How To Apply For A Special Pass for Expired Social Visit Pass Holder in Malaysia

Last Updated: 30 April 2021

 

Disclaimer:
I am not an immigration agent, immigration officer or expert in immigration matters. The information provided here is based on my personal experience in applying for a Special Pass in Malaysia in April 2021. Things could change. So, always double-check with official sources. You use the information at your own risk. I do not guarantee the information to be 100% accurate or current at all times.

Background:

1. Due to the global COVID pandemic, the Malaysian government initially allowed foreigners who were already in the country on Social Visit Pass to stay in Malaysia until 14 working days after the Movement Control Order (MCO) ends [Official Source] [Copy of Document].
2. This policy was affirmed on 1 Jan 2021 by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs [Copy of Document] and later on 4 Jan 2021 by Malaysia's Department of Immigration (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia - JIM) [Copy of Document].
3. On 12 April 2021, the Malaysian government changed its policy and required all foreigners to leave Malaysia by 21 April 2021 without needing to apply for a Special Pass and without any penalty. [Official Source] [Copy of Document]
4. From 22 April 2021, if you hold an expired Social Visit Pass, you are required to apply for a Special Pass from Malaysia's immigration office to extend your stay for another 30 days while preparing to leave the country.

How To Apply for A Special Pass

1. Book an appointment to visit an immigration office near you via https://sto.imi.gov.my
   Note 1: Not all Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) office could process Special Pass application. It is best that you call to find out. You can also send an online message to JIM offices via http://eapp.imi.gov.my/tanya/create.
   Note 2: The website is in Malay. Use Google Translate to translate Malay to English.
   Note 3: The website may not work on Google Chrome browser. If so, try Firefox browser instead.
   Note 4: The Category option to choose is "VISA, PAS & PERMIT - PAS LAWATAN IKHTISAS (MAKS 1....)"


2. Prepare all the required documents before attending your appointment [Download Checklist]:
   (1) Printout of appointment from STO website, with category option “VISA, PAS & PERMIT - PAS LAWATAN IKHTISAS (MAKS 1....)” chosen.
   (2) Letter of support from your embassy [Sample 1]
   (3) Flight ticket to your next destination country (needs to be within 30 days from your appointment date)
   (4) Visa approval letter, email or similar from the immigration department or embassy of your next destination country (if not your home country)
   (5) Photocopy of your passport personal details page
   (6) Photocopy of your passport page with Malaysian entry stamp
   (7) Completed "IMMI 55" form [Official Source] [Copy of Form]
   (8) Completed "Format A" form [Copy of Form]
   (9) Letter or document confirming your residential address (e.g. from property agent)
   (10) Printout of your Bank Statement proving your financial ability


3. Attend your appointment.
   [1] Dress conservatively. No shorts. No slippers. No revealing clothes.
   [2] Provide a printout of your appointment to obtain a Queue Number.
   [3] Proceed to the counter when your Queue Number is called.
   [4] Explain you are applying for a Special Pass and provide all the documents.
   [5] The officer may ask you additional questions. If not, just wait for your application to be processed.
   [6] If you have everything required for the Special Pass, you will be called to pay RM 100.00. Only a credit or debit card is accepted for payment. Cash payment is not available.
   [7] You will be called to collect your passport with a Special Pass stapled in your passport.


4. Take a photo of your Special Pass on your passport. Upload to Dropbox, Evernote, etc. to keep a digital copy. Just in case.


5. Celebrate and enjoy your extended stay!

How a Special Pass looks like:

Download Links:

1. Special Pass - Application Checklist
2. IMMI 55 Form
3. Format A Form

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is it possible to extend our stay in Malaysia for longer than 30 days?
   Yes, if you have a strong justification (e.g. your home country's border is closed, like Vietnam and Algeria, or you are old and/or vulnerable to COVID-19 and travelling will put you at a very high risk of getting infected) with a supporting letter from your embassy.


2. Will I receive a penalty for not obtaining a Special Pass before 21 April 2021?
   Many foreigners have reported that they had successfully obtained a Special Pass from 22 April to 28 April 2021, without receiving any penalty.
   There has been an unconfirmed report that the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia advised their citizens that they can apply for a Special Pass between 22 April to 30 Jun 2021, without incurring any penalty.


3. What if I am unable to book a flight that departs in the next 30 days from the appointment date?
   Many foreigners have reported different experiences depending on the officer they dealt with and the JIM office they visited.
   JIM office in Putrajaya seems to be most flexible.
   If you are unable to book a flight due to flight unavailability, you can explain and demonstrate to the JIM immigration officer. Request that you are given a 30-day Special Pass to give you more time to book a flight.
   You can also contact JIM directly via their online messaging website at http://eapp.imi.gov.my/tanya/create


4. What if I still cannot leave within the deadline given in my approved Special Pass?
   You can apply for another Special Pass before the current one expires. Same process. Same documents required, with a new letter of support from your embassy. Same fee (RM 100.00).

Relevant Links:

1. Tourists Stranded In Malaysia (Facebook Group)
2. Australian Stranded In Malaysia (Facebook Group)
3. Australian High Commission in Malaysia (Facebook Page)
4. Google Translator (helpful to translate Malay to English)
5. Malaysia's Department of Immigration (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) Online Appointment Booking website (sto.imi.gov.my)
6. Malaysia's Department of Immigration (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) Offices & Addresses
7. Send Online Message to Malaysia's Department of Immigration (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia)

Other Informative Links:

1. SmartTraveller.gov.au - Australian Government's Travel Advisory on Malaysia
2. Travel.State.Gov - US Government's Travel Advisory on Malaysia
3. US Embassy's COVID-related Information on Malaysia
4. US Embassy's Alerts
5. Australian High Commission's COVID-related Information on Malaysia

Related Info:

• Where do I take a COVID PCR Test and how much?
• How to apply for a Police Permit to travel interstate (e.g. leaving Malaysia)?
• What COVID-related restrictions are currently in place in Malaysia?
• What can I do to protect myself and my family against COVID-19?