Do You Need an MDAC? Malaysia Entry Eligibility Guide

Planning a trip to Malaysia? One question to answer early is whether you need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Most foreign visitors do, but certain categories are exempt. This guide explains who needs the MDAC, which categories are listed as exempt on our MDAC page, how the MDAC differs from a visa, and what to prepare.

Being visa-free does not mean you are exempt from the MDAC. The MDAC and any visa requirement are separate questions.

Quick Answer: Do You Need MDAC?

Most likely yes. If you are a foreign national entering Malaysia, you need to complete the MDAC unless you fall into an exempt category.

Exempt categories (as listed on our MDAC page): Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, Singapore citizens, diplomatic and official passport holders, Malaysia long-term pass holders, Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) holders, Brunei GCI and BL-MY frequent traveler holders, Thailand border pass holders, and Indonesian PLB (cross-border travel) document holders.

Key distinction: the MDAC is not a visa. Depending on your nationality and travel purpose, you may need an MDAC alone, or an MDAC and a visa.

Who Needs to Complete MDAC

The MDAC is required for most foreign nationals entering Malaysia, regardless of visa status or purpose of visit, unless an exemption applies.

• Tourists and leisure travelers: visiting for holidays or sightseeing
• Business travelers and conference attendees
• Students and educational visitors: check the exemption list below for your pass type
• Medical tourism and healthcare visitors
• Working professionals: if you hold a long-term pass, see the note on long-term pass holders below
• Transit passengers passing through Malaysian immigration: our MDAC page lists those passing through Malaysian immigration as needing the MDAC; if you are unsure about a layover, check the MDAC page
• Children and infants: each child needs their own MDAC submission, and parents or guardians can complete it on behalf of minors

Each traveler submits their own MDAC. Our MDAC page notes that a group submission can be made for up to 10 travelers.

Who Is Exempt from MDAC

The following categories are listed as exempt on our MDAC page:

1. Malaysian citizens and permanent residents
2. Citizens of Singapore
3. Diplomatic and official passport holders
4. Malaysia long-term pass holders
5. Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) holders
6. Brunei GCI and BL-MY frequent traveler holders
7. Thailand border pass holders
8. Indonesian PLB (cross-border travel) document holders

A note on long-term pass holders

Long-term pass holders are listed as exempt on our MDAC page. Malaysia issues many different passes, so check which category your pass falls in before relying on the exemption. Our site has pages on passes such as the Employment Pass, Dependent Pass and Student Pass; this guide does not list which individual passes count as long-term.

MDAC vs Malaysia Visa: Do You Need Both?

The MDAC and a visa are different things, and you may need both.

Malaysia visa (where required):

• Relates to your permission to enter and stay
• Depends on your nationality and travel purpose
• Examples include the eVisa and tourist visa

MDAC:

• A pre-arrival declaration submitted online
• Not a permission document
• Needed by most foreign visitors, including visitors from visa-exempt countries

Think of it this way: the visa (if you need one) covers permission to come, and the MDAC is the pre-arrival declaration.

Example Situations

Visa-exempt traveler: if your nationality is visa-exempt for your type of visit, you do not need a visa, but you still need an MDAC unless you are in an exempt category. Check who needs a Malaysian visa for your nationality.

eVisa holder: if you need an eVisa, you apply for it separately. The MDAC is also required unless you are exempt.

Indian and Chinese nationals: Indian and Chinese nationals currently have a 30-day visa exemption through 31 December 2026. This is a visa exemption only; MDAC requirements are separate. Check the current rules before you travel.

Long-term pass holder: long-term pass holders are listed as exempt on our MDAC page. Check which category your pass falls in.

Singapore citizen: Singapore citizens are listed as exempt from the MDAC.

Understanding Your Specific Situation

1. Identify your nationality and check visa requirements at who needs a Malaysian visa
2. Identify your travel purpose
3. Check the exempt categories above
4. If you are not exempt, complete the MDAC
5. Prepare both documents if both are needed, as they are separate

See also the tourist visa, visa online and transit visa pages.

