Malaysian passports are official travel documents issued by Malaysia’s Immigration Department. It is necessary to have one of these passports when traveling abroad, and it is also necessary when traveling within Malaysia, particularly when traveling into East Malaysian states like Sabah and Sarawak.
There are several types of passports issued by Malaysia, depending on the travel purpose and the applicant’s background.
Read more about “Malaysia passport renewal“.
Types Of Malaysia Passports
The following are the types of Malaysia passport.
Malaysian International Passport (Pasport Antarabangsa)
Most people use this type of passport. Malaysian citizens can use it to travel internationally. It has a red cover.
Key Features:
Fees:
Note: As of 2013, there is no longer a 64-page or 2-year validity option. The 5-year, 50-page passport is the only standard version available.
Domestic Use: Peninsular Malaysians can also use this passport when traveling to Sabah and Sarawak. There is a separate immigration control system in these two states. At the immigration counter, travelers must present a MyKad (for adults) or a birth certificate (for children under 12). It is necessary to keep the form until departure.
Restricted Passport (Pasport Terhad)
The passport is only valid for travel to Brunei Darussalam. The blue cover is exclusive to Malaysians living in these countries:
Key Points:
Official Passport (Pasport Rasmi)
Traveling abroad on official business requires this passport for Malaysian government officials.
Issued by:
Only valid during the officer’s term of duty, it cannot be used for personal travel.
Diplomatic Passport (Pasport Diplomatik)
Passports are issued to Malaysian diplomats and their eligible family members who are assigned to official duties abroad.
Issued by:
Under diplomatic laws and agreements, this passport grants special international privileges and recognition.
Strength of Malaysia Passport
Malaysian passports ranked 12th globally in the Henley Passport Index as of January 2025. It makes the Malaysian passport one of the strongest passports in the world because it can enter many countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
Quick Summary Table
| Passport Type | Purpose | Validity | Fee | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Passport | Global travel | 5 years | RM200 | All Malaysians |
| Restricted Passport | Travel to Brunei only | 5 years | RM50 | Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan residents |
| Official Passport | Government officials on duty | Based on assignment | Free | Government staff (via Wisma Putra) |
| Diplomatic Passport | Diplomats and families | Based on assignment | Free | Appointed diplomats (via Wisma Putra) |
FAQs About Types Of Malaysia Passports
Conclusion
Malaysian passports are essential for both international and certain domestic travel. With different types available—such as the International Passport, Restricted Passport, Official Passport, and Diplomatic Passport—Malaysian citizens can choose the right one based on their travel needs. The application process is straightforward, and the passport itself is globally recognized. Ranked 12th in the world, the Malaysian passport offers strong travel access to many countries, making it one of the most powerful in the region.
