Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia revolutionizes online check-in with a groundbreaking automated visa verification technology. An intelligent response to the challenges of fluidity and compliance in a context of dynamic air traffic recovery.
In today’s post-pandemic travel environment, where efficiency, health safety, and seamless procedures are top priorities, AirAsia is taking a bold step forward with the launch of its Auto Visa Check (AVC). This new feature, now available through the airline’s mobile app and website, allows travelers to automatically verify their visa during the online check-in process.
Here’s how it works: up to two weeks before their flight, passengers can upload or scan their visa through the check-in interface. The system then instantly verifies the document’s compliance with the destination country’s entry requirements.
If the visa passes verification, an electronic boarding pass is immediately issued—meaning travelers without checked baggage can head straight to the boarding gate. Those with checked luggage can print baggage tags at the kiosk and drop their bags off at the designated counter.
How to use AirAsia’s Auto Visa Check function
AirAsia explains that “this path-breaking innovation is part of the airline’s pioneering efforts to simplify the journey for millions of guests across the region by avoiding wait times and easing congestion at airport check-in counters. Until now, travellers flying to countries with visa requirements were required to check in or re-check in at the airport for manual visa verification.”
Thanks to this new feature, the airline says, “guests can verify their visa in real time during online check in, up to 14 days and until one (1) hour before scheduled departure time, from the comfort of their home or while on the go.”
Here’s how to use it:
- Download and open the AirAsia MOVE app, or visit airasia.com;
- Select the flight you’d like to check-in for;
- When prompted, scan your visa sticker, stuck in your passport, or download your electronic visa (e-Visa) or electronic travel authorization (ETA);
- Once verified, your electronic boarding pass will be issued immediately.
AirAsia notes that the Auto Visa Check feature is currently only available for travelers with multiple-entry visas. Customers holding single or double-entry visas will still need to visit the check-in counter for manual document verification.
AirAsia: a leading force in Asian aviation
After navigating the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, AirAsia has made a strong comeback, transporting 63 million passengers in 2024 with an impressive average load factor of 89%. Today, the airline serves 12 domestic and 9 international destinations across 8 countries, connecting major regional hubs like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila with top vacation spots such as Bali, Phuket, and Cebu.
In February, AirAsia was named “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025” by AirlineRatings.com and received a perfect 7-star rating for flight safety—bolstering its reputation with both passengers and international aviation authorities.
Auto Visa Check: a competitive edge in a digital-first travel market
With Auto Visa Check, AirAsia is staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital air travel landscape. While online check-in is standard across the industry, few airlines have taken the step of automating visa checks—a frequent source of last-minute stress and errors for travelers.
This technology not only streamlines the passenger experience, but also reduces airport queues, eases the workload for ground staff, and minimizes denied boardings due to invalid travel documents. It’s a win-win-win: for passengers, airports, and the airline itself.
Looking ahead, AirAsia may expand the AVC feature to include other types of travel documents—such as vaccination certificates—as part of its ongoing effort to simplify and modernize the travel experience.
A bold vision: connecting Asia to the world
With regional tourism on the rise and a competitive pricing strategy, AirAsia is setting its sights on broader horizons. By 2030, the airline aims to expand into Europe, Africa, and North America, while solidifying Kuala Lumpur’s role as a strategic hub between East and West.
Through innovations like Auto Visa Check, AirAsia isn’t just offering affordable flights—it’s delivering a smarter, smoother, and more high-tech travel experience for the modern passenger.