MDAC Requirements Checklist

Step 1: Check Your Exemption Status

• I am a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident
• I am a Singapore citizen
• I hold a diplomatic or official passport
• I hold a long-term pass (check which category your pass falls in)
• I belong to another exempt category listed above
• None of the above (continue)

Step 2: Check Visa Requirements

Research your nationality at who needs a Malaysian visa:

• My nationality is visa-exempt for my purpose and length of stay
• I need an eVisa
• I need a specific pass

Step 3: Gather Information for the MDAC

• Valid passport
• Email address
• Phone number with country code
• Malaysia arrival date
• Malaysia departure date
• Flight details (airline and flight number)
• Accommodation details in Malaysia

Step 4: Apply in the Right Order

1. Apply for your visa first (if required)
2. Submit the MDAC within the three days before your arrival
3. Keep your MDAC confirmation with your travel documents

Common Eligibility Questions

Q: I have a Malaysia eVisa. Do I still need MDAC? A: Generally yes, unless you are in an exempt category. The eVisa and the MDAC are separate.

Q: Do I need a separate MDAC for each trip? A: Yes. Each MDAC is valid for a single entry, so a new entry needs a new MDAC. See our MDAC page.

Q: Can I apply for MDAC and visa at the same time? A: They are separate applications. Finish your visa first, then submit the MDAC within the three days before arrival.

Q: Do I need MDAC for a transit? A: Our MDAC page lists transit passengers passing through Malaysian immigration as needing the MDAC. If your layover does not involve clearing Malaysian immigration, check the MDAC page and confirm your situation before you travel.

Q: I'm a foreigner married to a Malaysian. Do I need MDAC? A: Marriage to a Malaysian citizen does not by itself appear in the exempt categories listed on our MDAC page. Check which category any pass you hold falls in.

Q: Can I complete MDAC on behalf of children or family members? A: Parents or guardians can complete the MDAC on behalf of minors, and each traveler needs their own submission. A group submission can be made for up to 10 travelers, per our MDAC page.

Simplified Decision Tree

Are you a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident, or a Singapore citizen?
  YES: exempt
  NO: continue

Do you hold a diplomatic or official passport?
  YES: exempt
  NO: continue

Do you hold a long-term pass, MACS access, a Brunei GCI/BL-MY pass, a Thailand
border pass or an Indonesian PLB document?
  YES: listed as exempt (check which category your pass falls in)
  NO: continue

RESULT: you need the MDAC.

Next: check whether you also need a visa at /who-needs-a-malaysian-visa

When to Apply

The MDAC can be submitted within the three days before your arrival in Malaysia. It is not something to complete weeks or months ahead, so finish your visa arrangements first (if a visa is required) and then submit the MDAC once you are close to departure.

Practical points:

• Have your passport, flight and accommodation details ready before you start.
• Submit a separate MDAC for each traveler, including children.
• Keep your confirmation with your travel documents.
• If you travel to Malaysia again later, you will need a new MDAC for that arrival.

Next Steps: If You Need MDAC

1. Confirm your eligibility using the checklist above
2. Check visa requirements at who needs a Malaysian visa and apply for a visa first if required
3. Prepare your passport, flight and accommodation details
4. Apply for your MDAC within the three days before your arrival
5. Keep your confirmation with your travel documents

Prepare with our step-by-step MDAC guide and common MDAC mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is MDAC the same as a visa? A: No. The MDAC is a pre-arrival declaration, while a visa relates to permission to enter. See who needs a Malaysian visa.

Q: Can I complete MDAC at the airport instead of online? A: The MDAC is a pre-arrival declaration and can be submitted within the three days before arrival. Complete it before you travel.

Q: Is MDAC mandatory or optional? A: For most foreign travelers it is required. Only the exempt categories listed above do not need it.

Q: How long is an MDAC valid? A: Each MDAC is valid for a single entry into Malaysia.

Conclusion

Whether you need the MDAC depends on your nationality, your pass or passport type and whether you fall in an exempt category. Check the exempt list on our MDAC page, check your visa requirements at who needs a Malaysian visa, and submit within the three days before arrival if you need it.

If you need it, you can apply here. For help completing the form, see our step-by-step MDAC filling guide. For visa timelines, see Malaysia visa processing times.