MDAC for Transit Passengers
Understand when you need the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for transit and layovers. Clear guidelines for connecting flights through Malaysia.
Quick Answer
It depends: Transit without immigration clearance = NO MDAC needed. Leaving the airport = MDAC required.
Apply for MDACUnderstanding Transit Rules
The MDAC requirement for transit passengers depends on whether you plan to leave the airport's international transit area during your layover.
NO MDAC Needed
International Transit (Airside)
You do NOT need an MDAC if you:
- Stay in the international transit area
- Don't go through immigration
- Don't leave the airport
- Have connecting flights on the same ticket
MDAC Required
Entering Malaysia (Landside)
You DO need an MDAC if you:
- Leave the airport during layover
- Go through immigration clearance
- Collect and re-check baggage
- Have separate tickets requiring re-entry
Common Transit Scenarios
Scenario:
You have a 4-hour layover at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and plan to stay in the international transit area, using airport facilities like restaurants, shops, or lounges.
Requirements:
- MDAC: Not required
- Passport: Valid passport needed
- Visa: Not required for transit
✓ What you can do:
- Use airport facilities
- Shop duty-free
- Rest in lounges
- Eat at restaurants
Scenario:
You have a 12-hour overnight layover and want to leave the airport to stay at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or explore the city.
Requirements:
- MDAC: Required (submit before travel)
- Passport: Valid passport needed
- Visa: Check if your nationality requires a visa
⚠ Important:
- Must go through immigration
- MDAC required before travel
- Check visa requirements
- Allow extra time for re-entry
Scenario:
Your baggage is not checked through to your final destination, requiring you to collect it in Malaysia and re-check it for your connecting flight.
Requirements:
- MDAC: Required (must enter Malaysia)
- Immigration: Must clear immigration to collect baggage
- Re-check: Go through check-in and security again
📋 Process:
- Clear immigration (MDAC needed)
- Collect baggage
- Re-check baggage
- Go through security
- Board connecting flight
Scenario:
You booked separate tickets for your flights, requiring you to exit the airport, collect baggage, and check in again for your next flight.
Requirements:
- MDAC: Required (entering Malaysia)
- Check-in: Must check in for second flight
- Time: Allow several hours between flights
💡 Tips:
- Book connecting flights with same airline when possible
- Allow minimum 3-4 hours between flights
- Complete MDAC before travel
Transit Exemptions
Who is Exempt from MDAC
Even when transiting through Malaysia, these travelers are exempt from MDAC:
- Malaysia Permanent Residents
- MACS holders (Malaysia Automated Clearance System)
- Diplomatic passport holders (in some cases)
MACS Eligible Countries
Citizens of these countries can apply for MACS to use autogates:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Germany
- Japan
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- United States
- United Kingdom
Do I Need MDAC for Transit? Decision Guide
Are you transiting through Malaysia?
Staying in International Transit Area
- ✓ Not leaving the airport
- ✓ Not going through immigration
- ✓ Connecting flights on same ticket
- ✓ Baggage checked through
Entering Malaysia
- ⚠ Leaving the airport
- ⚠ Going through immigration
- ⚠ Collecting baggage
- ⚠ Separate tickets
Important Tips for Transit Passengers
Check Layover Time
Ensure you have enough time for your connection, especially if you need to go through immigration.
Verify Baggage Policy
Confirm whether your baggage is checked through to your final destination or needs to be collected.
Check Visa Requirements
If leaving the airport, verify if your nationality requires a visa for Malaysia.
When in Doubt
If unsure, it's safer to complete the MDAC. It's free and ensures smooth travel.
Transit FAQ
No, you cannot. If you want to leave the airport during any layover, regardless of duration, you must have a completed MDAC. Leaving the airport means going through Malaysian immigration, which requires the MDAC.
The duration of your layover doesn't change the rules. You can stay in the international transit area for any length of time without an MDAC. However, if you want to leave the airport (for a hotel, sightseeing, etc.), you'll need an MDAC regardless of how long your layover is.
The same rules apply to children as adults. If staying in the international transit area, no MDAC is needed. If leaving the airport, children need their own MDAC, regardless of age.
If you must collect your baggage in Malaysia, you'll nee d to go through immigration to collect it. This means you're entering Malaysia and must have an MDAC completed before your travel.
Generally, you can stay in the international transit area for up to 24 hours without issues. For longer layovers, check with airport authorities. Some airports may have specific policies for extended stays in transit areas.
Related Information
MDAC Application Process
Learn how to complete your MDAC if you need one for transit.
Apply for MDAC Learn More