Arriving in Malaysia: KLIA, Immigration and Autogates
When you arrive in Malaysia you clear immigration first, then collect your bags and go through customs. Visitors from 63 countries who hold an e-passport and have submitted an MDAC may use the autogates. Other travelers go to an immigration counter.
Verified: October 27, 2026
Have your MDAC ready before you land
Before you land
- Submit your MDAC, unless you are exempt. See who needs the MDAC.
- Keep your passport and your MDAC details at hand.
- If you hope to use the autogates, check your status on the official e-gate eligibility page.
Who can use the autogates
The official MDAC website lists these conditions for foreign visitors on its e-gate eligibility page:
- You are a business or social visitor from one of 63 countries.
- You submitted your MDAC before arrival. Malaysian permanent residents and long-term pass holders are excepted.
- You hold an e-passport.
| Group | Countries and territories |
|---|---|
| Named countries | Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom |
| Other European Union member states | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden |
| Other European countries | Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, North Macedonia, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine |
| Arab countries | Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates |
| Others | Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan |
The list comes from the official autogate infographic, which says the 63-country rule started on 1 June 2024. Lists can change, so check your own status on the e-gate eligibility page: choose a category, then enter your passport number and nationality.
The Consulate General of Malaysia in Hong Kong adds that Hong Kong and Macao passport holders can use the autogates at the Malaysian airports that have them. Malaysia Airports also says that MyNIISe lets eligible foreign travelers use QR codes at designated immigration gates at KLIA. Immigration sets the rules for both.
At the immigration counter
Immigration's official MDAC guide has two steps: submit the MDAC before arriving, then show the MDAC registration and verify your passport at the immigration counter. The official FAQ calls this check the immigration vetting process, a requirement for foreign citizens to enter Malaysia. See Malaysia entry requirements for what to have with you.
Baggage and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and go through customs. Malaysia Airports describes two lanes at KLIA Terminal 1:
- Green Lane - nothing to declare: for passengers who carry nothing that needs a customs declaration.
- Red Lane - goods to declare: for passengers who carry dutiable, taxable or restricted goods.
Customs officers may still inspect passengers in the Green Lane. For allowances and cash rules, see Malaysia customs rules.
Changing terminals or airports
The official FAQ says you need an MDAC if you land at KLIA Terminal 1 and fly on from Terminal 2, or from another airport in Malaysia such as Subang. If you stay in the same terminal and do not go to immigration, the FAQ highly recommends an MDAC in case you must enter Malaysia in an emergency.
Arriving by land or sea
The MDAC form has options for arrival by air, land and sea. Some border documents are exempt from the MDAC, such as the Thailand Border Pass and the Indonesian Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB). Customs allowances differ for arrivals by land or sea. See Malaysia customs rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if I can use the autogates?
Use the Check Egate Eligibility Status page on the official MDAC website. Choose a category, then enter your passport number and nationality.
Do I still need an MDAC if I use the autogates?
Yes. A submitted MDAC is one of the official conditions for foreign visitors, except for Malaysian permanent residents and long-term pass holders.
Which visitors can use the autogates on arrival?
Business and social visitors from 63 countries who hold an e-passport and have submitted an MDAC. Travelers from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Timor-Leste are listed as eligible on departure only.
What is the Green Lane?
The customs lane for passengers with nothing to declare. Passengers with dutiable, taxable or restricted goods use the Red Lane. Officers may inspect passengers in either lane.
Sources checked
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: Check Egate Eligibility Status · October 27, 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: autogate facilities for 63 countries (infographic) · October 27, 2026
- Malaysia Airports: Customs and Immigration at KLIA Terminal 1 · October 27, 2026
- Malaysia Airports: Customs and Immigration at KLIA Terminal 2 · October 27, 2026
- Consulate General of Malaysia, Hong Kong: requirements for foreigners · October 27, 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: MDAC frequently asked questions (PDF) · October 27, 2026
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: How to register MDAC (infographic) · October 27, 2026
Have your MDAC ready before you land
EntryCardMalaysia is an independent paid service. We review each traveler's details and file the MDAC inside the official window. It does not guarantee entry or autogate access; Immigration decides both.