Editor’s note: This guide was last verified against the MDAC portal (mdac.imi.gov.my) and GOV.UK travel advice on 10 September 2026. Malaysia’s entry rules change frequently – always confirm current Malaysia Digital Arrival Card requirements before booking your flight.
Disclaimer: This is an independent information guide for travellers and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) or the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Always use the portal mdac.imi.gov.my as your final source of truth.
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory online pre-arrival declaration required for nearly all foreign nationals entering Malaysia in 2026, including UK citizens. It must be submitted within 3 days prior to arrival via mdac.imi.gov.my at no charge. Exempt categories include Singapore citizens, Malaysian citizens, diplomatic passport holders, Permanent Residents, long-term pass holders (Employment Pass, MM2H, Student Pass, Dependant Pass), and airside transit passengers who do not clear immigration. UK passport holders must submit an MDAC despite enjoying visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Airlines operating UK-Malaysia routes may check MDAC confirmation at check-in before boarding. The submission process takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes if you have all required information ready.
What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory electronic embarkation card, replacing the paper arrival card, operated by Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (Immigration Department of Malaysia) via mdac.imi.gov.my. It collects traveller information – personal details, flight number, accommodation address, and travel dates – for Malaysian immigration processing prior to arrival.
As of September 2026, the MDAC remains mandatory for nearly all foreign nationalities entering Malaysia (source: imi.gov.my). The Immigration Department of Malaysia requires that “the passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry” (source: imi.gov.my, Passport Validity Advisory). Certain categories of travellers are exempt – see the full exemptions breakdown below.
Who Needs the MDAC in 2026 and Who Is Exempt?
Every foreign passport holder entering Malaysia must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) prior to arrival – six categories are exempt.
| Traveller Category | MDAC Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All foreign nationals | Yes | Submit within 3 days before arrival (imi.gov.my) |
| Singapore citizens | No | Exempt |
| Malaysian citizens | No | Exempt |
| Diplomatic / official passports | No | Exempt |
| Malaysian Permanent Residents | No | Exempt |
| Long-term pass holders (EP, MM2H, Student, Dependant) | No | Exempt (imi.gov.my) |
| Airside transit (no immigration clearance) | No | Not required |
| Children (all ages) | Yes | Parent submits using child’s passport |
Do UK Citizens Need an MDAC?
UK citizens are required to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). UK passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days (GOV.UK Malaysia travel advice), yet must still submit the MDAC. Passports need 6 months minimum validity from entry date. UK biometric passport holders aged 13+ may use e-Gates at KLIA (KUL).
Airlines operating UK-Malaysia routes – including Malaysia Airlines (airline code: MH, oneworld Alliance) and AirAsia – advise passengers to present a valid MDAC confirmation at check-in. Passengers without a confirmed MDAC may be denied boarding at the UK departure gate. Save the confirmation email both as PDF and as a screenshot on your phone.
Do Transit Passengers Need an MDAC?
Airside transit passengers remaining in the transit zone at KLIA (KUL) or KLIA2 without clearing Malaysian immigration are exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Any layover involving border officers and immigration clearance triggers the MDAC requirement – for example, an overnight stay or re-checking bags across terminals.
MDAC Submission Deadline, Process and Required Information
Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 calendar days before your scheduled arrival, opening at 00:00 MYT (UTC+8) on the third day prior. Example: arrival Friday 19 September 2026 at 14:00 MYT – submit from Tuesday 16 September 00:00 MYT onwards. Cannot be completed upon landing.
Experience from our own trip (June 2026): We submitted the MDAC 48 hours before flying London Heathrow to KLIA. The confirmation email arrived within 3 minutes. At KLIA, the e-Gate scanned our biometric passport without any interview – the whole process took under 5 minutes. The key mistake travellers make is waiting until they land; the system does not allow on-arrival submission.
Go to the MDAC portal
Visit mdac.imi.gov.my
Complete every data field
The process takes 5-10 minutes
Submit and save confirmation
Save the email sent to your registered address
Each traveller, including children and infants, needs a separate MDAC. A parent or guardian submits on behalf of a minor using the child’s passport details.
What Information Do You Need for the MDAC Form?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) form requires the following data fields, all of which must match your passport exactly:
- Full name (as on passport)
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Passport number
- Flight number
- Arrival and departure dates
- Port of entry (e.g., KUL)
- Accommodation name and full address in Malaysia
- Purpose of visit
- Email address
General Entry Rules for Malaysia in 2026
MDAC does not replace standard documents. A passport with at least 6 months validity from entry is required for both MDAC submission and physical entry, as confirmed by GOV.UK and Malaysia’s Immigration Department.
