Do British Passport Holders Need MDAC for Malaysia?
You are a UK traveler planning a trip to Malaysia. You may have read that British passport holders can visit without arranging a visa in advance, and you may be wondering whether there is anything else to do. There is: foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), an online pre-arrival registration, unless they belong to one of the groups the Malaysian Immigration Department lists as exempt.
Holding a British passport is not one of those exempt groups. So as a rule, UK tourists need to complete MDAC before arriving. This guide explains how MDAC relates to the visa position for UK passports, when to submit it, and what the form asks for.
Visa Position and MDAC Are Separate
The Malaysian Immigration Department's visa requirement list places the United Kingdom among the nationalities that do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. That answers the visa question. It does not answer the MDAC question, which is a separate requirement:
- Visa position: whether you need to obtain a visa before travelling, and the conditions of your stay. The period of stay you are granted is recorded when you enter, so check what is endorsed in your passport.
- MDAC registration: an online registration of your traveler and trip details, completed before you arrive.
MDAC is not a visa and does not replace any visa requirement. Being visa-free does not exempt you from MDAC.
Who Is Exempt From MDAC
The Immigration Department lists these groups as exempt:
- Citizens of Singapore
- Diplomatic and official passport holders
- Malaysia Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders
- General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam holders
- Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders
- Thailand Border Pass holders
- Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) holders
A UK citizen could fall into one of these groups for a reason other than their passport, for example by holding Malaysian permanent residence or a long-term pass, or by travelling on a diplomatic or official passport. Otherwise, a UK tourist is expected to complete MDAC. If you are unsure about your own status, check with Malaysian Immigration before you travel.
When to Submit MDAC
The registration form states that your trip must be within 3 days, including the date of submission. That means MDAC is meant to be completed in the days just before you travel, not well ahead of your trip. Follow the date guidance on the form when you submit.
Flights from the UK to Malaysia are long and often arrive the following day, so enter the date you arrive in Malaysia as your arrival date, not the date you leave home.
What the MDAC Form Asks For
The current registration form asks for the following:
- Personal details: name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, place of birth, sex and passport expiry date
- Contact details: email address (entered twice) and mobile number with country or region code (the UK code is +44)
- Travel details: arrival date, departure date, flight, vessel or transport number, mode of travel (air, land or sea) and last port of embarkation before Malaysia
- Accommodation: accommodation type and address in Malaysia (address, state, postcode and city)
Enter your name and passport number exactly as they appear in your passport, and keep your passport to hand while you fill the form in.
At the Border
When you arrive, show your passport and your MDAC registration at the immigration counter. Keep a copy of your submission on your phone before you fly.
Common Questions From UK Travelers
"My friend did not complete MDAC when they visited Malaysia"
MDAC has been mandatory since 1 January 2024, so a trip before that date would predate the requirement. A friend who travelled more recently may also have been in an exempt group, such as Malaysian permanent residents or long-term pass holders.
"Is MDAC part of the visa process?"
No. MDAC is not a visa. It is a registration of your traveler and trip details, separate from whether you need a visa.
"Can I do it at the airport?"
MDAC is a pre-arrival registration. Complete it before you arrive, within the 3-day window, and show your registration at the immigration counter.
Pre-Trip Checklist for UK Tourists
- Passport details ready for the form
- Visa position for your passport checked
- MDAC exemption status checked (most tourists are not exempt)
- Flight number and last port of embarkation noted
- Malaysian accommodation address ready
- MDAC submitted within the 3-day window, with a copy saved on your phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MDAC mandatory for British passport holders?
A British passport is not an exempt category, so UK citizens are generally expected to complete MDAC. A UK citizen who is also in an exempt group, such as a Malaysia Permanent Resident or long-term pass holder, is covered by that exemption.
Is MDAC a visa?
No. MDAC is a registration of traveler and trip details. It does not replace any visa requirement.
Do children need their own details entered?
The form collects one traveler's passport details, so each traveler's details need to be entered. Check the form's guidance when you complete it for children.
When should I submit MDAC?
Within the window stated on the form: the trip must be within 3 days, including the date of submission.
Conclusion
For most UK tourists, preparing for Malaysia means checking the visa position for your passport and completing MDAC in the days just before you travel. Check whether you fall into an exempt group, enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport, and keep a record of your submission to show at the immigration counter.
If you would like help completing your MDAC submission, you can use our MDAC application service.