MDAC Guide for South Korean Passport Holders
South Korean citizens holding Republic of Korea (ROK) passports enjoy visa-free entry into Malaysia for tourism, social visits, and business for up to 90 days. While no advance visa is required, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) remains strictly mandatory for all air, sea, and land arrivals.
Key Facts at a Glance for South Korean Visitors
Stay Duration: 90 Days
Standard social visit pass stamped at international airports or maritime ports. Valid for leisure, family, or exploratory business.
Passport Validity: Minimum 6 Months
Ensure your Republic of Korea passport has at least 6 months validity from entry date and 2 blank visa pages for the arrival stamp.
3-Day Submission Window
Strictly within 3 calendar days calculated from scheduled touchdown in Malaysia (UTC+8), not Incheon departure time. Early filings are rejected.
Government Fee: 100% Free / ₩0 KRW
Zero statutory charge on sovereign imi.gov.my portal; beware of commercial copycats charging ₩45,000–₩110,000 KRW.
Step-by-Step Border Clearance Process
Follow this 4-step sequence before your flight departs from Seoul Incheon (ICN), Gimpo (GMP), or Gimhae/Busan (PUS).
Confirm Visa-Free Eligibility & Passport Validity
Verify your purpose is tourism, business meetings, golf/leisure, or transit under 90 days. Check your ROK passport validity exceeds 6 months beyond entry date and has undamaged biological pages.
Gather Flight, Postcode & Accommodation Details
Have your Korean Air, Asiana, AirAsia X, Batik Air, or Scoot flight numbers ready, along with your confirmed hotel/resort name, city, and a valid 5-digit Malaysian postal code.
Submit MDAC Online via imi.gov.my
Open the official sovereign portal within 3 calendar days before arrival. Fill in personal biographical data matching your Korean passport. Note: Look for "KOREA, REPUBLIC OF" in the country dropdown.
Save QR & PDF Confirmation for Border Officers
Download the official PDF confirmation with your unique registration PIN. Save a screenshot to Apple Wallet or mobile gallery for offline presentation at KLIA, Kota Kinabalu, or Penang inspection desks.
Common Trap: Assuming Tour Agencies, Golf Packages, or Honeymoon Planners Submit MDAC on Your Behalf
Many South Korean travelers booking packaged group tours, Kota Kinabalu resort getaways, or Johor golf holidays mistakenly assume their travel agency (e.g., Hana Tour, Mode Tour, Yellow Balloon) automatically completes the MDAC. Immigration Department of Malaysia regulations require individual digital declarations for every passenger, including infants and minors. Tour agencies cannot submit collective bulk MDACs without individual traveler authorization.
Ready to Submit Your Digital Arrival Card?
The Malaysian Digital Arrival Card must be registered online within three (3) calendar days prior to your arrival. Remember: official sovereign submission is 100% free with zero processing charges.
🔒 You will be redirected to the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website (imi.gov.my). There is zero submission fee.
Frequently Asked Questions for South Korean Travelers
Do direct flights from Seoul Incheon (ICN) or Busan (PUS) qualify for biometric Autogates at KLIA? expand_more
Yes. The Republic of Korea is included in Malaysia's verified list of low-risk foreign passport holders eligible for automated e-gates at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminal 1 & Terminal 2). First-time visitors must clear a standard manned immigration counter initially for biometric registration, after which e-gates are available for subsequent departures and all future entries.
Are travelers on package holidays to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) or Penang subject to special MDAC rules? expand_more
Direct flights landing at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) or Penang (PEN) require MDAC completion before arrival. Sabah maintains autonomous state immigration control, so travelers clear state entry stamps even when arriving on domestic connections from Kuala Lumpur. Always ensure your MDAC entry matches the port where you touch down in Malaysia.
How should South Korean names and country names be entered on the official portal? expand_more
Enter your surname and given names exactly as displayed in the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport without hyphens. In the nationality and passport issuing country dropdown menus, select "KOREA, REPUBLIC OF" (do not look for "South Korea" or "ROK").