Who Is Exempt From the Malaysia MDAC?Exemptions Explained

Short answer

Most foreign visitors must submit the MDAC within 3 days before arrival, counting arrival day. It is free on the official portal. News reports and travel guides list these exempt groups: Singapore citizens, holders of diplomatic and official passports, Malaysian permanent residents and long-term pass holders, and some border-pass holders.

Reported exemptions

• Singapore citizens. Malaysia's Home Minister announced this in December 2023.
• Diplomatic and official passport holders.
• Malaysian permanent residents and long-term pass holders.
• Certain border-pass holders, such as some Thai and Indonesian cross-border pass holders, and some Brunei document holders.

Exemption lists change. Treat the list above as a guide and confirm on the official immigration site before you travel.

Exempt but still need to check

One guide reports that exempt travellers visiting Malaysia for the first time may not be allowed to use the e-gates and may need to submit the MDAC for that first entry. We could not confirm this on an official page, so check before you go.

If you are not exempt

1. Open the official MDAC site from our Malaysia page.
2. Submit within the 3 days before arrival.
3. Use the exact passport details.
4. Save the confirmation. Some guides say you do not have to show it, but keep it anyway in case you are asked.

Visa or arrival card?

The MDAC is not a visa. Being visa-exempt does not remove the MDAC. See our explainer on the difference.

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