Here’s a familiar scene: it’s a Saturday morning, you arrive at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint and realise you have to queue for hours just to get your passport stamped.
Well, you can now save yourself some time and travel to JB with ease by using the electronic gate (e-gate) system in Malaysia. That means you can enter Malaysia via the automated gate instead of going through the manual immigration counters – basically, what we have at Changi Airport.
The most important question is, are you an eligible user for the e-gates?
Well, the good news is that Malaysia has opened their e-gates to 63 different countries, including Singapore, for immigration clearance. You can refer to the image below for the full list.
Image credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia
Most travellers will need to fill up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least 3 days before their arrival date. Once the application is approved via email, you should be able to go through the e-gates without any issues. As for parents travelling with young kids, do take note that your little ones will need to meet the minimum height requirement of above 120cm.
MDAC registration is no longer necessary for Singaporean Citizens, so they can immediately exit through the e-gates in Malaysia. Others that are also exempt from this requirement include:
Those who still need to fill out the MDAC form can go through our extensive step-by-step guide below for a smooth application process:
There are 2 places in Malaysia you can enter via the e-gate system: Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and the Johor Bahru Checkpoint.
Ok, but how do you actually apply for the e-gate before travelling to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur? It’s simpler than you think. We’ve compiled a guide to help walk you through Malaysia’s e-gate registration procedure.
First, each traveller has to fill up their own Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). It’s a simple declaration form that requires your personal information and travel details.
Image adapted from: Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia
One thing to take note of is that you need to submit this form within 3 calendar days of your departure. Say your trip falls on 20th September, you can register for your MDAC on the 18th, 19th, or even on the day itself, the 20th. As long as you complete this step within the 3-day window, you’re good to go.
FYI: Singapore Passport holders are exempt from filling in the MDAC as of 1st January 2024.
After submitting your form, know that your passport has yet to be verified in the e-gate system. So the first time you enter Malaysia after filling up your MDAC, you’ll still have to queue at the counters to get a manual stamp.
Be sure to inform the immigration officer at the counter that you’ve submitted an MDAC so that you can use it for future trips.
Image credit: Must Share News
If your registration is successful, you should be able to use the e-gate when departing Malaysia. That said, it’s still generally recommended to exit the country the same way you entered: by queuing up at the manual counter and getting your passport stamped. This ensures that your entry and exit records match in Malaysia’s system, completing your registration properly.
Image credit: Saravana Rao via Facebook
The good news is, your passport’s now verified, so you can pass through the autogate in Malaysia the next time you visit.
At the Johor Bahru customs centre, head towards the e-gate queue that’s usually on the left side. All you need to do is scan your passport, wait for the e-gates to open, and tada, you’re officially in Malaysia. It’s almost as simple as tapping your EZ-link card when taking the MRT.
Similarly, if you’re flying into KLIA, head directly to the e-gates for travellers from Singapore and 62 other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Do remember that you must submit an MDAC every time you enter Malaysia. So, make sure you fill in the form at least a day prior.
Image credit: Fazli Salleh via Facebook
Malaysia has started rolling out their National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) e-gates from March 2026. If you’ve been travelling to JB via motorbike or car, you might have already noticed designated lanes with the MyNIISe signs at the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints during its pilot testing.
With MyNIISe, travellers can clear customs easily with a generated QR code through the MyNIISe app or facial recognition. The MDAC can also be applied through the app itself.
The MyNIISe eGates are basically the same thing as current e-gates, only upgraded for faster immigration since you don’t have to use your physical passport. This also means that if you’re eligible for the e-gate, you will be able to clear immigration using MyNIISe.
If you’ve used the MyICA app before to clear immigration on Singapore’s side, the MyNIISe works the same way. Simply download the MyNIISe app (App Store | Google Play) onto your mobile device and create an account. After, you will be prompted to scan your passport page, scan your passport’s NFC tag through your phone’s reader, and take a selfie for facial recognition purposes.
The first time you go through a MyNIISe e-gate, you will have to generate a QR code through the app and scan it. Subsequently, you will be able to use the gates via facial recognition.
Families or friends intending to drive over to JB can also generate a singular group QR code. Motorists, on the other hand, would have to generate individual codes for both the rider and pillion passenger.
As the MyNIISe eGates are still being rolled out, not all gates are equipped with the MyNIISe technology. Look out for the MyNIISe signs at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints into JB if you’re intending to use MyNIISe to clear immigration.
Additionally, you are still required to bring along your passport and any supporting travel documents as MyNIISe only works as a means to quicken immigration and cannot be used to verify your identity.
The MyNIISe eGates will be implemented at both Johor checkpoints, and will be used for the upcoming RTS Link between Singapore and Johor Bahru. Additionally, the MyNIISe QR eGates are now available for international departures at KLIA T1 and T2, as well as international arrival and departure at Penang International Airport.
With the MyNIISe QR eGates still being rolled out, you don’t have to worry if you don’t have the app as the current automated e-gates are still accepting physical passports or MyBorderPass, so travellers can still opt to go through the manual immigration counters or current e-gates.
Using the e-gates has made crossing the border into our neighbouring city much more convenient. You get to avoid queueing up at the manual counters, allowing you to reach your destination faster. And as MyNIISe gets rolled out, this has just gotten a lot easier.
All that’s left to do is to share this guide with your friends and make that long-awaited JB trip happen.
More reads before you head to JB:
Also read: 12 Popular Travel Destinations With E-Gates For Singaporeans To Clear Immigration Quicker
Cover image adapted from: Must Share News
Originally published on 26th September 2023. Last updated by Chandelle Cheong on 9th April 2026.
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