The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an official electronic immigration form that most foreign travelers must complete before entering Malaysia. Administered by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia), the MDAC became mandatory on 1 January 2024, replacing the traditional paper arrival cards that travelers previously filled out on the plane or at the airport.
The MDAC was introduced under Malaysia’s Visa Liberalisation Plan to modernize border processing, reduce wait times at immigration checkpoints, and strengthen national security. It is not a visa – it is a separate pre-arrival registration that all foreign visitors must complete, regardless of whether they need a visa to enter Malaysia.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card: what it is, who needs it, who is exempt, when to submit it, and what happens if you do not complete it.
Understanding the MDAC
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is an online form that collects essential traveler information before arrival in Malaysia. The form gathers your personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation plans, and health declaration.
The MDAC serves three primary purposes:
- Streamline border entry – Immigration officers receive your information digitally, speeding up processing at airports, land crossings, and seaports.
- Replace paper forms – The old paper arrival/departure cards are no longer used, reducing waste and eliminating the need to fill out forms on the plane.
- Enhance security – Pre-screening traveler data before arrival helps Malaysian authorities identify potential security risks.
The MDAC was first introduced on 1 December 2023 with a grace period during which travelers could still fill in the form upon arrival. That grace period ended on 31 December 2023. Since 1 January 2024, completing the MDAC before arrival is strictly enforced.
Who Needs to Complete the MDAC
All foreign nationals traveling to Malaysia must complete the MDAC, regardless of their nationality or purpose of visit. This includes:
- Tourists visiting for leisure or sightseeing
- Business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or trade events
- Students enrolling in Malaysian educational institutions
- Work pass holders arriving to take up employment
- Transit passengers who may need to pass through immigration
The requirement applies to arrivals by air, land, and sea. Whether you are flying into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), crossing from Singapore by land, or arriving by ferry, you need an MDAC.
Every traveler needs their own form. There is no group submission option. This includes infants and young children – each person, regardless of age, must have an individual MDAC.
Who Is Exempt from the MDAC
Certain categories of travelers are exempt from the MDAC requirement. The following table lists all exempt categories:
If you do not fall into one of these exempt categories, you must complete the MDAC before arriving in Malaysia.
When Should You Submit the MDAC
The MDAC must be submitted up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date in Malaysia. You cannot submit it earlier than 3 days prior, and you should not wait until the last minute.
Here is the recommended timeline:
The form is available at the official portal: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation. You can present this confirmation digitally on your phone or as a printed copy when you arrive at Malaysian immigration.
Is the MDAC Free
Yes, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is completely free. There is no charge for submitting the MDAC through the official government portal.
However, travelers should be aware of fraudulent websites that pose as the official MDAC portal and charge fees. Malaysian news agencies have reported fake websites charging travelers up to USD 80 for MDAC registration. Both the Immigration Department of Malaysia and media outlets have warned travelers to use only the official portal.
Official MDAC portal: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
If a website asks you to pay for the MDAC, it is not the official portal. The legitimate government site does not require any payment.
How the MDAC Works
The MDAC process involves two steps:
Step 1: Before Arrival – Complete the Online Form
Access the official portal at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main and fill in the required information:
- Full name (as shown on passport)
- Passport number and expiry date
- Nationality
- Date of birth and gender
- Flight number or vessel details
- Purpose of visit
- Accommodation address in Malaysia
- Departure date from Malaysia
- Health declaration
You must submit the form within 3 days before your arrival date.
Step 2: Upon Arrival – Present Your MDAC
When you arrive at the Malaysian immigration checkpoint, present your MDAC confirmation along with your passport. You can show the digital confirmation on your smartphone or provide a printed copy. Immigration officers will verify your MDAC status before allowing entry.
MDAC vs Visa: What Is the Difference
Many travelers confuse the MDAC with a visa, but they serve completely different purposes:
The MDAC is an arrival card, not an entry permit. If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Malaysia, you must obtain the visa separately. Completing the MDAC does not grant you permission to enter Malaysia – it only pre-registers your arrival information.
For more details on filling out the form, see our guide on how to fill the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
What Happens If You Do Not Complete the MDAC
Since 1 January 2024, the MDAC requirement is actively enforced. Failure to complete the MDAC before arrival can result in:
- Denied boarding – Airlines may check your MDAC status at check-in or boarding. Without a valid MDAC, the airline may refuse to let you board your flight to Malaysia.
- Delays at immigration – If you arrive without an MDAC, you may face significant delays while immigration officers process your case.
- Denied entry – In severe cases, travelers without a completed MDAC may be denied entry to Malaysia and required to return to their point of origin.
The enforcement applies at all entry points: international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. To avoid complications, always complete your MDAC at least 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.
Tips for a Smooth MDAC Experience
- Submit early – Do not wait until the last day. Submit your MDAC as soon as the 3-day window opens.
- Double-check your information – If you enter incorrect information, you must resubmit a new MDAC form. You cannot edit a submitted form.
- Use the official portal only – Avoid third-party websites that charge fees.
- Keep a copy – Save a digital copy on your phone and consider printing a backup.
- Each traveler needs their own form – Remember to submit separate MDACs for every family member, including children and infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory online pre-arrival registration form for foreign travelers entering Malaysia. It replaced the old paper arrival cards and must be submitted through the official government portal up to 3 days before arrival.
Is the MDAC mandatory?
Yes. Since 1 January 2024, all foreign nationals entering Malaysia must complete the MDAC before arrival, with limited exemptions for Singapore citizens, Malaysian permanent residents, diplomats, and certain other categories.
Who is exempt from the MDAC?
Exempt categories include: Singapore citizens, Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, diplomatic and official passport holders, Brunei GCI holders, Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility users, Thai border pass holders, Indonesian PLB holders, and airline crew on duty.
When should I submit the MDAC?
Submit the MDAC up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date. The recommended window is 1-2 days before arrival.
Is the MDAC free?
Yes, the MDAC is completely free when submitted through the official government portal at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Beware of fraudulent websites that charge fees.
Is the MDAC a visa?
No. The MDAC is an arrival card, not a visa. It does not grant permission to enter Malaysia. Travelers from countries that require a visa must obtain it separately.
What happens if I do not complete the MDAC?
Airlines may deny boarding, immigration may cause significant delays, or you may be denied entry to Malaysia entirely.
Do children need an MDAC?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and young children, needs their own individual MDAC. Group submissions are not available.
How do I correct information on my MDAC?
You cannot edit a submitted MDAC. If you entered incorrect information, you must resubmit a new form with the correct details.
Where do I submit the MDAC?
Submit the MDAC at the official Immigration Department of Malaysia portal: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
