MDAC Guide for Chinese Passport Holders
Malaysia and the People's Republic of China (PRC) maintain an active mutual visa exemption arrangement granting Chinese nationals visa-free entry for tourism and social visits of up to 30 days. However, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is strictly mandatory for all arriving travellers from China prior to reaching air, land, or maritime immigration control.
Key Facts at a Glance for Chinese Visitors
Visa-Free Stay Duration
Continuous days granted per entry for leisure, social visits, and business talks.
Passport Validity
Minimum 6 full months remaining validity with at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages.
Submission Window
Submit strictly within 3 calendar days prior to touchdown (arrival day counts as Day 1).
Zero Government Fee
Official fee is $0.00 / RM 0. The Malaysian Immigration Department charges no processing levy.
Border Entry Regulations for PRC Passport Holders
Under the bilateral arrangement between Putrajaya and Beijing, Chinese citizens enjoy simplified border entry. However, travelers frequently confuse the Visa Exemption Facility with the MDAC Electronic Manifest.
| Entry Category | Permitted Purpose | Permitted Duration | MDAC Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mutual 30-Day Visa Waiver
General Tourism & Visiting
|
Sightseeing, visiting family, attending conferences, general business meetings | Up to 30 Days (Strictly non-extendable) | check_circle Yes — Mandatory |
|
eVISA / Specialist Passes
Short Contract / Extended Training
|
Internships, technical installation, professional consulting beyond 30 days | Per specific Visa approval notice | check_circle Yes — Mandatory |
|
Long-Term Resident Passes
EP, Student Pass, MM2H, PVP
|
Employment, higher education degrees, residence via Malaysia My Second Home | 6 to 60 Months | cancel Exempt (Registered pass holders) |
Important: Mandatory Proof of Return Ticket & Accommodation
Immigration officers at KLIA, Penang (PIA), and Johor Land Checkpoints routinely request Chinese visitors to produce a confirmed return ticket to China or onward destination within 30 days, proof of paid hotel booking with a valid 5-digit Malaysian postcode, and evidence of sufficient funds (cash, debit, or active Alipay/WeChat Pay balance).
Step-by-Step Border Clearance Process
Follow this 4-step sequence to guarantee immediate processing upon landing at Malaysian checkpoints.
Confirm Visa-Free Eligibility
Verify that your trip purpose is strictly tourism or social visits lasting under 30 days. Inspect your passport to ensure at least 6 months of validity remains prior to departure.
Gather Required Documentation
Have your passport bio-data page ready, flight number, last port of departure (e.g., PEK, PVG, CAN, or transit hub like SIN), and full Malaysian hotel address including the 5-digit postcode.
Submit MDAC Online via imi.gov.my
Access the official portal within 3 calendar days of your flight. Complete all fields in English matching your passport information exactly. Ensure zero processing fees are shown.
Save & Screenshot Confirmation
Download the PDF confirmation receipt with your registration PIN. Save offline screenshots on your phone for immediate display at border gates or airline check-in desks.
Predatory copycat websites frequently place targeted search ads targeting Chinese tourists travelling during Golden Week or Lunar New Year, charging anywhere between $35 USD to $85 USD (250 – 600 RMB) in bogus "expedited clearance charges". The Malaysian Government never charges for an MDAC submission. If a website prompts you for credit card or UnionPay credentials, you are on an unofficial intermediary site.
Ready to Submit Your Malaysian Arrival Card?
Remember: Chinese citizens do not pay any fee for MDAC. Only submit through the verified Malaysian Immigration portal strictly within 3 days prior to touch down.
Opens the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website in a new tab. MDAC Guide is independent and does not collect or store traveller data.
Frequently Asked Questions for Chinese Travellers
Specific guidance for individual visitors, tour groups, and transit passengers.
Can tour operators or travel agencies submit MDAC in bulk for Chinese tour groups? expand_more
Do Chinese infants and children travelling on their own passports require an MDAC? expand_more
Can Chinese passport holders use the automated biometric e-Gates (Autogate) at KLIA? expand_more
What happens if my flight transits through Singapore, Bangkok, or Hong Kong before entering Malaysia? expand_more
Cross-Referenced Government Sources
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) Directives · Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing Consular Updates · KLIA Border Operations Manual.