Conclusion First (Most Practical Version)

• Not on the exemption list: Must complete MDAC before arrival, and save the "confirmation page/confirmation email/PDF" (ensure it can be opened offline on your phone for stability).
• On the exemption list: Usually no need to submit MDAC, but it is still recommended to prepare materials that "can prove your exemption eligibility" (e.g., PR card/long-term pass sticker or card/border pass, etc.) to handle check-in counter, immigration spot checks, or system record inconsistencies.
• High-risk boundary: If you belong to the category of "long-term pass just approved (VAL/VDR/eVAL, etc.) but have not yet received the physical long-term pass", the common official Q&A stance is: ==still need to submit MDAC== (because you cannot yet use the 'long-term pass holder' status for exemption).

Page last updated: 2026-02-18 (it is recommended to keep the "update time" fixed on the first screen to improve search clicks and trust).

The following exemption categories have repeatedly appeared in multiple official/semi-official releases and authoritative travel information (especially announcements from the Ministry of Education system and consular information):

Additional: Announcements for international student scenarios also mention: Current students holding a valid student pass, when entering/exiting during the pass validity period, can usually be exempted under the "long-term pass holder" logic (specific to your pass status).

Here, the "confirmation page" does not only refer to the MDAC confirmation page, but also includes "confirmation/proof materials" that ==can prove your exemption eligibility==. We categorize easily overlooked situations into three types:

1) You belong to the exempted group, but "proof materials are not with you"

• Example: PR card not carried; long-term pass sticker is in old passport but you travel with new passport; electronic pass cannot be opened (poor network).
• Recommendation:
  • Save offline on phone: photo of document + approval PDF + photo of old passport information page/sticker page
  • If going through check-in counter: prepare a page with "exemption reason + document number + document photo" in advance for staff to quickly assess

2) You are in the "long-term pass application/approval transition period" (most common misconception)

• Typical scenario: You have received approval documents like VAL/VDR/eVAL, but ==have not yet completed visa sticker issuance/received physical long-term pass==.
• Risk: You think you are a "long-term pass holder" and do not fill MDAC, but the system/counter will treat you as an ordinary inbound traveler.
• Recommendation: Safer approach during this stage: ==submit MDAC as an ordinary traveler==, while carrying approval documents.

3) You are unsure whether you qualify for exemption (document boundaries unclear)

• Example: You are on "dependent study/family visit/temporary visit pass", etc., whether classified as a Long-Term Pass holder depends on if you have a long-term pass issued by immigration authorities and if the pass is still valid.
• Recommendation:
  • If you cannot clearly match in the official list, prioritize submitting MDAC (usually free, low cost), and keep the confirmation page.
  • Also bring the pass and approval documents in case immigration needs verification.

You can use the following as a "Pre-travel Packing Checklist" (the tool page can be directly reused):

A. Non-exempt Travelers (must fill out MDAC)

• Confirmation page/PDF of successful MDAC submission (save offline on phone)
• Photo of passport information page (to prevent errors from manual filling on the spot)
• Flight itinerary/accommodation address (required for some fields)

B. Exempt Travelers (do not fill out MDAC, but bring 'exemption proof')

• PR: PR card/proof (recommended to bring physical copy + backup on phone)
• Long-term pass: Pass sticker page/card/electronic pass (recommended to save PDF or screenshot offline)
• Border crossing documents: Original document + backup photo
• Diplomatic/official passport: Original passport (and confirm the passport type is correct)

C. Transitional Travelers (just approved for long-term visa but haven't received physical pass)

• It is recommended to still submit MDAC and save the confirmation page
• Also bring: VAL/VDR/eVAL approval document (save offline)