Guide to Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for Pakistanis
Malaysia has become an increasingly popular destination for Pakistani travellers — for tourism (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi), for medical treatment (Malaysia has world-class hospitals at competitive prices), for postgraduate study, and for business with Malaysian importers of Pakistani textiles, sports goods, and surgical instruments. Most Pakistani passport holders need a Malaysian visa, but the entry process itself has been streamlined significantly with the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) — a mandatory online declaration that every visitor must complete before arrival. This guide explains what the MDAC is, who needs it, how to fill it out, and the practicalities of entering Malaysia as a Pakistani passport holder in 2026.
What is the MDAC?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory online arrival declaration introduced by the Malaysian Immigration Department. Every visitor to Malaysia — regardless of nationality — must complete the MDAC online within 3 days prior to arrival. The card collects basic information: your name, passport details, flight details, accommodation address in Malaysia, and a brief travel history. The system is free — there is no fee to submit the MDAC.
The MDAC is not a visa. It is a separate declaration required in addition to your visa. Pakistani passport holders need both a valid Malaysian visa AND a completed MDAC to enter Malaysia. Failure to complete the MDAC before arrival can result in delays at immigration or, in worst-case scenarios, refusal of entry.
How to Complete the MDAC
The MDAC is completed online through the official portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my. Avoid third-party websites that charge additional service fees — the official portal is free.
Step 1: Visit the official MDAC portal. Click "Submit" to start a new declaration.
Step 2: Complete the form. You will need your passport details, intended date of arrival, port of arrival (typically Kuala Lumpur International Airport — KLIA), flight number, and the full address of your accommodation in Malaysia. The form takes 10–15 minutes if you have your documents ready.
Step 3: Submit the form. The system sends a confirmation email with a PDF copy of your MDAC. Print this PDF or save it to your phone — immigration officers at KLIA may ask to see it.
The MDAC must be completed within 3 days prior to your arrival in Malaysia. If you submit it earlier than 3 days before, the system will reject it. If you submit it after arrival, you may face delays or refusal of entry.
Malaysian Visa Requirements for Pakistanis
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter Malaysia. The most common visa categories are:
- Single Entry Visa (eNTRI): Valid for 3 months from issue, maximum stay 15 days. Available online through the official eNTRI portal. Suitable for short tourism trips.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for 3–12 months from issue, maximum stay 30 days per entry. Suitable for business travellers and frequent visitors. Processed through the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad or an authorised visa application centre.
- Student Visa: For students enrolled at a Malaysian educational institution. Processed through the institution.
- Medical Visa: For patients seeking treatment at a Malaysian hospital. Processed through the hospital with a letter of acceptance.
The eNTRI visa is the fastest and easiest route for Pakistani tourists — fully online, processed in 24–48 hours, no document upload required beyond passport and photograph. The Multiple Entry Visa requires a more substantial document packet (bank statements, employer letter, return ticket) but allows for longer stays and multiple entries.
Malaysia Visa & MDAC via Kimi Travels
Kimi Travels manages the entire Malaysian visa process — eNTRI or Multiple Entry — and completes the MDAC on your behalf as part of the package.
- eNTRI visa in 24–48 hours
- Multiple Entry Visa consultation
- MDAC submission on your behalf
- Complimentary flight and hotel itinerary
Flights to Kuala Lumpur
Batik Air Malaysia operates direct flights from Sialkot to Kuala Lumpur. Alternative routings include Qatar Airways via Doha and Emirates via Dubai.
- Live WhatsApp quotes on every routing
- Free 24-hour fare hold on most fares
- Group rates for families of 4+
- Hotel and transfer bookings in KL
What to Expect at KLIA Immigration
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of the more efficient major airports in Asia for immigration. On arrival, proceed to the visitor lane (not the Malaysian citizen lane). Have your printed passport, printed visa, printed MDAC confirmation, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The immigration officer may ask about the purpose of your visit, your intended length of stay, and how much currency you are carrying — answer briefly. Malaysian immigration is generally efficient but the officers can be strict about documentation; missing paperwork is the most common cause of delays.
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Malaysian customs is strict about certain items — pirated DVDs, counterfeit branded goods, drugs (mandatory death penalty for trafficking), and e-cigarettes/vaping products (which are banned in Malaysia). Declare any cash above live rates equivalent.
Practical Tips for Pakistani Visitors to Malaysia
Currency. The Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the local currency. Exchange PKR to USD at a Pakistani exchange company before you fly, then exchange USD to MYR at KLIA — the rate is better than direct PKR to MYR. ATMs are widely available in Kuala Lumpur and accept most Pakistani debit cards.
Language. English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur and the major tourist destinations. Bahasa Malaysia is the national language. Most signage is in both English and Bahasa.
Halal food. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country with a robust halal certification system. All food in major restaurants is halal unless explicitly marked otherwise. Pakistani travellers will find the food scene familiar and welcoming — biryani, nasi lemak, satay, and roti canai are all widely available.
Prayer facilities. Prayer rooms (surau) are available in every major shopping mall, airport, and tourist attraction in Malaysia. Friday prayers are held at every mosque — the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur is particularly beautiful and welcomes visitors outside prayer times.
Standing with Palestine
At Kimi Travels, we believe travel should build bridges between people — never erase their histories or silence their struggles. We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and proudly serve Palestinian students, patients, and families travelling through Pakistan and the wider region. A portion of every booking we process is donated to verified humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza and the West Bank. Justice anywhere is justice everywhere. Malaysia has historically been one of the most vocal supporters of the Palestinian cause in the Muslim world — from humanitarian aid to diplomatic advocacy to consistent refusal to normalise relations with occupying powers — and we welcome this principled stance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the MDAC really mandatory?
A: Yes. Every visitor to Malaysia must complete it within 3 days prior to arrival. Failure to do so can result in refusal of entry.
Q: How long does the eNTRI visa take to process?
A: Typically 24–48 hours from submission. We recommend applying at least 5 working days before your intended travel date to allow for any delays.
Q: Can I extend my stay in Malaysia beyond 15 days on an eNTRI visa?
A: No. The eNTRI visa is strictly for 15 days with no extension. For longer stays, apply for the Multiple Entry Visa.
Ready to plan your Malaysia trip? Kimi Travels offers complete visa + MDAC + flight packages. Contact us to start your application.
"Kuala Lumpur is where South Asia, the Middle East, and China meet over a single cup of kopi O."
— Kimi Travels Desk