Quick Answer: Who Must Complete the MDAC?
โ MDAC is MANDATORY for:
- ALL foreign nationals entering Malaysia (regardless of nationality)
- Malaysian citizens returning from abroad
- All age groups including infants and children
- All visa types (tourist, business, student, work, etc.)
- Transit passengers (in most cases)
- Diplomatic personnel (with very limited exceptions)
Important Notice
The MDAC requirement applies to every person entering Malaysia, regardless of age, nationality, or purpose of visit. There are very few exemptions, and these are typically limited to specific diplomatic situations or emergency cases.
MDAC Requirements by Nationality
The MDAC requirement applies to all nationalities entering Malaysia, but the process may vary slightly based on your citizenship status.
๐ฒ๐พ Malaysian Citizens
Requirement: Yes, Malaysian citizens must complete the MDAC when returning from abroad.
Details:
- Must complete MDAC for each return to Malaysia
- Same process as foreign nationals
- Required regardless of duration abroad
- Helps with immigration processing and health monitoring
๐ All Foreign Nationals
Requirement: Yes, all foreign nationals must complete the MDAC before entering Malaysia.
This includes:
- Visa-free travelers (all nationalities)
- Visa-required travelers
- eVisa holders
- Work permit holders
- Student visa holders
- Diplomatic passport holders (with limited exceptions)
Common Nationality Examples
ASEAN Countries
- ๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore - Required
- ๐น๐ญ Thailand - Required
- ๐ฎ๐ฉ Indonesia - Required
- ๐ต๐ญ Philippines - Required
- ๐ป๐ณ Vietnam - Required
- ๐ง๐ณ Brunei - Required
Western Countries
- ๐บ๐ธ United States - Required
- ๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom - Required
- ๐ฆ๐บ Australia - Required
- ๐จ๐ฆ Canada - Required
- ๐ฉ๐ช Germany - Required
- ๐ซ๐ท France - Required
Asian Countries
- ๐จ๐ณ China - Required
- ๐ฎ๐ณ India - Required
- ๐ฏ๐ต Japan - Required
- ๐ฐ๐ท South Korea - Required
- ๐ญ๐ฐ Hong Kong - Required
- ๐น๐ผ Taiwan - Required
Middle East & Others
- ๐ฆ๐ช UAE - Required
- ๐ธ๐ฆ Saudi Arabia - Required
- ๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa - Required
- ๐ง๐ท Brazil - Required
- ๐ท๐บ Russia - Required
- ๐ณ๐ฟ New Zealand - Required
MDAC Requirements by Visa Type
Regardless of your visa status or type of entry permit, the MDAC is mandatory for all travelers.
Visa-Free Entry
Travelers from visa-free countries must complete MDAC.
Includes:
- 30-day visa-free travelers
- 90-day visa-free travelers
- ASEAN citizens
- Commonwealth citizens (where applicable)
Tourist Visa
All tourist visa holders must complete MDAC before arrival.
Includes:
- Single entry tourist visa
- Multiple entry tourist visa
- eVisa (electronic visa)
- Visa on arrival (where applicable)
Business Visa
Business travelers must complete MDAC regardless of visa type.
Includes:
- Business visit visa
- Professional visit pass
- Conference/meeting attendance
- Trade mission participants
Work Permits
All work permit holders must complete MDAC for each entry.
Includes:
- Employment Pass (EP)
- Professional Visit Pass
- Work Permit
- Expatriate workers
Student Visa
Students must complete MDAC for each entry to Malaysia.
Includes:
- Student Pass holders
- Exchange students
- Research students
- Language course students
Transit Visa
Most transit passengers must complete MDAC.
Includes:
- Transit passengers leaving airport
- Long transit (over 8 hours)
- Overnight transit
- Transit with accommodation
MDAC Requirements by Age Group
The MDAC requirement applies to all travelers regardless of age, including infants and children.
