Asia's most loved country to introduce QR code immigration clearance for foreigners

By Hoang Phong March 5, 2025 | 07:00 pm PT

Travelers arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, 2021. Photo by Reuters

Malaysia, voted Asia's most loved country, will allow foreign tourists from 63 countries and territories to use a QR code system for immigration clearance in just five seconds at all its border checkpoints starting next year.

The system utilizes artificial intelligence, incorporating facial recognition, iris scanning, and biometric technologies, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said, as quoted by The Star.

Currently, only Malaysian citizens can use the QR code system to clear immigration at Kuala Lumpur International Airports 1 and 2, as well as at the Johor land checkpoints.

These countries include Singapore, the U.S. and the U.K.

Speaking in Parliament on March 4, Saifuddin noted that expanding the system to foreign travelers will streamline immigration procedures.

The implementation of QR code clearance is expected to reduce the number of immigration officers required at counters by nearly 60%, allowing personnel to be reassigned to other areas, Channel News Asia reported.

Since June 1 last year, visitors from 63 countries and regions have been able to use Malaysia's autogate facilities for immigration clearance.

Malaysia welcomed 38 million visitor arrivals in 2024, including 13 million excursionists, representing a 31.1% year-on-year increase and an 8.3% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Malaysia was named Asia's "most loved" country in 2024 by American finance website Insider Monkey.