Apply for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for United Arab Emirates Citizens
If you are flying from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, you still need the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before you land. Emirati passports get visa-free entry for short stays, but MDAC is a separate step. Send it in during the 72-hour window, check your passport name as printed, and keep your confirmation ready for arrival.
What matters first
- Emirati passports are visa-free for up to 90 days, but MDAC still applies.
- Direct routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the usual option, with onward flights from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Langkawi.
- Peak travel usually lands around Eid, summer school breaks, and December holidays.
Keep these ready
- Use the English name line from your passport, especially if you have more than one given name.
- Have your arrival flight, first hotel address, and travel dates ready before you start.
- If your plans change after submission, file a fresh MDAC for the new trip details.
What to check before you submit
Use the facts below to avoid a mismatch at the border.
What matters first
Emirati passports are visa-free for up to 90 days, but MDAC still applies.
Keep these ready
Use the English name line from your passport, especially if you have more than one given name.
Common slips
Typing your passport name in a shortened form or swapping name order.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Typing your passport name in a shortened form or swapping name order.
- Sending the form too early, outside the 72-hour window.
- Thinking UAE residence papers change the rule. Passport nationality decides it.
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FAQ for United Arab Emirates travelers
Do Emirati passport holders need MDAC for Malaysia?
Yes. Emirati citizens still need Malaysia MDAC before arrival, even when the trip is visa-free for up to 90 days.
How early can I submit my MDAC?
Submit inside the 3-day, 72-hour window before arrival. Earlier submissions are outside the normal rule set.
What if I live in the UAE but hold another passport?
Use the page for the passport you travel with. UAE residence does not decide the MDAC rule.
Which routes from the UAE are common for Malaysia trips?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the main departure points. Kuala Lumpur is the usual first stop, with many travelers continuing to Penang or Langkawi.
Do children need their own MDAC?
Yes. Each traveler needs a separate submission, including children.
Is the official MDAC form free?
Yes. The government form is free. Guided assistance services may charge a service fee.