Traveling to Malaysia? Aside from using a passport for a stay of up to 30 days, many Thais prefer to use a “Malaysian Border Pass” to avoid the hassle of getting a passport. If you don’t travel abroad often and want to save on passport fees, here’s what you need to know about the Border Pass. 

What is a Malaysian Border Pass? 

A Border Pass is a travel document used for land travel to neighboring countries like Malaysia by car, bus, or train. It serves as an alternative to a regular passport, allowing you to stay in specified areas for a limited time. The Border Pass is for Thai citizens who want to visit Malaysia for various reasons, such as tourism, visiting relatives, or business. To be eligible, you must be a Thai citizen or have lived in the border area for at least one year. The Border Pass is valid for one year from the date of issue. 

Documents Needed and Where You Can Go

To get a Malaysian Border Pass, simply present your ID card at the immigration office in one of the following provinces: Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani, or Satun. You can apply online, but if you choose the paper application, you’ll also need a passport-sized photo. 

With a Border Pass, you can enter Malaysia from the immigration checkpoints in these provinces and stay for up to 30 days. There’s no need to register for Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). However, you can only travel within the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and the Hulu Perak district of Perak. Traveling beyond these areas, such as to Penang or Kuala Lumpur, is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to 10,000 ringgit (about 77,000 baht), imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both, and up to 6 strokes of the cane. 

Knowing this, if you plan to use a Malaysian Border Pass for land travel, make sure to follow the legal guidelines to avoid penalties and a potential ban from entering Malaysia in the future.

Plan a Trip to Malaysia? Stay with Us!

If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, consider staying at the number one hotel in Dannok, Satit Grand View Hotel. Enjoy a delicious free breakfast buffet and free shuttle service around Dannok. Booking a room is easy!