By the Travel Editorial Team | Last verified: 10 September 2026
In 2026, travellers exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card include Singapore citizens, diplomats, Malaysian permanent residents, transit passengers not clearing immigration, long-term pass holders, Brunei GCIC holders, border pass holders, and on-duty crew. Verify your eligibility for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card exemptions at imi.gov.my.
What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) (Kad Ketibaan Digital Malaysia) is a mandatory pre-arrival form administered by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) via imi.gov.my. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) replaced the paper arrival card for most foreign nationals entering Malaysia by air, land, or sea.
Who Is Exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card in 2026?
In 2026, Malaysia Digital Arrival Card exemptions cover eight traveller categories who skip the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submission entirely.
| Type | Document | Exempt? | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore citizen | Singapore passport / IC | ✅ | Passport / IC |
| Diplomat | Diplomatic passport | ✅ | Credentials |
| Official/service passport | Official passport | ✅ | Official passport |
| Malaysian PR | MyPR (red) | ✅ | Physical MyPR |
| Transit (airside) | Any passport | ✅ | Boarding pass |
| Long-term pass | Valid pass | ✅ | Pass + passport |
| Brunei GCIC | GCIC / FTC | ✅ | GCIC / card |
| Border pass | Pas Sempadan | ✅ | Border pass |
| Aviation/maritime crew | Passport + GDecl | ✅ | Crew ID + GDecl |
| UK tourist (standard) | UK passport | ❌ | Submit MDAC |
| Other national | Valid passport | ❌ | Submit MDAC |
Singapore Citizens
Exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) since 1 January 2024; Singapore passport or national identity card suffices at immigration. This blanket exemption applies to all Singapore citizens at all entry points, meaning no Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submission is required.
Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders
Diplomats accredited to Malaysia must present a diplomatic passport and either credentials or a Diplomatic Note. Holders of official or service passports are also exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This covers accredited embassy staff and international civil servants. Ordinary passport holders with diplomatic visas do not qualify for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card exemptions.
Malaysian Permanent Residents (MyPR Holders)
MyPR holders (red card) must carry the physical MyPR card or Entry Permit to qualify for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card exemptions. Expired passes forfeit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) exemption. Unlike long-term pass holders, PR status is permanent, but the physical document must be valid and presented at immigration.
Transit Passengers
Transit passengers remaining airside without clearing immigration are exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), confirmed by GOV.UK: “If you are not passing through immigration, you do not need to complete an arrival card.” Passengers clearing immigration during layovers must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This applies at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 transit zones.
Long-Term Pass Holders
Holders of valid Work Pass, Student Pass, Dependent Pass, Spouse Visa, social visit pass, Residence Pass-Talent, or MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home / Malaysia Rumah ke-2 Ku) status are exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) on every re-entry. Expired passes forfeit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card exemptions. The pass must be valid at the time of entry.
Brunei Permanent Residence and Border Pass Holders
Brunei citizens with a Brunei General Certificate of Identity (GCIC) or Frequent Traveller Card are exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) under bilateral agreements for ASEAN nationals using the Brunei-Sabah/Sarawak corridor. Holders of Pas Sempadan (border passes) for Thailand-Malaysia and Indonesia-Malaysia designated border regions are also exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), per Section 66 of the Immigration Act (“Endorsement of Exemption Section 66” on imi.gov.my).
Aviation and Maritime Crew Members
Flight crew and seafarers on active duty arriving under a General Declaration (GDecl) are exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). The GDecl replaces the MDAC for crew entries. This covers airline crew on duty, cargo vessel seafarers, and private yacht crew with valid GDecl documentation, meaning no Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submission is required.
MDAC Rules: Deadlines, Children, and Penalties
Non-exempt travellers must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arrival (per imi.gov.my). Every child, regardless of age, requires a separate MDAC completed by a parent or guardian. Age brackets follow airline classification: Infant (<2), Child (2-11), Adult (12+). Failure to submit blocks autogate access and routes travellers through the manual immigration lane. Digital phone display is accepted; printout is optional but recommended as backup. Common submission errors include passport number typos, wrong arrival dates, and incomplete form fields. Each error requires resubmission. An acknowledgement email confirms successful Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submission.
Entry Requirements and Practical Tips for UK Travellers
UK citizens enjoy a 90-day visa-free stay in Malaysia but must hold a passport valid for at least six months and complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before departure. Malaysia Digital Arrival Card exemptions do not apply to standard UK passport holders.
- Passport validity: minimum six months from arrival date.
- Visa-free stay: up to 90 days per visit for UK citizens.
- Submit MDAC at least three days before arrival to unlock e-gate access at KLIA autogates.
- Transit passengers not clearing immigration do not need an arrival card, per GOV.UK travel advice.
- SSPI (Immigration Control Status Checking) and MyVISA Portal AI Chatbot provide supplementary guidance via imi.gov.my.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the Immigration Department of Malaysia (imi.gov.my).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you enter Malaysia without a digital arrival card?
You can enter without submitting the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card only if you belong to an exempt category, such as Singapore citizens, diplomats, or Malaysian permanent residents. All other foreign nationals must submit the MDAC at least three days before arrival.
Who needs to fill a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals must fill the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card unless they fall into one of the exempt categories. Non-exempt travellers, including UK tourists, must submit the form within three days before their scheduled arrival.
Do British need a visa to go to Malaysia?
British citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days but must possess a passport valid for at least six months. UK passport holders are not exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card and must complete the MDAC prior to departure.
Do I need to print out a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
Printing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is not mandatory as a digital display on your mobile phone is accepted at immigration. A printed copy is recommended as backup when passing through manual immigration lanes.
Do I need to re-file MDAC on every re-entry?
Non-exempt travellers must submit a new Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for every arrival into Malaysia. If you qualify for an exemption, your exempt status applies to every entry.
What if my exemption is disputed at the border?
If your exemption is disputed, contact the MFA Emergency Helpline at +603 8000 8000 (8.30 am – 5.30 pm). After hours: Duty Officer +603 8887 4570 or [email protected]. Consular Services at Wisma Putra, No 1, Jalan Wisma Putra, Precinct 2, 62602 PUTRAJAYA: Mon-Thu 8.30 am – 4.00 pm, Fri 8.30 am – 12.00 pm and 2.45 pm – 4.00 pm. Protocol Services: Mon-Thu 9.00 am – 12.30 pm, Fri 9.00 am – 12.15 pm. The MFA mobile app e-Konsular provides additional consular support. Minister of Foreign Affairs: Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hassan.
What is the current status of MySTEMP?
The implementation of MySTEMP is currently postponed (Penangguhan Pelaksanaan) per the Immigration Department of Malaysia as of September 2026. Travellers should monitor imi.gov.my for live updates regarding future implementation.
Are children exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
No, children are not exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. Every traveller regardless of age requires a separate MDAC. For infants under two years old and children aged two to eleven, a parent or guardian must complete the MDAC on their behalf before travel.
