Every traveller, including infants, requires a separate Malaysia Digital Arrival Card children submission. UK families must complete one MDAC per child within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival, using a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. The MDAC is free of charge, and each minor receives an individual confirmation email with a QR code.
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Regulations are subject to change; always verify with the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) portal at mdac.imi.gov.my.
MDAC Age Rules and Requirements for Children
According to the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia), every traveller, regardless of age, requires a separate MDAC submission. Each child needs a separate MDAC; a family of five gets five confirmations.
Malaysian immigration defines a minor as any person under 18 years of age. Airlines operating flights to Malaysia classify an infant as a child below 2 years for the entire journey, requiring one accompanying adult per infant. The parent or guardian completes the MDAC for minors, providing the child’s passport details and travel itinerary.
Ensure each child’s passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Malaysia. Submit the free MDAC within 72 hours before arrival, and save the individual QR-code confirmation email for every minor.
How to Fill Out the MDAC for Family Groups
Families must submit individual applications but indicate their relationship in the form. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for children requires a separate submission for every minor, including infants, even when the entire family travels on the same flight.
Complete one MDAC per child
On the portal at mdac.imi.gov.my, submitting within 72 hours before arrival.
Indicate the family relationship
In the “family group” field for each minor (under 18 years of age).
Fill out the “accompanying adult” section
For each infant, providing the parent or guardian’s details.
Verify that the child’s name matches exactly
On the MDAC and passport, which must hold 6 months validity from the date of entry.
Receive one confirmation email per traveller
A family of five gets five separate PDFs with QR codes.
Documents and Confirmation Needed for Minors
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for children requires specific supporting documents and yields a separate confirmation for every minor. Gather the following before starting the online submission:
- Child’s passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Malaysia.
- Birth certificate (scanned copy) if the child’s passport is not yet issued.
- MDAC confirmation email – a PDF with a QR code sent individually; a family of 5 receives 5 separate confirmations.
- Submission window – complete the MDAC within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival.
Arrival Procedures and Common Mistakes for Families
Families with young children must use manual immigration counters, as the autogate (e-Gate) system directs children below the age or height threshold away from automated lanes. Each minor gets a separate confirmation; bring printed or digital copies for everyone.
Common errors include typos in the child’s passport number and missing separate confirmations for infants. Double-check every digit before submitting, as a single transposed number in a passport field can delay processing at Malaysian border control. The MDAC requires an exact name match between the child’s passport and the digital record.
If you encounter issues at the port of entry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia operates an emergency helpline at +603 8000 8000 (office hours: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm). The Ministry is located at Wisma Putra, No 1, Jalan Wisma Putra, Precinct 2, 62602 Putrajaya, Malaysia.
FAQ
Does my baby need a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
Yes. One MDAC per baby, plus a separate confirmation email, regardless of age.
How long before my trip should I submit the MDAC for my children?
Submit within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Malaysia.
Is the MDAC free for children?
Yes, the MDAC is free of charge for all travellers, including infants.
Do UK children need a visa to enter Malaysia?
UK citizens are visa-exempt for tourism stays up to 90 days, but each child still needs a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry and an approved MDAC.
Can I use the autogate with my children at KLIA?
Children below the age or height threshold must use manual counters, not the autogate.
What documents do I need to bring for my child at immigration?
Bring the child’s passport (valid at least 6 months from entry) and a printed copy of their MDAC confirmation.
Will I receive one confirmation email for my whole family?
No. One confirmation per traveller; a family of five receives five separate PDFs with QR codes.
What should I do if my child’s name on the MDAC doesn’t match the passport?
Correct the application before submitting. A name mismatch can cause delays at immigration, as the confirmation must align with the travel document.
This article is an unofficial guide for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official MDAC portal at mdac.imi.gov.my for the most current requirements. We are not affiliated with the Malaysian government.
