Lilshira
Sabah completes eGate user test at KKIA, paving way for automated passport checks
Sabah Immigration Department has finished a user acceptance test for an eGate system at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, signalling the next step toward automated passport and biometric verification. The test was completed in June 2026 and applies to passengers using the international departure hall.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- eGate system tested for automated passport checks at KKIA
- Timing
- User acceptance test completed in June 2026
- Who is affected
- International departure passengers at KKIA
The details
- Announced by
- Sabah Immigration Department
- Previous rule
- Passport and biometric verification have been performed manually by immigration officers at KKIA.
- New rule
- A user acceptance test of an eGate system was completed, and the system was recommended for implementation pending resolution of identified issues.
Background and decision
In June 2026 the Sabah Immigration Department carried out a user acceptance test for an eGate system in the international departure hall of Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The test examined passport and biometric verification, as well as hardware, software and system integration. The assessment concluded with a recommendation to proceed to implementation, subject to addressing identified issues.
What the eGate system will do
The eGate system is designed to automate passport scanning and biometric checks, allowing eligible travellers to clear immigration without officer assistance. It aims to speed up processing, reduce queues and improve the overall arrival experience for international passengers.
Timeline and next steps
The test result indicates that the system is ready for rollout, but no public implementation date has been announced. The department will resolve the issues identified during the test before full deployment. Travelers should expect the eGate to become operational after these steps are completed.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Current bookings are unaffected; passengers will still use manual immigration counters until the eGate is live.
- Future travellers may experience shorter processing times once the eGate system is implemented.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for using the eGate system.
- Passport and biometric data requirements remain unchanged.
What you need to do
- Monitor official Sabah Immigration announcements for the eGate launch date.
- Be prepared to follow on‑screen instructions if the eGate is available at the time of travel.
Who this affects
-
International departure passengers at KKIA
They will be the end users of the eGate system once it is implemented.
What to do No immediate action; stay informed about the rollout.
-
Airlines operating KKIA international flights
Airlines will need to coordinate boarding procedures with the new eGate process.
What to do Monitor updates from the airport and adjust passenger flow plans as needed.
-
Sabah Immigration officers
Their manual processing duties will shift as eGate automation is introduced.
What to do Prepare for training on the new system once implementation is confirmed.
-
Travel agencies booking KKIA departures
They may need to advise clients about the upcoming eGate option.
What to do Include information about potential faster immigration processing in client communications.
Frequently asked questions
When will the eGate system be operational at KKIA?
The eGate system has passed a user acceptance test in June 2026 and is recommended for implementation, but no public launch date has been announced. Travelers should watch for official updates from Sabah Immigration.
Will I need a special passport to use the eGate at KKIA?
No special passport is required. The eGate will accept standard passports that meet biometric standards, the same documents currently used for manual immigration checks.
Will there be a fee for using the eGate system?
The eGate system does not introduce any new fees. Passengers will continue to pay the same immigration charges as before.
How does the eGate system affect my travel time through immigration?
The eGate is intended to speed up passport and biometric verification, potentially reducing queue times for eligible travellers once it is fully deployed.
What should I do if I have problems with the eGate during travel?
If an issue occurs, passengers can seek assistance from airport immigration staff, who will provide manual processing as a fallback while the system is being resolved.
