Malaysia Entry Hub 2026

Irish citizens enjoy one of the most generous entry policies in Southeast Asia.

• Stay Duration: You can stay for up to **90 days** (3 months) without a visa for tourism or social purposes.
• Passport Validity: Your Irish passport must be valid for at least **6 months** beyond your arrival date. Passport cards are NOT accepted.
• Proof of Onward Travel: You must hold a valid return ticket or proof of onward travel to another country.
• Financial Proof: While rare, immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

Effective 2024 and fully mandatory in 2026, the **MDAC** replaces the old paper forms.

• 3-Day Rule: You MUST submit the MDAC online within **3 days** prior to your arrival in Malaysia.
• Submission Proof: Keep a digital copy or printout of the confirmation to show at immigration.
• Free Service: Submission on the official immigration portal is free. Avoid third-party sites charging for this service.

Ireland is part of the 63 countries eligible for automated immigration clearance in 2026.

• First-Time Registration: On your first entry, you must still visit a manual counter to register your biometrics (fingerprints).
• Seamless Travel: For subsequent entries and all departures, you can use the **Autogates** at KLIA (Terminal 1 & 2) for faster processing.
• Prerequisite: To use Autogates, you must have an e-passport (biometric) and have submitted your MDAC correctly.

Malaysia enforces strict regulations on alcohol, tobacco, and digital devices.

• Alcohol & Tobacco: Duty-free allowance is **1 liter of spirits/wine** and **200 cigarettes** per person.
• Excise Duty 2026: Note that Budget 2026 has increased excise duties on tobacco and alcohol—excessive amounts will be heavily taxed.
• Currency: You must declare any cash or monetary instruments exceeding **USD 10,000** (or equivalent in Ringgit).
• Vapes & Drugs: Importing electronic cigarettes/vapes is restricted. Illegal drugs carry extreme penalties, including the death penalty.