Malaysia MDAC for Chilean Citizens
Flying from Santiago, Valparaíso, or Concepción? Chilean passports get 90 days visa free in Malaysia. That part is easy. What catches Chilean travelers out is the surname format. Chile uses both paternal and maternal family names on the passport, and the MDAC form needs them in the right order. Get the name straight and the rest is quick.
Quick facts
- No direct flights from Chile to Malaysia
- Common routes via São Paulo (LATAM) or Buenos Aires
- Passport shows both family names, enter them exactly
- Submit MDAC within 72 hours before arrival
How to use this page
- Set Chile as departure country even if you transit through São Paulo or Buenos Aires.
- Copy your full name from your passport, both surnames included.
- Check the arrival date twice before you submit.
What matters for Chile
90 days visa free
Chilean passport holders get 90 days visa free in Malaysia. That covers most travel. MDAC is a separate step and it applies to every entry.
Santiago connects through São Paulo
LATAM flies from Santiago (SCL) to São Paulo (GRU), then on to KL. Qatar Airways via Doha and American via Dallas are also common options.
Two family names
Chilean passports carry both the paternal and maternal surname. Enter them in the order shown on your passport. Do not drop the second surname.
Peak travel from Chile
January and February are summer holiday peaks. September has Fiestas Patrias, and July is winter break. More travelers means processing can take a bit longer.
Arrival timing matters
The 72-hour window counts from your KL arrival, not your Santiago departure. A long connection in São Paulo or Doha can eat into your time.
Popular spots in Malaysia
Chilean visitors often go to Kuala Lumpur, Penang for its heritage and food, and Langkawi for the beaches. Some also visit Borneo for nature and wildlife.
Country details
Use these details to keep the form aligned with your passport and route.
Route via São Paulo
Most Chilean travelers fly Santiago to São Paulo with LATAM, then connect to KL. Keep Chile as departure country on MDAC.
Surname format
Your passport has your paternal surname first, maternal second. Example: if your name is María José López Silva, enter López as the main surname and Silva as the second surname where asked.
Summer and holiday peaks
January and February are the busiest months. Fiestas Patrias in mid-September and winter break in July also bring higher numbers of Chilean travelers.
Transit rule
If you stay airside during a layover and do not pass through immigration, you may not need MDAC for that stop. You always need it for Malaysia entry.
Short stay note
90 days visa free covers most visits. MDAC is a separate requirement that applies even if you are only stopping in KL for a day or two.
Before you submit
Check your passport number, flight details, and accommodation address. Small errors in your family name cause delays at immigration in Malaysia.
FAQ
Short answers for common MDAC questions from Chilean travelers.
Do Chilean citizens need MDAC for Malaysia?
How do I enter two family names on the form?
What if my flight stops in São Paulo or Buenos Aires?
When should I submit my MDAC?
Do children need their own MDAC?
Do I need MDAC if I only transit through KL?
Ready to apply
Complete your MDAC before you travel
Use the correct surname format, route, and arrival date. That keeps your submission clean at the border.