The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a free online form that all foreign visitors must submit at least 3 days before arriving in Malaysia. It replaced the old paper arrival/departure card and has been mandatory since 1 January 2024. This guide walks you through every field on the MDAC form so you can complete it correctly on your first try.
What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
The MDAC is an electronic pre-arrival immigration form managed by the Malaysian Immigration Department (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia). It collects your personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, and accommodation in Malaysia. The form is part of Malaysia’s Visa Liberalisation Plan and is completely free to submit.
You do not need to install any app. The MDAC is accessed through a web browser on the official immigration portal. Once submitted, you receive a confirmation that you should save or print for presentation at the immigration counter upon arrival.
For a full overview of the card, including who needs it and current exemptions, see our Malaysia Digital Arrival Card guide. If you are still gathering your documents, check our MDAC requirements checklist to make sure you have everything ready.
Who Must Submit the MDAC?
All foreign nationals entering Malaysia must submit the MDAC, regardless of whether they need a visa. This includes:
- Tourists and business visitors
- Transit passengers leaving the airport
- Travelers entering by air, land, or sea
- Children of all ages (parents submit on behalf of minors)
Who Is Exempt from MDAC?
The following categories of travelers do not need to submit the MDAC:
| Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Singapore citizens | Fully exempt since 1 January 2024 |
| Diplomatic and official passport holders | Exempt regardless of nationality |
| Malaysian permanent residents | Holders of valid PR status |
| Long-term pass holders | Employment, student, or resident passes |
| Brunei GCI holders | General Certificate of Identity from Brunei |
| Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility | Registered frequent travelers |
| Thailand Border Pass holders | For land crossings only |
| Indonesia PLB holders | Cross-Border Travel Document (Surat Perjalanan Lintas Batas) |
If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, it is safer to submit the MDAC anyway. There is no penalty for submitting when exempt.
When to Submit the MDAC
You must complete the MDAC within 3 days before your arrival date in Malaysia. The portal opens 3 days before your scheduled entry. For example:
- If you arrive on 15 July, you can submit starting 12 July
- If you arrive on 1 December, you can submit starting 28 November
There is no benefit to submitting earlier than 3 days before arrival because the portal will not accept it. However, do not wait until the last minute. Submit at least 24 hours before your flight to allow time for any corrections.
Information You Need Before Starting
Gather these details before opening the MDAC form. Having everything ready makes the process faster and reduces the chance of errors.
| Category | Required Information |
|---|---|
| Personal details | Full name (as shown on passport), date of birth, gender, nationality, email address |
| Passport details | Passport number, country of issue, expiry date |
| Travel details | Date of arrival, flight number or vessel details, port of entry |
| Accommodation | Hotel name and address in Malaysia, or residential address if staying with family |
| Contact in Malaysia | Phone number of your accommodation or local contact |
Step-by-Step: How to Fill the MDAC Form
Step 1: Open the Official MDAC Portal
Go to the official Malaysian Immigration MDAC website at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Do not use any third-party website. The official portal is free and does not require registration.
Step 2: Select Your Nationality and Enter Passport Details
On the landing page, select your nationality from the dropdown menu. Then enter your passport number exactly as it appears on your travel document. Click “Submit” to proceed to the form.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Information
The first section asks for your personal details. Enter the following:
- Full name (must match your passport exactly, including middle names)
- Date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
- Gender (male or female)
- Nationality
- Email address (this is where your confirmation will be sent)
Double-check your name spelling. A mismatch between your MDAC and passport can cause delays at immigration.
Step 4: Enter Passport Details
Fill in your passport information:
- Passport number
- Country that issued the passport
- Passport expiry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival if entering by air, or at least 3 months if entering by land.
Step 5: Provide Travel Information
Enter your arrival details:
- Date of arrival in Malaysia
- Mode of travel (air, land, or sea)
- Flight number or vessel name (if traveling by air or sea)
- Port of entry (e.g., Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Johor Bahru land checkpoint)
Step 6: Enter Accommodation Details
Provide your accommodation information in Malaysia:
- Hotel name and full address, or
- Residential address if staying with friends or family
If you are staying at multiple hotels during your trip, enter the first hotel where you will spend the night.
Step 7: Add Contact Information
Enter a contact phone number. This can be:
- Your hotel phone number
- A Malaysian mobile number (if you already have one)
- Your own international mobile number
Step 8: Review and Submit
Before submitting, review every field carefully. Common errors include:
- Misspelled names (must match passport exactly)
- Wrong passport number (check for letter O vs. number 0)
- Incorrect date format
- Wrong port of entry
Once you are confident all details are correct, click the submit button.
