While jotting this down, I’m perched at the airport, eagerly waiting to check in for my international flight. The clock reads 3 AM, and I have 3 hours before takes off at 6 AM. What better way to spend this pre-dawn wait than sharing my travel adventure here? This trip is all about attending a three-day innovation convention. It feels like ages since my last international escapade, which was back in November 2019, just before the world encountered the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China.

A couple of weeks ago, I set out to renew my passport. The last time I navigated the Immigration Office maze was back in March 2016. Quite a stretch, right? Life just didn’t call for any visits. I swung by the nearest Immigration Office at about 3:30 PM. Stepping in, I noticed a few folks waiting their turn, and plenty of empty chairs in the waiting area. Optimistically, I headed straight to the counter for a queue number. To my surprise, the staff informed me that the passport renewal process had gone digital! Every step, from filling out personal details to declarations, is now done online. My bad for not checking the website beforehand. So, I settled into a seat and went straight to the online application.

Here’s a snappy guide to renewing your passport:

1. Visit the Malaysian Immigration Department online application page: Only individuals aged 13 and above can apply online. Online Application
2. Select MYONLINE PASSPORT: You’ll land on the MYIMMS – EServices dashboard. Under MyOnline Passport, choose Passport Application – Application for the renewal of passport. Read the instructions, terms, conditions, and FAQs. Agree to proceed.
3. Applicant Category: Enter your details, like passport number, document type, current ID number, category, etc. Just follow the instructions.
4. Use an app: After getting the search info, I had to upload a photo meeting passport specifications. I used remove.bg to get a background-free passport photo.
5. Complete the application: Submit once everything’s filled out. I was then directed to the payment page. RM200 for my category.
6. Pay online: After successful payment, print the receipt and present it at the counter when taking your queue number. Thankfully, there was a print shop right in front of the Immigration Office.
7. Passport ready in 15 minutes: After getting the queue number, I waited a bit more. Within 15 minutes, my new passport was ready. My old passport was cut to signify its return to the Immigration Office. Glad I could keep it. So many memories in that little book.

In my experience, renewing a passport online is pretty smooth, except for the photo upload. I almost lost patience trying to meet the stringent photo requirements. Sometimes the file was too large, or my eyes weren’t looking forward. Truly a test!

But hey, I’m grateful everything worked out. Can’t wait to start this international journey after nearly five years. Excuse my sleepy face in the video. Wish me luck for a smooth trip. Amen.