MDAC and connecting flights: what travellers should know

MDAC and Connecting Flights: What Travellers Should Know

If you're planning to travel to Malaysia and have a connecting flight, understanding how the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) works is essential. The MDAC is a mandatory document for most travellers entering Malaysia, and its requirements can vary depending on your travel itinerary. This guide will help you navigate the process, especially if your journey involves connecting flights.

What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?

The MDAC is an online form that travellers must complete before arriving in Malaysia. It collects essential information such as your passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. The MDAC is part of Malaysia's efforts to streamline immigration processes and enhance border security. It’s important to note that the MDAC is not a visa but a mandatory document for entry.

Do You Need an MDAC for Connecting Flights?

Whether you need to submit an MDAC for a connecting flight depends on your travel plans:

Always verify your specific situation with your airline or the official MDAC portal to ensure compliance.

• If you’re entering Malaysia: If your connecting flight requires you to pass through Malaysian immigration (e.g., you leave the airport or change terminals), you must complete the MDAC.
• If you’re transiting without entering Malaysia: If you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you do not need to submit an MDAC.

When to Submit the MDAC for Connecting Flights

The MDAC must be submitted within 3 days before your arrival in Malaysia. For travellers with connecting flights, this means you should complete the form based on your arrival time in Malaysia, not the departure time of your initial flight.

For example, if your flight departs on Monday and you arrive in Malaysia on Wednesday, you should submit the MDAC between Sunday and Tuesday. Timing is crucial to avoid delays or complications at immigration.

Common Scenarios for Connecting Flights

Here are some common scenarios travellers may encounter:

• Connecting within Malaysia: If your connecting flight is domestic (e.g., from Kuala Lumpur to Penang), you must pass through immigration and submit an MDAC.
• International transit: If you’re transiting through Malaysia to another country without leaving the airport, you do not need an MDAC.
• Overnight layovers: If your layover requires you to stay overnight and leave the airport, you must complete the MDAC and any other necessary immigration procedures.

How Entrymalaysia.com Can Help

At Entrymalaysia.com, we offer an independent service to assist travellers in completing the MDAC. Our service costs $15 per traveller and is designed to simplify the process, ensuring all required fields are filled out correctly. Please note that we are not affiliated with any government entity, and our service is optional. Travellers can also complete the MDAC directly through the official portal at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my.

Tips for Smooth Travel with Connecting Flights

To ensure a hassle-free journey, consider the following tips:

• Check your itinerary: Confirm whether your connecting flight requires you to pass through Malaysian immigration.
• Submit the MDAC on time: Complete the form within the 3-day window before your arrival in Malaysia.
• Keep your documents handy: Have your passport, flight details, and MDAC confirmation ready for inspection.
• Allow extra time: If you’re passing through immigration, allocate sufficient time for the process before your next flight.

FAQs About MDAC and Connecting Flights

1. Do I need an MDAC if I’m only transiting through Malaysia? No, you do not need an MDAC if you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through Malaysian immigration.

2. What happens if I don’t submit the MDAC? Failure to submit the MDAC may result in delays or denial of entry at Malaysian immigration. It’s essential to complete the form within the required timeframe.

3. Can I use Entrymalaysia.com for assistance with the MDAC? Yes, Entrymalaysia.com offers an independent service to help travellers complete the MDAC for a fee of $15 per person. However, you can also submit the form directly through the official portal.

Conclusion

Travelling to Malaysia with connecting flights requires careful planning, especially when it comes to the MDAC. Understanding whether you need to complete the form and ensuring it’s submitted on time can save you from unnecessary stress. Whether you choose to use our independent service or complete the MDAC yourself, always verify your requirements with the official portal to ensure a smooth journey.