Step 9: Save Your Confirmation
After submission, the portal displays a confirmation page. You must:
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation page
- Check your email for the confirmation message
- Save the confirmation as a PDF or print a hard copy
You will need to show this confirmation at the Malaysian immigration counter upon arrival.
What Happens at Arrival
When you land in Malaysia, proceed to the immigration counter with:
- Your valid passport
- Your MDAC confirmation (printed or on your phone screen)
The immigration officer will verify your MDAC details against your passport. If everything matches, you will be cleared through immigration normally.
Autogate (E-Gate) Eligibility
Citizens of 10 countries can use Malaysia’s automated entry gates (autogates) for faster immigration clearance:
| Eligible Countries | |
|---|---|
| Australia | New Zealand |
| Brunei | Saudi Arabia |
| Germany | Singapore |
| Japan | United Kingdom |
| South Korea | United States |
To use the autogate, you must have:
- A valid e-Passport from one of the 10 eligible countries
- Submitted your MDAC at least 3 days before arrival
- Completed biometric (fingerprint) enrollment at the immigration counter
First-time autogate users must clear immigration manually at the counter on their first visit. This one-time step registers your biometrics. On all future visits, you can use the autogate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent errors travelers make when completing the MDAC:
| Mistake | Why It Matters | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Name does not match passport | Immigration may deny entry or cause delays | Copy your name exactly as printed on your passport |
| Wrong passport number | Your MDAC will not link to your travel document | Double-check every character, especially O/0 and I/1 |
| Submitting too early | Portal will not accept submissions more than 3 days before arrival | Count 3 calendar days back from your arrival date |
| Wrong email address | You will not receive your confirmation | Use an email you can access while traveling |
| Forgetting to save confirmation | You have no proof of submission at the counter | Screenshot the confirmation and save the email |
| Submitting after arrival | No longer accepted since January 2024 | Complete the MDAC before boarding your flight to Malaysia |
MDAC vs. Malaysia Visa: What Is the Difference?
The MDAC and a Malaysia visa are two separate requirements. The MDAC is an arrival card, not a travel authorization. You may need both depending on your nationality.
| Feature | MDAC | Malaysia Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Immigration arrival registration | Permission to enter the country |
| Cost | Free | Varies by visa type |
| Who needs it | Almost all foreign visitors | Citizens of countries that require a visa |
| Validity | Single use (per trip) | Multiple entries or single entry, depending on type |
| How to apply | Online portal | Embassy, consulate, or eVisa portal |
If your nationality requires a visa to enter Malaysia, you must obtain the visa first and then submit the MDAC separately. The MDAC does not replace or substitute for a visa.
Tips for a Smooth MDAC Submission
- Submit the MDAC as soon as the 3-day window opens. Do not wait until the day of your flight.
- Use a desktop or laptop computer for easier form filling. The form works on mobile but can be harder to navigate on small screens.
- Keep your passport in hand while filling the form to avoid typos.
- If you make a mistake after submitting, you can re-submit the MDAC with corrected information. See our step-by-step MDAC registration guide for detailed field-by-field instructions.
- Print a hard copy of your confirmation even if you plan to show it on your phone. Phone batteries die and screens break.
- If you are traveling with family, each person (including children) needs a separate MDAC submission.
FAQs About the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes, the MDAC is completely free. The official portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my does not charge any fee. If a website asks you to pay for the MDAC, it is a scam or a third-party service.
Do I need to print the MDAC confirmation?
Printing is recommended but not strictly required. You can show the confirmation on your phone screen at the immigration counter. However, a printed copy serves as a backup in case your phone battery dies or you have technical issues.
Can I submit the MDAC at the airport in Malaysia?
No. Since 1 January 2024, the MDAC must be submitted online before arriving in Malaysia. On-arrival submission is no longer available. You should complete it at least 24 hours before your flight departs.
What if I made a mistake on my MDAC?
If you notice an error after submitting, you can submit a new MDAC with the correct information. The most recent submission is the one that will be used at immigration. Make sure your name and passport number match your travel document exactly.
Do children need to submit the MDAC?
Yes, all foreign visitors including infants and children must have an MDAC submission. Parents or guardians should complete the form on behalf of minor children using the child’s passport details.
How long does it take to fill out the MDAC?
The form takes about 5 minutes to complete if you have all the required information ready. This includes your passport details, travel dates, flight number, and accommodation address in Malaysia.
Can I submit the MDAC more than 3 days before arrival?
No. The portal only accepts submissions within 3 days of your scheduled arrival date. If you try to submit earlier, the system will not process your application.
Is the MDAC the same as a Malaysia eVisa?
No. The MDAC is an arrival registration card, not a visa. It does not grant you permission to enter Malaysia. If your nationality requires a visa, you must apply for a separate Malaysia eVisa or sticker visa in addition to completing the MDAC.
