Travellers from 63 countries can now benefit from Malaysia’s expanded autogate immigration clearance system when entering via Kuala Lumpur or Johor. This system, which was previously available to travellers from 36 low-risk countries, has been enhanced to include an additional 27 countries, making the entry process more efficient and streamlined.
Expansion of the Autogate System
The expansion of the autogate system was confirmed by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi. This upgrade follows an announcement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail last month, which extended the eligibility of the autogate system to 36 low-risk countries and regions.
Initially, the autogate system was introduced in February last year for travellers from only 10 countries. By June 1, the system was made available to travellers from all European Union member states, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The recent expansion now includes diplomats serving in Malaysia and their family members.
Benefits of the Autogate System
The autogate system allows travellers, including foreigners, to scan their passports and pass through an automated gate, significantly reducing immigration clearance time to between 10 and 15 seconds. This is a substantial improvement compared to the manual counter process, which can take up to 30 minutes.
Key Entry Points
Travellers from the eligible 63 countries can now use the autogate system when flying into Malaysia through Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Terminals 1 and 2. Additionally, those travelling by land can access the autogate system at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and the Sultan Abu Bakar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex at the Second Link.
Enhancing Travel Efficiency
This expansion is expected to improve the efficiency and overall experience of entering Malaysia. The autogate system’s quick processing time is a reflection of the country’s commitment to facilitating smoother and quicker immigration processes for international travellers.
Conclusion
The expansion of Malaysia’s autogate immigration clearance system to 63 countries is a significant step towards enhancing the travel experience for international visitors. By reducing immigration clearance times and increasing the number of eligible countries, Malaysia demonstrates its dedication to improving efficiency and convenience at its entry points. This initiative not only benefits travellers but also underscores Malaysia’s commitment to being a welcoming and accessible destination for people from around the world.
For travellers planning to visit Malaysia, the expanded autogate system offers a faster, more efficient entry process, making it easier to enjoy all that the country has to offer.
