Malaysia Arrival Card Guide: How to Complete the MDAC

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Before arriving in the country, many international travellers are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online. The MDAC is an electronic arrival form that collects essential traveller and travel information before you pass through Malaysian immigration.

What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online arrival declaration that eligible foreign travellers must complete before entering Malaysia. It was introduced by the Malaysian Immigration Department to collect travellers’ personal, passport, and travel information electronically before they arrive in the country.

The MDAC is not a visa and does not replace any visa or entry permit that a traveller may need. Instead, it is an additional immigration requirement for eligible visitors travelling to Malaysia.

Travellers are generally required to submit their MDAC online before their arrival and present the relevant confirmation when requested during immigration clearance. Because entry requirements can change depending on nationality and travel circumstances, travellers should check the latest requirements before their trip.

Who Needs to Submit the MDAC?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is generally required for foreign visitors travelling to Malaysia. It applies regardless of whether the traveller needs a visa to enter Malaysia, as the MDAC and visa are separate immigration requirements. The Malaysian Immigration Department provides the MDAC specifically for foreign visitors entering the country.

1. Foreign Visitors

Most international travellers entering Malaysia for a short-term visit should complete the MDAC before arrival. This can include travellers visiting for:

• Tourism and holidays
• Business trips
• Visiting family or friends
• Social visits
• Other permitted short-term purposes

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and purpose of travel. However, being visa-exempt does not automatically mean you are exempt from the MDAC. For example, travellers from countries that can enter Malaysia without a visa may still be required to submit the arrival card.

2. Travellers Entering Through Different Border Points

The MDAC is relevant to foreign visitors entering Malaysia through designated immigration entry points, including airports and land borders. Travellers should complete the form before reaching immigration clearance rather than waiting until they arrive at the border.

The Malaysian Immigration Department's current MDAC system asks travellers to provide details such as their passport information, arrival and departure dates, transportation details, last port of embarkation, and accommodation in Malaysia.

3. Singapore Travellers

Singaporean travellers should pay particular attention to the applicable requirements. The Malaysian Immigration Department's information for the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS 2.0), for example, specifically instructs eligible Singaporeans to submit the MDAC within three days before arrival.

4. Who May Be Exempt?

Not every person entering Malaysia is subject to exactly the same MDAC requirement. Malaysian citizens, Malaysian Permanent Residents, and certain holders of Malaysian long-term passes or other specific immigration statuses may be treated differently. The Immigration Department's e-Gate information, for example, notes an exemption from the three-day MDAC submission requirement for Malaysian PR and Malaysian Long Term Pass holders in the context of e-Gate eligibility.

Because exemptions can depend on nationality, immigration status, passport type, and travel purpose, travellers should check the latest information before departure rather than assuming they are exempt.

Information Required for the MDAC

Before completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), travellers should prepare their passport and travel details. The official MDAC registration form is divided into two main sections: Personal Information and Traveling Information.

1. Personal Information

Travellers will need to provide information that matches their passport and other travel documents, including:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality / citizenship
• Place of birth
• Sex
• Passport expiry date
• Email address
• Country / region code
• Mobile phone number

Make sure the information is entered accurately, particularly your name, passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date, as these details are used during the immigration process.

2. Travel Information

The MDAC also asks for details about your upcoming trip to Malaysia, including:

• Date of arrival
• Date of departure
• Flight, vessel, or transportation number
• Mode of travel
• Last port of embarkation before Malaysia
• Type of accommodation
• Address of accommodation in Malaysia
• State
• Postcode
• City

The official form also notes that the trip must fall within 3 days, including the date of submission.

3. Accommodation Details

For your accommodation, you should have the name and address of your hotel, resort, homestay, or other accommodation available before filling in the form. If you are staying at multiple places, use the accommodation details requested by the form and ensure the address is entered correctly.

4. Contact Information

An active email address and mobile phone number are required on the form. It is best to use an email address that you can access while travelling, as it may be useful for receiving or retrieving information related to your MDAC registration.

