Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
Since the borders reopened, an influx of people flocked to immigration centres to renew their passports. To cope with the amount of people, our government introduced a much efficient way to do so: Online renewals.
There’s even an official announcement telling people that there is NO MORE walk-ins. But that’s not entirely true.
I failed to renew my passport online
Before renewing, you first need to check your eligibility to do an online renewal here.
However, I was greeted with is a red notice which said:
Your saved fingerprint file is corrupted or non-existent. You need to register again so there aren’t any issues when scanning your fingerprint at the departure/arrival gates. You are not able to continue with your application, please refer to the Immigration Department.
Surprised, I tried Googling to figure out what I should do next. Of course, there were no answers to this. So, I hope this article helps everyone out there!
I woke up at 5.30am to beat the crowd
Credit: http://www.passport.my/state_immigration_branches/utc_sentul_immigration_office.html
Caption: Reaching UTC Sentral at 6.45am before the shutters were up.
In a day, there may be a limited amount of walk-ins allowed, depending on the branch you’re going to. To make sure I got a slot, I woke up at 5.30am, left my place at 6.15am and arrived 30 minutes later to wait by the door which still had its shutters down.
I was 6th in line, and as time went on, more and more people came to line up behind me.
The doors finally opened at 8.00am and elderlies and OKUs were prioritised. You then slowly get your chance to enter and get a number.
Here’s what you need to know before going:
- Check your eligibility to renew online here: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPasport?semakPMA
- If you’re able to do so, you won’t be let into the immigration department, but would be urged to apply online via your mobile phones prior to being let in.
- If you have an issue like mine, make sure you PRINT it out as a physical copy.
- Have a photostated copy of your IC.
- Bring your old passport along with you.
After showing the print out copy of the error message, I was let into the room and proceeded to take my queue number.
Next steps were pretty straightforward:
- You wait until your number is called
- You head to the counter and show them the message error, photostated copy of your IC and old passport
- The officer will then have you turn to the right to take an image for your new passport
- Confirm your details and wait for your number to be called next for payment
- When called, it’s RM200 for 5 years and only debit/credit card is accepted.
- You wait for your number to be called one last time where you’ll then pick up your new copy!
If you’re able to renew your passport online, you may do so and collect it at the immigration office at least 3 days later. This way, at least you don’t have to wake up early nor queue endlessly to receive your passport.
Now, happy travelling!
For more stories like this, read: Is This Malaysian Private University Keeping The International Students’ Passports Against Their Will? and 5 Things I’ve Learned from Traveling Solo in Vietnam
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