Passport and Tourist Tax

Essential travel documentation and tax information for a smooth entry to the Perhentian Islands.

Your dream holiday in the Perhentian Islands begins with a few essential administrative steps. Beyond packing your sunscreen and diving gear, it is vital to ensure that your passport and entry documents are in perfect order to avoid any delays at immigration. Malaysia welcomes millions of visitors each year with a streamlined entry process, but staying informed about current visa policies, mandatory digital arrival requirements, and local tourism taxes is the key to a stress-free vacation. This guide is designed to provide you with a clear overview of the mandatory fees and documentation needed from the moment you land at the airport to the time you check into your beachfront resort.

What to Expect at Entry Points

  • Entering Malaysia is a streamlined process designed to get you onto the beaches as fast as possible.

  • Upon arrival at the airport or Kuala Besut Jetty, all international visitors undergo a quick document check and digital biometric scan.

  • Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) QR code must be ready on your phone (mandatory for all foreign arrivals). For official MDAC registration and latest entry requirements, visit the Malaysia Immigration Department portal.

  • Once cleared, a Social Visit Pass stamp is placed in your passport, marking the start of your vacation.

  • At the jetty, you must pay a mandatory Marine Park Conservation fee (RM 100 for non-Malaysians). Before paying your Marine Park fee, check our guide to Kuala Besut Jetty for step-by-step arrival instructions.

  • This fee directly supports the protection of the beautiful coral reefs you’ll be exploring during your stay.

Check if your nationality requires a visa before traveling to Malaysia via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Passport & Tourist Tax Guide for Perhentian Islands

Passport Requirements

Before booking your flight, the most critical step is verifying your passport's validity. Malaysia strictly enforces a six-month validity rule, meaning your travel document must be valid for at least half a year beyond your date of entry. Additionally, ensure your passport is in excellent physical condition with no torn pages or water damage, as immigration officers may deny entry for damaged documents. For those traveling with children, each minor must have their own individual passport. Keeping a digital backup of your passport’s bio-data page on your phone or in cloud storage is highly recommended in case of loss or theft while exploring the islands or during transit between various boat points.
  • 6 Months Minimum Validity
  • Damage-Free Document
  • Individual Passport for Minors
  • Digital Backup Recommended
  • Note: Ensure you have at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps.

Digital Arrival Card (DAC)

As of 2026, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory requirement for all foreign nationals entering the country. This digital registration must be completed online within three days prior to your arrival. The process is free and requires you to provide your travel dates, flight numbers, and the address of your accommodation in the Perhentian Islands. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email containing a unique QR code. You should save this code to your mobile device to present at immigration checkpoints. This system helps the government manage tourist flow and ensures that your health and travel information are accurately recorded for a safer and more efficient travel experience.
  • Compulsory Online Registration
  • Submit 3 Days Before Arrival
  • No Application Fee Charged
  • Digital QR Code Confirmation
  • Note: Double-check your passport number as typos can lead to entry delays.

Federal Tourism Tax (TTx)

International visitors staying in registered accommodation premises in Malaysia are subject to a federal Tourism Tax (TTx). This tax is charged at a flat rate of RM 10.00 per room, per night, regardless of the resort's star rating or the price of the room. This fee is typically collected by your hotel or resort during the check-in or check-out process and is separate from the room rate and the standard 8% Service Tax. Many online booking platforms now include this fee in your total payment, so it is wise to check your booking confirmation to see if it has already been settled. The revenue generated from this tax is reinvested into Malaysia’s national tourism infrastructure.
  • RM 10 Flat Rate Per Night
  • Applies to All Foreign Guests
  • Collected at Check-In/Out
  • Separate from Room Charges
  • Note: Malaysian citizens and Permanent Residents are fully exempt from this specific tax.

Marine Park Conservation Fee

To protect the stunning underwater biodiversity of the Terengganu coast, all visitors to the Perhentian Islands must pay a mandatory Marine Park Conservation Fee. This fee is collected at a dedicated booth at the Kuala Besut Jetty before you board your boat to the islands. For non-Malaysian adults, the fee is RM 100.00, while children and seniors qualify for a reduced rate. The funds are used directly for reef rehabilitation, beach cleaning, and the maintenance of public facilities on the islands. Upon payment, you will receive a physical ticket which you should keep safe throughout your stay, as park rangers may occasionally perform random checks at popular snorkeling and diving sites.
  • RM 100 Fee for Foreign Adults
  • Payable at Kuala Besut Jetty
  • Supports Reef Conservation
  • Keep Ticket for Stay Duration
  • Note: The ticket is typically valid for three days but covers your entire initial stay.

Wondering where your tourist tax money goes? Read about sustainable travel and conservation efforts in Perhentian Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must my passport be valid to travel to the Perhentian Islands?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malaysia. You may also be required to show a return flight ticket or proof of onward travel upon arrival at the airport.

Yes. All foreign visitors must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival. The form is completely free on the official portal, and you will receive a PDF confirmation with a QR code to show at immigration.

 

The Malaysia Tourist Tax is a mandatory government fee of RM 10.00 per room, per night. This tax applies exclusively to foreign passport holders staying in any registered accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury villas.

 

 

Usually, no. If you book your stay through third-party platforms like Agoda or Booking.com, the RM 10.00 per night tourist tax is typically not included in your prepaid online total. You will need to pay this fee (in cash or by card) directly at the resort’s reception during check-in or check-out.