5. Quick Preparation Checklist

Before starting your MDAC application, have these ready:

• Passport
• Flight or transportation details
• Arrival and departure dates
• Last departure/embarkation location
• Accommodation booking and address
• Email address
• Mobile phone number

Step-by-Step MDAC Registration

Completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a straightforward online process. Travellers should submit their details through the official Malaysian Immigration Department portal before travelling to Malaysia. The current MDAC form states that the trip must fall within 3 days, including the date of submission.

1. Visit the Official MDAC Portal

Go to the official Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) website operated by the Malaysian Immigration Department. The department has specifically warned travellers about fake MDAC websites, so avoid third-party websites that charge a fee for submitting the form.

Official Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Portal

2. Select the Registration Option

On the MDAC portal, select the option to register for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. You will then be directed to the registration form, which is divided into Personal Information and Traveling Information.

3. Enter Your Personal Information

Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your passport. The form asks for:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality or citizenship
• Place of birth
• Sex
• Passport expiry date
• Email address
• Country/region code
• Mobile phone number

Make sure the information matches your passport to avoid problems during immigration clearance.

4. Enter Your Travel Information

Next, provide details about your upcoming trip to Malaysia, including:

• Date of arrival
• Date of departure
• Flight, vessel, or other transportation number
• Mode of travel
• Last port of embarkation before Malaysia
• Type of accommodation in Malaysia
• Address of your accommodation
• State
• Postcode
• City

The MDAC form currently indicates that your trip must be within three days, including the date you submit the form.

5. Complete the Verification

After entering your information, complete the verification step shown on the website. Review all your details carefully before submitting the form, particularly your passport number, travel dates, and accommodation information.

6. Submit Your MDAC

Once you have checked that everything is correct, submit the registration. Keep the confirmation details or email for your records so that you can access them if required during your journey.

7. Prepare for Immigration Clearance

When you arrive in Malaysia, proceed to immigration with your valid passport and other required travel documents. The Immigration Department advises travellers to ensure that their passport or travel document receives the appropriate immigration pass before leaving the immigration counter.

When Should You Submit the MDAC?

Travellers who are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) should submit it within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia, including the date of submission. This means you should not complete the form too far in advance. The Malaysian Immigration Department's MDAC system uses the traveller's intended arrival date to determine the eligible submission period.

The 3-Day Submission Window

For example, if your arrival date is 20 August, you can submit the MDAC starting from 18 August, including 20 August itself.

For a smoother journey, it is generally best to complete the MDAC before heading to the airport or border checkpoint, rather than waiting until you arrive in Malaysia.

What If You Submit It Too Early?

The MDAC is designed around the 3-day period before your arrival. Therefore, travellers should plan to complete the form within the permitted window rather than submitting it weeks or months before their trip.

How to Use the MDAC Upon Arrival in Malaysia?

1. Arrive at a Malaysian Immigration Checkpoint

After landing at a Malaysian airport or arriving through another gazetted entry point, follow the signs for Immigration / Passport Control.

2. Prepare Your Passport and MDAC

Have your valid passport and completed MDAC information ready. The Malaysian Immigration Department states that foreign visitors should present their passport together with their completed MDAC to the immigration officer.

It is a good idea to keep your MDAC confirmation accessible on your phone. You may also keep a screenshot or other record for convenience.

3. Proceed to Immigration Clearance

At the immigration counter, hand your passport to the immigration officer. If requested, provide your MDAC information or confirmation.

The officer may check your:

• Passport and travel history
• MDAC information
• Visa or entry permission, if applicable
• Purpose of visit
• Accommodation details
• Other supporting documents, where required

Completing the MDAC does not automatically guarantee entry into Malaysia. Travellers must still satisfy Malaysia's immigration requirements.

4. Complete the Immigration Process

Once your documents have been checked, the immigration officer will process your entry and issue the appropriate immigration pass.

Before leaving the immigration counter, make sure your passport or travel document has been properly endorsed or validated with the appropriate pass. This is specifically highlighted by the Malaysian Immigration Department.

5. Proceed to Baggage Claim and Customs

After completing immigration clearance, continue to baggage claim if you are arriving by air. Once you have collected your luggage, proceed through the appropriate customs channel before exiting the airport.