How do I enter my name with two apellidos?

Enter your name exactly as on your Mexican passport. Given name(s) in the first field, paternal and maternal surnames together in the surname field.

When should I submit the MDAC as a Mexican traveler?

Within 72 hours before your arrival in Malaysia. Time it from your KL landing, not your Mexico City departure.

Do children traveling on a Mexican passport need MDAC?

Yes. Every traveler with their own passport must submit a separate MDAC, including children and babies.

Is MDAC needed when transiting through KLIA?

Not if you stay in the transit zone without clearing immigration. If you exit the secured area, you need MDAC to enter Malaysia.

For Mexican passport holders entering Malaysia

Malaysia MDAC for Mexican Citizens

Q: Do Mexican citizens need MDAC for Malaysia?

Yes. Even with 30 days visa free entry, you still need to submit MDAC before you arrive.

Traveling from Mexico City, Cancun, or Guadalajara? Mexican passports get 30 days visa free in Malaysia. That is a shorter window than most nationalities, so plan your trip accordingly. MDAC is mandatory before you arrive. The main thing to watch is your name on the form. Mexican naming uses two apellidos (paternal and maternal surnames), and the MDAC form needs both exactly as they appear on your passport.

Quick facts

30 days visa free for Mexican passport holders
No direct flights; routes via Istanbul, Amsterdam, Tokyo, or Dubai
Mexican passports show two apellidos, enter both
Submit MDAC within 72 hours before arrival

How to use this page

Set Mexico as departure country even if your flight goes through Istanbul or Tokyo.
Enter both surnames from your Mexican passport. Do not skip the maternal apellido.
Check your 30-day visa free limit before booking a long trip.

What matters for Mexico

30 days visa free

Mexican passports get 30 days visa free in Malaysia. That is shorter than many countries, so check your itinerary. MDAC is still needed on top of the visa free entry.

Mexico City connects globally

Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and KLM via Amsterdam are popular choices. Japan Airlines via Tokyo (Narita) and Emirates via Dubai offer alternatives. Aeromexico codeshares with several partners.

Two apellidos on the form

Mexican passports list both paternal and maternal surnames. If your name is Ana Sofia Ramirez Lopez, enter Ana Sofia as given name and Ramirez Lopez as surname. The full name must match your passport.

Peak travel from Mexico

Semana Santa (Easter week) is the biggest travel period for Mexicans. July and August bring summer school vacations. December is busy too with Navidad and New Year holidays.

Timing your submission

The 72-hour window counts from your KL landing, not from your Mexico City departure. Long layovers in Istanbul or Tokyo mean a shorter submission window.

Popular spots in Malaysia

Mexican visitors like Kuala Lumpur for shopping and street food, Penang for its heritage, and Langkawi for beaches. The Cameron Highlands appeal to those looking for cooler weather.

Country details

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

Route via Istanbul or Tokyo

Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Japan Airlines via Tokyo Narita are common routes from Mexico City. Set Mexico as your departure country on the MDAC regardless of transit.

Full name format

Your Mexican passport shows both apellidos. For example: Carlos Eduardo Hernandez Garcia. Enter Carlos Eduardo as given name and Hernandez Garcia as surname.

Semana Santa and summer peaks

Semana Santa (March-April) is the busiest travel week for Mexicans. Summer school break (July-August) and the December holiday season also bring higher travel volumes.

Transit rule

If you stay airside in Istanbul, Tokyo, or Dubai without clearing immigration, you do not need MDAC for those stops. MDAC is only for entering Malaysia itself.

30-day limit

Unlike many other nationalities, Mexicans get 30 days visa free, not 90. Factor this into your trip planning. MDAC is needed separately for every entry.

Before you submit

Check your passport number, flight details, and hotel address. Name mismatch errors are the most common issue for Mexican travelers. Verify both apellidos match your passport.

FAQ

Short answers for common MDAC questions from Mexican travelers.

Do Mexican citizens need MDAC for Malaysia?

Yes. Visa free entry does not replace the MDAC requirement. You need both.

How do I enter my full name with two apellidos?

Enter your name exactly as printed on your Mexican passport. Given names in the first field, both paternal and maternal surnames in the surname field. Do not drop the maternal apellido.

What routes are available from Mexico City to KL?

Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the most direct option. KLM via Amsterdam, Japan Airlines via Tokyo, and Emirates via Dubai all work. Keep Mexico as your departure country on the form.

When should I submit my MDAC?

Submit within 72 hours before landing in Malaysia. Count from your KL arrival time, not your Mexico City departure. A Tokyo or Istanbul layover reduces your submission window.

Do children with their own passport need MDAC?

Yes. Everyone traveling on their own passport needs a separate MDAC, including children and infants.

Is MDAC needed for transit through KLIA?

Not if you stay inside the transit area without clearing immigration. If you exit for any reason, you need MDAC to re-enter.

Ready to apply

Complete your MDAC before you travel

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

Apply now