For Bulgarian passport holders entering Malaysia

Malaysia MDAC for Bulgarian Citizens

Flying from Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna? Bulgarian passports get 90 days visa free in Malaysia. But you still need MDAC before you land. The tricky part is your name on the form. Bulgarian passports use Cyrillic, so you enter the Latin version from the machine-readable strip. Keep that right and the rest is straightforward.

Quick facts

  • No direct flights from Bulgaria to Malaysia
  • Common routes use Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha, or Dubai
  • Passport name uses Cyrillic, enter the Latin transliteration
  • Submit MDAC within 72 hours before arrival

How to use this page

  • Set Bulgaria as departure country even if you transit through Istanbul or Doha.
  • Copy your name from the machine-readable zone at the bottom of your passport page.
  • Double-check the arrival date before you submit.

What matters for Bulgaria

Visa free, but MDAC stays

Bulgarian passports get 90 days visa free in Malaysia. That covers most holiday and business trips. MDAC sits on top of that.

Istanbul is the main hub

Turkish Airlines flies from Sofia to KL via Istanbul. Qatar Airways and Emirates offer good options through Doha and Dubai too.

Cyrillic to Latin names

Your passport name is in Cyrillic. The MDAC form needs Latin letters. Use the transliteration from the machine-readable line exactly.

Peak travel from Bulgaria

Summer months (July and August), Christmas, New Year, and Easter week see more Bulgarian travelers. Apply a day early during those periods.

Arrival timing counts

The 72-hour window runs from your KL arrival time, not your Sofia departure. A long layover can catch you out.

Popular spots in Malaysia

Bulgarian visitors often head to Kuala Lumpur, Penang for food, and Langkawi for beaches. Borneo attracts nature and trekking travelers.

Country details

Use these details to keep the form aligned with your passport and route.

Route via Istanbul

Most Bulgarian travelers fly Sofia to Istanbul, then connect to KL. Keep Bulgaria as departure country on MDAC.

Machine-readable zone

The two-line code at the bottom of your passport page shows your name in Latin. Copy it exactly for the MDAC form.

Summer and holiday peaks

July and August are the busiest months. Christmas, New Year, and Easter also bring higher numbers from Bulgaria.

Transit rule

If you stay airside and do not clear immigration during a layover, you may not need MDAC for that stop. But you need it for Malaysia entry.

Short stay note

90 days visa free covers most visits. MDAC is a separate step, and you need it even for a short city break in KL.

Before you submit

Check your passport number, flight details, and hotel address. Small typos cause delays at immigration.

FAQ

Short answers for common MDAC questions from Bulgarian travelers.

Do Bulgarian citizens need MDAC for Malaysia?
Yes. Visa free entry does not remove the MDAC requirement.
How do I enter my name from a Cyrillic passport?
Use the Latin transliteration from the machine-readable zone at the bottom of your passport page. Do not type your name in Cyrillic.
What if my flight stops in Istanbul or Doha?
Keep Bulgaria as your departure country. The transit hub does not change where your trip began.
When should I submit my MDAC?
Submit within 72 hours before you arrive in Malaysia. Count back from your KL landing time.
Do children need their own MDAC?
Yes, if they travel on their own passport. Each traveler needs a separate submission.
Is MDAC needed for every trip?
Yes. Every new entry into Malaysia needs a fresh MDAC submission.

Ready to apply

Complete your MDAC before you travel

Use the correct name transliteration, route, and arrival date. That keeps your submission clean at the border.

Apply now