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The government has officially introduced a 10-year passport validity option for Malaysians
The new option was introduced through the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026, which was published in the Federal Government Gazette and has come into force.
The introduction of a 10-year passport means eligible Malaysians will no longer need to renew their passports every five years, potentially saving both time and administrative hassle for frequent travellers.
However, the higher replacement charges also mean passport holders may want to take extra care of the document, as losing it could end up costing substantially more than the initial application fee.
Here's a breakdown of what Malaysians need to know.
Who can apply for the new 10-year passport?
According to the gazetted regulations, the new 10-year passport is available to Malaysians aged 18 and above.
The government has also introduced different fee categories based on age and eligibility.
The fees are as follows:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Malaysians aged 18 to 59 | RM350 |
| Senior citizens aged 60 and above | RM175 |
| Persons with disabilities (OKU) aged 18 and above with a valid Kad OKU | Free |
| Immigration Department officers and staff | Free |
For most adults, the cost works out to RM35 per year over a 10-year period.
What about children under 18?
The gazetted amendment specifically introduces the 10-year passport for adults aged 18 and above.
The order does not create a corresponding 10-year passport category for children below 18, meaning existing passport arrangements for minors remain separate from the newly introduced adult passport validity period.
Students studying overseas are now specifically mentioned
One lesser-known change in the amendment involves students studying abroad.
The government has revised the wording in existing regulations to specifically refer to students who are "studying for a degree programme abroad" instead of the broader term "studying abroad".
Previously, the broader phrasing meant that anyone on a short-term language course, a certificate programme, or even a high school exchange overseas could technically qualify for student concessions, including the subsidised RM100 fee for a five-year passport versus the standard RM200 for adults and a lower initial RM300 replacement penalty for a first-time lost or damaged passport.
Under the revised wording, these perks would be limited to students enrolled in a formal degree programme, a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate.
Students aged 21 and below who are overseas for language certificates, short-term vocational training, or pre-university exchanges like A-Levels, IB, or foundation years may no longer qualify for the subsidised replacement fee unless they have already matriculated into a degree track.
Documentation requirements have also tightened.
A generic student ID or basic enrollment letter will no longer suffice; students will need to provide explicit proof, such as a university offer letter or confirmation of enrollment in a degree programme.
It is worth noting that the amendment does not create a student concession tier for the newly introduced 10-year passport. Students who want the 10-year validity passport pay the full adult price of RM350.
The only groups receiving discounts on the 10-year version are senior citizens aged 60 and above, OKUs, and Immigration Department staff.
If you are a student looking to use a concession, the five-year passport remains the only option where the RM100 student rate applies, provided you are enrolled in a formal degree programme abroad.
Losing a 10-year passport could be expensive
The new regulations also introduce a separate replacement fee schedule for lost or damaged 10-year passports.
For Malaysians aged between 18 and 59:
| Number of Replacements | Fee |
|---|---|
| First replacement | RM550 |
| Second replacement | RM850 |
| Third and subsequent replacements | RM1,350 |
The replacement fees are significantly higher than the RM350 cost of obtaining the passport in the first place.
However, senior citizens pay less for replacements.
For passport holders aged 60 and above, the replacement fees are:
| Number of Replacements | Fee |
|---|---|
| First replacement | RM375 |
| Second replacement | RM675 |
| Third and subsequent replacements | RM1,175 |
Meanwhile, for eligible OKU holders and Immigration Department officers and staff, replacement fees are lower:
| Number of Replacements | Fee |
|---|---|
| First replacement | RM200 |
| Second replacement | RM500 |
| Third and subsequent replacements | RM1,000 |
