiye (Turkey)
60. Ukraine
61. United Arab Emirates
62. United Kingdom
63. United States

For first-time travellers from these countries, manual passport verification is required, but subsequent visits allow direct use of the autogate system. Completion of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before arrival is also mandatory for most visitors.

The official Malaysian Immigration Department website for updates on autogate eligibility and related immigration services is: https://www.imi.gov.my.

For details about the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) and autogate access, navigate directly to the MDAC page at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.

These pages provide comprehensive information on entry requirements, systems updates, and digital services.