The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) will ensure all immigration-related matters, including visa and pass arrangements at the country’s entry points, are handled smoothly during the Formula 1 (F1) Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from October 2 to 4.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department would work closely with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to ensure clearance procedures at entry points are carried out efficiently while meeting the required security standards.
He said preparations were necessary to provide the best service and support the successful hosting of the international motorsport event, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors from Malaysia and abroad.
“For entry point matters, the Immigration Department will cooperate with AKPS to ensure the clearance process runs smoothly. The department’s role involves matters related to visas and passes,” he said during JIM’s monthly assembly.
Zakaria said Malaysia’s previous experience hosting the F1 race saw attendance exceed 100,000 spectators, while this year’s event is expected to attract around 150,000 visitors.
He added that the number of foreign visitors could potentially reach 300,000, based on attendance figures recorded at several international F1 races, including events held in France and Japan.
According to him, efficient and fast immigration services would be crucial in managing the expected arrival of tourists, race participants, crew members and other individuals involved in the event.
Zakaria said JIM had also proposed several measures to facilitate the race preparations, including the use of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for racing crews, drivers and related personnel, although the matter remains subject to the government’s decision.
The F1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) previously announced that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix would be held at SIC from October 2 to 4 as part of cooperation between Malaysia and Bahrain.
The race was initially scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in April but was postponed to October due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
SIC previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 until 2017 before the race was removed from the F1 calendar due to rising hosting costs and licensing fees.
