Who doesn't need an MDAC?

Singapore citizens, diplomatic and official passport holders, Malaysian permanent residents and Long Term Pass holders, Brunei GCI holders, Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders, Thailand Border Pass holders and Indonesian Cross Border Pass (PLB) holders.

Do I need an MDAC if I am transiting in Malaysia?

Not if you stay in the same airport and do not pass through immigration. Moving between KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA2 means passing passport control, so you need one.

The official MDAC portal and registration form show no fee. The Consulate-General of Japan in Kota Kinabalu says no fee needs to be paid for entry and warns that fake MDAC sites ask for fees and card details.

MDAC exemptions: who doesn't need Malaysia's arrival card

Short answerMost foreign visitors need the MDAC. Exempt: Singapore citizens, diplomatic and official passport holders, Malaysian PR and Long Term Pass holders, Brunei GCI and Frequent Traveller Facility holders, Thailand Border Pass and Indonesian PLB holders, and same-airport transit passengers.

Checked 28 October 2026 by the Arrival Card Finder editorial team against official sources. How we check

Open the official formimigresen-online.imi.gov.my

Who doesn't need it

Citizens of Singapore.
Holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Malaysian permanent residents and Malaysian Long Term Pass holders.
Brunei General Certificate of Identity (GCI) holders.
Holders of the Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility.
Thailand Border Pass holders.
Indonesian Cross Border Pass (PLB) holders.
Travellers who do not pass through immigration, such as those transiting within the same airport.

Everyone else must submit

All other foreign travellers entering Malaysia by air, land or sea must submit the free MDAC within 3 days before arrival, including tourists and business travellers. It has been mandatory since 1 January 2024.

Common questions

Who doesn't need an MDAC?: Singapore citizens, diplomatic and official passport holders, Malaysian permanent residents and Long Term Pass holders, Brunei GCI holders, Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders, Thailand Border Pass holders and Indonesian Cross Border Pass (PLB) holders.
Do I need an MDAC if I am transiting in Malaysia?: Not if you stay in the same airport and do not pass through immigration. Moving between KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA2 means passing passport control, so you need one.
Is the MDAC free?: The official MDAC portal and registration form show no fee. The Consulate-General of Japan in Kota Kinabalu says no fee needs to be paid for entry and warns that fake MDAC sites ask for fees and card details.

Official sources

Every fact on this page comes from these government pages and official travel advice.