Malaysia has officially moved towards a longer passport validity period with the introduction of a new 10-year Malaysian passport. This change follows the implementation of the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026, which has now come into effect.

For many Malaysians, this is a welcome update. Passport renewal has always been one of those necessary but slightly inconvenient administrative tasks, especially for people who travel frequently for work, family, education, medical needs, or holidays. With a 10-year validity period, Malaysians will no longer need to renew their passport as often, which should make international travel planning a little easier in the long run.

At the same time, the new passport structure also comes with higher upfront fees and revised replacement charges, so it is worth understanding what has changed before applying.

How Much Does the New 10-Year Passport Cost?

Under the new fee structure, Malaysian citizens aged between 18 and 59 can apply for a 10-year passport at RM350.

Senior citizens aged 60 and above will pay a reduced fee of RM175. Meanwhile, registered OKU card holders are exempted from the passport fee. The same exemption also applies to officers and staff of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

On paper, the RM350 fee may look higher compared to the previous five-year passport fee. However, because the new passport lasts for 10 years instead of five, the cost can be seen as more reasonable over time, especially for those who travel often and want to avoid frequent renewals.

How It Compares With the Previous Five-Year Passport

Previously, the standard five-year Malaysian passport cost RM200 for applicants aged 13 to 59. Reduced fees were available for certain groups, including senior citizens aged 60 and above, children aged 12 and below, students aged 21 and below studying overseas, and Hajj pilgrims.

For these eligible groups, the five-year passport fee was RM100. Registered OKU card holders were already exempted from passport fees, and that exemption continues under the new structure.

The new 10-year passport changes the cost calculation. Instead of paying RM200 every five years, standard adult applicants will now pay RM350 for 10 years. From a long-term perspective, this means the 10-year passport is cheaper than renewing a five-year passport twice, assuming the applicant keeps and uses the passport throughout the full validity period.

What About Children, Students, and Hajj Pilgrims?

One area that still needs clearer explanation is how the new 10-year passport applies to certain groups that previously enjoyed reduced fees.

The updated order does not clearly list a standard 10-year passport fee for children aged 12 and below, students studying overseas, or Hajj pilgrims in the same way the previous five-year fee structure did. This means Malaysians may need to wait for further clarification from the Immigration Department on how these categories will be handled under the new passport system.

There also appears to be a more specific wording change for overseas students. Instead of generally referring to students studying abroad, the new structure refers to students studying for a degree programme abroad. This could mean the eligibility may now be narrower than before, especially for those enrolled in non-degree programmes overseas.

Until the Immigration Department releases clearer public guidance, applicants in these categories should check the latest requirements before making travel or renewal plans.

Lost or Damaged Passport Replacement Fees Have Also Changed

Besides the new passport validity and application fee, the amendment also introduces higher replacement charges for lost or damaged passports.

For Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 59, the first replacement will cost RM550. The second replacement will cost RM850, while the third and any later replacement will cost RM1,350.

Senior citizens also have a separate replacement fee structure. They will need to pay RM375 for the first replacement, RM675 for the second, and RM1,175 for the third and any subsequent replacements.

For registered OKU card holders and eligible Immigration Department personnel, the standard passport fee may be exempted, but replacement passports are not free. They will still need to pay RM200 for the first replacement, RM500 for the second, and RM1,000 for the third and any later replacement.

This is an important reminder for all passport holders. Losing or damaging a passport can now be much more expensive, especially if it happens more than once. Malaysians should take extra care when travelling, particularly when moving between hotels, airports, immigration counters, and public transport.

Why the 10-Year Passport Is a Practical Move

A 10-year passport is practical for several reasons. First, it reduces the need for frequent renewals. This is especially useful for frequent travellers, business travellers, students overseas, families who travel regularly, and Malaysians who often need to renew visas linked to passport validity.

Second, it provides better convenience for long-term planning. Some countries require travellers to have at least six months of passport validity before entry. With a longer validity period, Malaysians can reduce the risk of last-minute travel disruption caused by an expiring passport.

Third, it brings Malaysia closer to the passport validity period already offered by several other countries. Many countries have long issued 10-year passports for adult citizens, so this update makes Malaysia's passport system feel more aligned with international norms.

That said, a longer passport validity also means Malaysians need to take better care of the document. A passport is not just a travel booklet. It is an official identity and travel document, and replacing it after loss or damage can now involve higher costs.

Can Malaysians Apply for the 10-Year Passport Now?

Although the amendment has come into effect, the actual rollout process still needs clearer confirmation from the Immigration Department.

At the moment, Malaysians may still need to wait for the department to update its official channels, application system, and public instructions on how the new 10-year passport option will be made available. This includes whether the option will appear automatically during online renewal, whether it applies immediately at all counters, and how special categories such as children, students, and Hajj pilgrims will be handled.

For now, the best approach is to monitor official Immigration Department announcements before applying, especially if the passport renewal is not urgent.

Should You Choose the 10-Year Passport?

For most adult Malaysians, the 10-year passport will likely make sense. The upfront fee is higher, but the longer validity makes it more convenient and potentially more cost-effective over time.

It is especially suitable for those who travel regularly or prefer not to deal with passport renewal every few years. It may also be useful for people who frequently apply for visas, as longer passport validity can reduce complications when dealing with overseas embassies, work permits, student visas, or long-term travel plans.

However, those who rarely travel may want to consider whether they really need to renew immediately, especially if their current passport is still valid. As always, the decision depends on travel needs, budget, and timing.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of Malaysia's 10-year passport is a significant and practical update for Malaysian travellers. It offers longer validity, fewer renewals, and better convenience for people who travel frequently or plan long-term international movement.

However, the change also comes with higher upfront fees and more expensive replacement charges for lost or damaged passports. Applicants should also pay attention to the categories that still require further clarification, particularly children, students overseas, and Hajj pilgrims.

Overall, the new 10-year passport is a useful improvement, but Malaysians should wait for the Immigration Department's official rollout details before assuming that every application channel is already ready for the new option.