Published: 10 September 2026 | Last reviewed: 10 September 2026
Transit passengers passing through Malaysia do not need an MDAC if they remain in the airside zone and do not clear immigration. However, the MDAC transit passenger rules state that an MDAC is mandatory if you collect baggage, transfer between KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, or connect to a domestic Malaysian flight. The form is free and must be submitted online within 3 days before arrival. If unsure, submit the free MDAC (takes 5 minutes) to avoid denial of boarding.
Transit passengers passing through Malaysia do not need an MDAC if they remain in the airside (secure) zone and do not clear immigration. However, MDAC is required if you collect baggage, transfer between KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connect to a domestic Malaysian flight, or are forced landside by a flight cancellation. UK citizens who exit airside under the Transit Without Visa facility must also complete the MDAC. The form is free and must be submitted online up to 3 days before arrival.
What Is the MDAC?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC, or Kad Ketibaan Digital Malaysia) is a free online immigration form replacing the old paper arrival card, covering air, land, and sea arrivals. Submission is required within 3 days before arrival; earlier submission is not accepted. Passport validity must be minimum 6 months remaining (confirmed by GOV.UK). MDAC is not a visa; a separate visa may still apply depending on nationality. Presentation is digital on a mobile device or printed copy. Exempt groups include Singapore citizens, Brunei GCI holders, Thai Border Pass and Indonesian Cross-Border Pass holders, Malaysian PR and long-term pass holders, MACS holders, diplomatic and official passport holders, and on-duty international airline crew submitting the General Declaration.
When the Transit Exemption Applies and When It Does Not
Transit passengers who stay airside and skip immigration are exempt from MDAC; any landside exit cancels the exemption.
When the Exemption Applies
The exemption applies when you stay airside, skip immigration, and have baggage checked through to your final destination. Same-terminal transfers preserve the exemption even during 12+ hour layovers; no official time limit exists for remaining airside at KLIA. Staying at the airside Sama-Sama Express hotel also maintains the exemption.
| Layover Scenario | MDAC Required? |
|---|---|
| Short airside layover (under 6 hours) | No |
| Long airside layover with Sama-Sama Express hotel | No |
| Landside hotel (any duration) | Yes |
When the Exemption Does NOT Apply
The exemption fails when you exit airside. Five scenarios trigger MDAC:
- Self-transfer/separate tickets: baggage collection = immigration = MDAC.
- KLIA Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 transfer: T1 to T2 via airport road or aerobus requires landside exit through immigration.
- International-to-domestic connection: connecting to a Malaysian domestic flight (e.g., KUL to Penang, Kota Kinabalu, or Langkawi) means immigration at the first port of entry.
- Flight cancellation: an airline-provided landside hotel forces exit from the secure zone.
- Voluntary airport exit: any passenger who leaves the airside area for any reason must complete the MDAC.
MDAC vs Transit Visa for UK Passport Holders
MDAC is an arrival form, not a visa. UK passport holders who remain airside need neither an MDAC nor a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) facility. UK citizens exiting airside may use TWOV for stays of up to 120 hours, and must also complete the MDAC at immigration clearance. For flight-specific queries, contact Malaysia Airlines outside Malaysia at +603 7843 3000.
How to Complete MDAC as a Transit Passenger
Access the MDAC portal
Visit imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main within 3 days before arrival
Select “Transit”
Choose “Transit” when prompted for purpose of visit
Enter accommodation address
Use the transit hotel name, “Airside transit at KLIA”, or “N/A”
Enter layover duration
Provide your estimated layover time in hours for stay duration
Third-party submission allowed for up to 5 travellers (child, senior, etc.) with PDF delivery in 1 hour. Note: the MDAC form itself is free. The “Support Service” is an optional third-party convenience service; you can also submit directly on the government portal at no cost. Malaysia Airlines web check-in opens 48 hours before to 90 minutes before departure; use this window to verify your MDAC status.
Penalties, Best Practices, and Compliance Tips
- Malaysian immigration may impose fines at the point of entry for missing MDAC.
- Airlines may deny boarding at origin if a required MDAC is not presented.
- Verify MDAC requirements with your airline 48+ hours before departure.
- If unsure whether your transit is fully airside, submit a free MDAC (takes 5 minutes).
- Malaysia Airlines contact (outside Malaysia): +603 7843 3000; (within Malaysia): 1 300 88 3000.
Verify current requirements on the Immigration Department of Malaysia portal (imi.gov.my).
FAQ: MDAC Transit Passenger Rules
Do I need an MDAC if I am only transiting at KLIA?
No, if you remain airside and never clear Malaysian immigration. Yes, if you exit the secure zone for any reason, including baggage collection, terminal transfer, or voluntary exit.
Does transferring between KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 require an MDAC?
Yes. T1 to T2 transfer requires a landside exit through immigration, making MDAC compulsory. Confirm your terminal assignment with your airline 48 hours before departure.
Can I stay at an airside hotel at KLIA without needing an MDAC?
Yes. The Sama-Sama Express airside hotel is inside the secure zone, so staying there preserves your MDAC exemption. A landside hotel requires MDAC.
How long can I transit through Malaysia airside without an MDAC?
There is no published hard time limit at KLIA. You can remain airside for extended layovers of 12+ hours without MDAC, provided you do not pass through immigration.
Do UK passport holders need an MDAC for airside transit?
No. UK citizens transiting airside are exempt. Those exiting airside under TWOV for up to 120 hours must complete the MDAC at immigration.
What if my flight is cancelled and I must stay overnight?
If forced landside (e.g., airline-provided hotel), MDAC becomes required. Submit it via the Immigration Department of Malaysia portal within 3 days before arrival, or at immigration on arrival.
Is the MDAC the same as a Malaysian transit visa?
No. MDAC is a digital arrival form, not a visa. UK citizens use the TWOV facility for short landside stays of up to 120 hours. A separate visa may still be required.
How do I fill in the address field for transit on the MDAC?
Enter the transit hotel name, “Airside transit at KLIA,” or “N/A” in the accommodation address field. Select “Transit” as your purpose of visit.
Can someone else complete my child’s MDAC?
Yes. Third-party submission is permitted for children, seniors, and family members. Up to 5 travellers can be included in a single submission with PDF delivery within 1 hour.
Do I need MDAC when connecting from international to domestic at KUL?
Yes. Immigration clearance occurs at your first Malaysian port of entry (KUL). Whether connecting to Penang, Kota Kinabalu, or Langkawi, MDAC is mandatory.
