This guide is information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Malaysia is a popular first trip abroad for many Pakistani travellers, and it is also where confusion between the visa and the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is common. They are two different things, done in a set order.
The order of steps
- Get the right entry permission. Reports on Malaysia's eVisa list place Pakistan among the nationalities that must obtain an eVisa before travelling for tourism or a family visit.
- Book with the visa dates in mind.
- Submit the free MDAC within 3 days before arrival.
- Carry both at the airport, saved on the phone and printed.
Why eNTRI is not the answer
Malaysia has a lighter online registration called eNTRI. Guides describe it as open to tourists from China and India only, so Pakistani passport holders cannot use it. Some websites say Pakistani citizens need no visa at all. That conflicts with the Malaysian eVisa guidance, so check Malaysia's Immigration Department visa page before you rely on a claim like that.
Fees and processing times for the eVisa differ a lot between sites, so we do not quote one. Read the amount on the official application page and ignore any agent that adds an unexplained service charge.
The MDAC part
The MDAC is free and is not a visa. It asks for your passport details and itinerary and must be submitted within 3 days before arrival. Our guide to what to do if you submitted too early covers the timing and common form errors, and the list of who is exempt shows the few groups that do not need it.
What to have ready
- Passport with enough validity (check the rule for your trip).
- The approved eVisa and the MDAC confirmation.
- Return or onward ticket and hotel booking.
- Contact details of where you are staying, since the MDAC asks for an address.
For the Pakistan-side departure checks, see our guide on offloading at Pakistani airports.
Questions and answers
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
Reports based on Malaysia's list say Pakistan is among the nationalities that need an eVisa. Confirm on the Immigration Department's visa page before you book.
Can Pakistanis use eNTRI for Malaysia?
Guides describe eNTRI as available to tourists from China and India only, so no.
Do I still need the MDAC if I have an eVisa?
Yes. The MDAC is a separate, free arrival form and does not replace the visa.
When should I submit the MDAC?
Within 3 days before arrival in Malaysia. Do the visa first, since it can take longer.
Is it safe to use a website that offers visa and MDAC together?
Be careful. The MDAC is free on the official portal. Any extra charge for the MDAC is for a service you do not need.
More answers on this topic
- Malaysia Arrival Card (MDAC): How to Fill & Entry Rules
- Who Does Not Need the Malaysia MDAC? Exemptions Explained
- MDAC Submitted Too Early or Not Working? Fix It
- Arrival Card Scam Websites: How to Spot the Fake Ones
- Arrival Card vs Visa: What Is the Difference?
- Offloaded at a Pakistan airport: rights and complaint steps
- All travel questions
Sources
Facts were read in these sources on 2026-11-01. Where a source is a news report or travel guide and not the official site, we say "reported". Always confirm on the official portal.Published Nov 1, 2026 · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we check facts