๐ถ Infants (0-2 years)
Requirements:
- Separate MDAC required for each infant
- Parent/guardian can complete on behalf
- Must have valid passport or travel document
- Include infant in family travel details
๐ง Children (3-17 years)
Requirements:
- Individual MDAC for each child
- Parent/guardian completes application
- Valid passport required
- Include in family accommodation details
๐จโ๐ผ Adults (18+ years)
Requirements:
- Must complete own MDAC application
- Can complete for family members if authorized
- Valid passport required
- Full responsibility for accuracy
Family Application Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Each person needs a separate MDAC submission
- One adult can complete applications for the entire family
- Use consistent information across all family applications
- Include all family members in accommodation details
- Keep all confirmation receipts together
Best Practices
- Complete all family applications in one session
- Double-check passport details for each person
- Use the same contact information for all applications
- Save all confirmations in one location
- Print or screenshot all receipts
Special Cases and Situations
Learn about MDAC requirements for special travel situations and specific circumstances.
๐๏ธ Diplomatic Personnel
Most diplomatic personnel must complete MDAC with very limited exceptions.
Generally Required:
- Embassy staff and families
- Consular officers
- International organization staff
- UN personnel
Possible Exemptions:
- High-ranking diplomatic officials (case-by-case)
- Emergency diplomatic missions
๐ Medical Emergencies
Medical emergency cases may have modified requirements.
Possible Scenarios:
- Medical evacuation patients
- Emergency medical treatment
- Accompanying medical personnel
- Organ transplant cases
Process:
- Contact Malaysian immigration authorities
- Provide medical documentation
- May complete MDAC upon arrival
โ๏ธ Airline Crew
Airline crew requirements depend on duty status and duration of stay.
Generally Required:
- Crew members staying overnight
- Crew leaving airport premises
- Extended layovers
- Crew on vacation/personal travel
Possible Exemptions:
- Short turnaround flights
- Crew remaining in secure areas
๐ข Cruise Passengers
Cruise passengers must complete MDAC when disembarking in Malaysia.
Requirements:
- All passengers leaving the ship
- Shore excursion participants
- Passengers staying overnight
- Crew members going ashore
Process:
- Complete MDAC before disembarkation
- Cruise lines may assist with process
- Present confirmation at port immigration
Transit Passengers and MDAC Requirements
Transit passenger requirements depend on the duration of transit and whether you leave the airport.
Short Transit (Under 8 hours)
Generally NOT Required if:
- Remaining in transit area
- Not leaving airport premises
- Same-day connecting flight
- No overnight stay
Required if:
- Leaving airport for any reason
- Collecting and re-checking baggage
- Changing airports
Long Transit (Over 8 hours)
Generally Required for:
- Overnight transit
- Extended layovers
- Transit accommodation
- Leaving airport premises
May be exempt if:
- Remaining in secure transit area
- Airport hotel within transit zone
- No immigration clearance required
Transit with Entry
Always Required for:
- Leaving airport for sightseeing
- Hotel accommodation outside airport
- Meeting friends/family
- Business meetings during transit
Process:
- Complete MDAC before arrival
- Go through immigration
- Present MDAC confirmation
- Return for connecting flight
Transit Passenger Tips
Before Travel
- Check with your airline about transit requirements
- Confirm if you need to collect baggage
- Verify if you're changing airports
- Check transit visa requirements
- Complete MDAC if in doubt
At the Airport
- Follow transit passenger signs
- Ask airport staff if unsure
- Keep boarding passes and documents ready
- Stay in designated transit areas if exempt
- Allow extra time for immigration if required
Summary: Do You Need to Complete the MDAC?
Use this quick checklist to determine if you need to complete the MDAC for your Malaysia trip.
Step 1: Are you entering Malaysia?
If YES โ Continue to Step 2
If NO โ MDAC not required
Step 2: Are you a transit passenger staying in the secure transit area for less than 8 hours?
If YES โ MDAC may not be required (check with airline)
If NO โ Continue to Step 3
Step 3: Are you in a diplomatic emergency or medical emergency situation?
If YES โ Contact Malaysian authorities for guidance
If NO โ MDAC IS REQUIRED
Final Recommendation
When in doubt, complete the MDAC. It's better to have it and not need it than to be denied entry or face delays at immigration. The process is free, quick, and ensures smooth entry into Malaysia.
Ready to Complete Your MDAC?
Now that you know you need to complete the MDAC, start your application today for a smooth entry into Malaysia.