MDAC Deadline: When to Submit Your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

MDAC Deadline: When to Submit Your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) must be submitted within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Malaysia. This mandatory online form has been required for all foreign visitors since January 1, 2024, and submitting it at the correct time is essential for a smooth immigration process.

What Is the MDAC Submission Deadline?

According to the Malaysian Immigration Department, the MDAC must be completed and submitted at least 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date. The submission window opens exactly 72 hours before your scheduled arrival time and closes once you arrive in Malaysia.

Key rule: The 72-hour window is calculated based on Malaysia Standard Time (GMT+8), not your local time zone.

When Exactly Should You Submit the MDAC?

The official requirement is clear: submit your MDAC within the 72-hour window before arrival. However, here are practical timing recommendations:

Best Practices for Timing

• Submit on Day 2 of the window — this gives you a buffer if there are technical issues
• Use Malaysia Time (GMT+8) for all calculations to avoid timezone errors
• Submit in the morning (Malaysia time) rather than late evening
• Do not wait until departure day — leave time to resolve any problems

What Happens If You Submit Too Early?

If you attempt to submit the MDAC more than 72 hours before arrival, the system will reject your application with an error message such as “Application submitted too early.” You must wait until the 72-hour window opens.

What Happens If You Submit Too Late?

Submitting after your arrival or at the airport is no longer accepted. The grace period that existed until December 31, 2023, has ended. Late or missing MDAC submissions may result in:

• Denial of entry at immigration
• Penalties from Malaysian immigration authorities
• Delays during the immigration process

MDAC Submission Timeline: Step by Step

1. Check your arrival date and time in Malaysia Standard Time (GMT+8)
2. Calculate 72 hours before arrival — this is when the submission window opens
3. Visit the official portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
4. Complete the form with passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation information
5. Submit and save confirmation — screenshot or save the confirmation email

Who Needs to Submit the MDAC?

All foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia must submit the MDAC, with the following exemptions:

• Citizens of Singapore
• Diplomatic and Official Passport holders
• Malaysian Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders
• General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam holders
• Brunei–Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders
• Thailand Border Pass holders
• Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) holders

MDAC for Multiple Entries and Re-Entry

The MDAC is valid for a single entry only. If you plan to leave Malaysia and return:

• You must submit a new MDAC for each re-entry
• Each new application follows the same 72-hour timeline
• Plan ahead if your itinerary includes side trips to Singapore, Thailand, or Indonesia

Group and Family Submissions

When travelling with family or in a group:

• Each traveller needs a separate MDAC, including children of all ages
• Parents or guardians can complete applications on behalf of minors
• Submit all applications within the same 72-hour window
• Consider submitting together to ensure the entire group can travel without issues

What If Your Travel Plans Change?

Urgent Travel: What If You Can’t Meet the 3-Day Deadline?

If you have an emergency and cannot meet the 72-hour requirement:

1. Submit your MDAC immediately regardless of the timeframe
2. Contact the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate to explain your situation
3. Prepare supporting documentation (medical documents, death certificates, etc.)
4. Arrive at the airport early to allow extra processing time
5. Be ready to explain your situation to immigration officers

Note: Exceptions for genuine emergencies are not guaranteed. The 72-hour deadline exists to ensure proper processing of all applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I submit the MDAC?

The MDAC submission window opens exactly 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Malaysia. Applications submitted earlier than this will be automatically rejected by the system.

Is the MDAC free to submit?

Yes, the official MDAC through the Malaysian Immigration Department portal is completely free. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees for submission assistance.

Do I need to print the MDAC?

No physical copy is required. Your MDAC confirmation is linked to your passport electronically. However, keeping a digital copy (screenshot or email) is recommended as backup.

What passport validity is required?

For air arrivals, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. For land checkpoint entries, a minimum of 3 months validity is required.

Can I submit the MDAC at the airport?

No. Since January 1, 2024, the MDAC must be submitted online before arrival. Airport or on-arrival submission is no longer available.

What if I encounter technical issues while submitting?

Try using a different browser or device. If problems persist, contact the Immigration Department at +603-8000 8000 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MYT) or email [email protected].

Official Resources

• MDAC Portal: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
• Immigration Department: www.imi.gov.my
• Enquiry System: eapp.imi.gov.my
• Phone: +603-8000 8000 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM MYT)
• Email: [email protected]

Last updated: July 2026. Information sourced from the Malaysian Immigration Department and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia. Always verify current requirements on the official MDAC portal before travelling.