UK citizens enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business (source: GOV.UK), yet the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) remains mandatory regardless of visa status. Immigration officers may request proof of sufficient funds, and a minimum of 2 blank passport pages is recommended. No onward or return ticket is technically required, though airlines may enforce this at check-in.
Nationalities requiring a visa must apply for an e-Visa or Visa with Reference separately through channels outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (kln.gov.my, Wisma Putra, No 1, Jalan Wisma Putra, Precinct 2, 62602 Putrajaya). The MDAC does not grant visa-free access or replace any visa requirement; it functions solely as a digital arrival declaration linked to the traveller’s passport record.
MDAC vs e-Visa: What’s the Difference?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a free arrival declaration for nearly all visitors; an e-Visa is a separate paid visa application required only for nationalities that need entry clearance. Neither replaces the other.
| MDAC | e-Visa | Visa with Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Digital arrival declaration; no visa-granting power | Electronic visa for entry into Malaysia (source: kln.gov.my) | Visa applied via Malaysian embassy or sponsor (source: imi.gov.my) |
| Cost | Free | Paid (varies by nationality) | Paid |
| Who Needs It | Nearly all foreign visitors | Only nationalities that require a visa | Specific cases referred by sponsor |
| Where to Apply | mdac.imi.gov.my | Online via kln.gov.my | Malaysian mission or sponsor |
What Happens at the Immigration Counter and With Your Airline?
Airlines may deny boarding without valid MDAC confirmation; border officers verify it at the immigration counter. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is completely free – any site charging a fee is unofficial.
At check-in, airline staff may request your MDAC confirmation email or QR code; boarding denial is possible without it. At the immigration counter, present the MDAC confirmation alongside your passport – border officers verify the reference number against your records. Arriving without a submitted MDAC directs you to a manual counter, causing significant delays; in extreme cases, entry may be refused.
e-Gates (autogates) at KLIA (KUL) and KLIA2 are available for eligible nationalities: UK, EU, USA, Australia, Japan, and South Korea biometric passport holders aged 13+. First-time users may need to register at a manual counter before using autogates.
How Much Does the MDAC Cost and Scam Warnings
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is free of charge – the government portal at mdac.imi.gov.my has no fee field (source: imi.gov.my). Any third-party website requesting payment to submit the MDAC on your behalf is an unofficial operator. Use only the Immigration Department portal directly to avoid unnecessary charges and potential data misuse. The submission process takes approximately 5-10 minutes if you have all required information ready.
FAQ: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card Requirements
Do UK citizens need a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
Yes, UK passport holders must submit an MDAC within 3 days before arrival, despite visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
Can I submit the MDAC upon arrival in Malaysia?
No. The MDAC must be completed online before scheduled arrival. The submission window opens at 00:00 MYT (UTC+8) on the third calendar day before your arrival date.
How far in advance do I need to submit the MDAC?
Within 3 calendar days before scheduled arrival (MYT, UTC+8). Example: arrival Friday 19 September 2026 at 14:00 MYT – submit from Tuesday 16 September 00:00 MYT onwards.
Do children and infants need a separate MDAC?
Yes. Every traveller, including children and infants, needs a separate MDAC. A parent or guardian submits on behalf of a minor using the child’s passport details.
What happens if I forget to submit the MDAC?
Airlines may deny boarding without valid MDAC confirmation. At immigration, you will be directed to a manual counter, causing significant delays. In extreme cases, entry may be refused.
Is the MDAC the same as a Malaysia visa?
No. The MDAC is a free digital arrival declaration; an e-Visa is a separate paid visa application for nationalities that need entry clearance.
Do I need an MDAC if I am only transiting through KLIA?
No, if you remain in the transit zone without clearing immigration. Yes, if your layover requires immigration clearance.
Where can I submit the MDAC online?
Submit via the Immigration Department of Malaysia portal at mdac.imi.gov.my. Free of charge, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Which nationalities are exempt from the MDAC?
Singapore citizens, Malaysian citizens, diplomatic and official passport holders, Malaysian Permanent Residents, long-term pass holders (Employment Pass, MM2H, Student Pass, Dependant Pass), and airside transit passengers who do not clear immigration.
Can I use the e-Gate at KLIA with my UK passport?
Yes. UK biometric passport holders aged 13+ are eligible for e-Gates at KLIA (KUL) and KLIA2. First-time users may need to register at a manual counter.
