The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) requires your passport details, travel itinerary, accommodation information, and a valid email address – all submitted through the official portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my. MDAC has been mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Malaysia since 1 January 2024. This guide lists every document and piece of information you need to complete your MDAC submission accurately and avoid immigration delays.
What Documents Do You Need for the MDAC?
The MDAC is a digital form – you do not upload physical documents, but you must have your passport and travel details on hand to fill it out correctly. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card collects information from several identity and travel documents. You need the following ready before starting your MDAC registration:
- Valid passport – your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in Malaysia
- Flight details – airline name, flight number, and arrival date
- Accommodation address – hotel name and address in Malaysia, or a residential address if staying with family or friends
- Valid email address – the MDAC confirmation receipt is sent to this email
- Malaysian contact number (optional but recommended) – a local phone number if you have one
You do not need to upload scans or photos of your passport. The MDAC form asks you to type in your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and expiry date manually. Having your passport physically in front of you prevents transcription errors that could cause problems at immigration.
Documents NOT Required for MDAC
The MDAC is free of charge and does not replace a visa. If your nationality requires a visa to enter Malaysia, you must obtain that separately through the Malaysian embassy or the eVISA portal. The following are not part of the MDAC process:
- Visa application documents (photos, invitation letters, bank statements)
- Travel insurance certificates
- COVID-19 vaccination proof (no longer required as of 2024)
- Return ticket confirmation (though airlines may check this separately)
What Personal Information Does the MDAC Form Collect?
The MDAC form collects your full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, and email address across three main sections. The form is divided into structured data fields. Here is a complete breakdown of every field you must fill in:
Section 1: Personal Information
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Yes | Must match your passport exactly |
| Date of birth | Yes | DD/MM/YYYY format |
| Gender | Yes | Male / Female |
| Nationality | Yes | Select from dropdown |
| Passport number | Yes | Alphanumeric, no spaces |
| Passport expiry date | Yes | Must be 6+ months from arrival |
| Email address | Yes | Confirmation sent here |
| Phone number | Optional | Country code + number |
Section 2: Travel Information
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of transport | Yes | Air / Sea / Land |
| Flight/vessel number | Yes | Exact number as on ticket |
| Date of arrival | Yes | Must be within 3 days of submission |
| Last port of embarkation | Yes | City/country you departed from |
| Purpose of visit | Yes | Tourism / Business / Transit / Other |
Section 3: Accommodation in Malaysia
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation type | Yes | Hotel / Hostel / Residential / Other |
| Accommodation name | Yes | Hotel name or host’s name |
| Address in Malaysia | Yes | Full address including city and postcode |
| State | Yes | Select from dropdown (e.g., Kuala Lumpur, Selangor) |
Critical: The name on your MDAC must exactly match the name in your passport. Discrepancies between your MDAC submission and your passport – even minor spelling differences – can cause delays at the immigration counter.
Who Is Exempt from MDAC Requirements?
Seven categories of travelers are exempt from the MDAC: Singapore citizens, Malaysian permanent residents, diplomats, and holders of specific regional travel documents. If you fall into one of these categories, you do not need to complete the MDAC before entering Malaysia:
- Citizens of Singapore – no MDAC required regardless of purpose of visit
- Malaysian citizens and permanent residents – returning residents are exempt
- Diplomatic and official passport holders – covered under diplomatic immunity protocols
- Brunei Darussalam General Certificate of Identity (GCI) holders – special bilateral arrangement
- Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders – registered frequent cross-border travelers
- Thailand border pass holders – for land crossings between Malaysia and Thailand
- Indonesia cross-border travel document (PLB) holders – for designated Indonesia-Malaysia border zones
If your nationality does not appear in the exemption list above, you must complete the MDAC before arriving in Malaysia. There is no option to submit the MDAC upon arrival at the airport – it must be done in advance.
MDAC Submission Deadline: The 3-Day Rule
You must submit your MDAC within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date in Malaysia – this is a strict window, not a suggestion. The 3-day countdown includes the date of submission. For example, if you arrive on 15 July, you can submit your MDAC starting from 12 July.
The official MDAC portal enforces this window:
| Arrival Date | Earliest Submission | Latest Submission |
|---|---|---|
| 15 July | 12 July | 14 July (before departure) |
| 20 December | 17 December | 19 December (before departure) |
| 1 January | 29 December | 31 December (before departure) |
Airlines check your MDAC status at check-in. If you cannot show a confirmed MDAC submission (digital on your phone or printed), the airline may deny you boarding. This applies even if you have a valid visa – the MDAC and visa are separate requirements.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The MDAC portal does not allow submissions more than 3 days in advance or upon arrival. If you forget to submit before your flight, you face potential delays at Malaysian immigration. In practice, some travelers have reported being able to complete the MDAC on arrival using airport Wi-Fi, but this is not guaranteed and is not the intended process. Airlines may still refuse boarding without a confirmed MDAC.
How to Fill Out the MDAC: Step-by-Step
Complete your MDAC through the official portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main – the process takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. This is the only official MDAC website. Do not use third-party sites.
Step 2: Enter your personal details
Type your full name (as shown on passport), date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport number. Double-check every field against your passport.
Step 3: Add travel information
Select your transport mode (air, sea, or land), enter your flight or vessel number, arrival date, last port of embarkation, and purpose of visit.
Step 4: Enter accommodation details
Provide your accommodation type, name, full address in Malaysia, and the state where you will be staying.
Step 5: Review and submit
Check all entered information for accuracy. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation receipt at your registered email address.
Step 6: Save or print your MDAC confirmation
Download the PDF confirmation or take a screenshot. You can present the digital version on your phone or a printed copy at immigration.
Beware of Fake MDAC Websites
Scam websites posing as the official MDAC portal have charged travelers up to USD 80 for a service that is completely free. Since the MDAC launch, the Malaysian Immigration Department and multiple news agencies have issued warnings about fraudulent sites. These fake portals:
- Charge fees ranging from USD 10 to USD 80 for MDAC processing
- May collect your passport data for identity theft
- Often appear in Google search results above the official portal
- Use domains that look similar to the official site (e.g., adding “official” or “apply” to the URL)
The only official MDAC portal is: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) has confirmed that the MDAC is 100% free. If any website asks for payment, it is a scam. Report suspicious sites to the Malaysian authorities through the Immigration Department’s official inquiry system at eapp.imi.gov.my.
MDAC and Autogate Registration at KLIA
Completing the MDAC also enables eligible travelers to register for autogate immigration clearance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), speeding up future entries into Malaysia. This is an additional benefit of MDAC completion for nationals of eligible countries.
First-Time Visitors
- Submit your MDAC online before arrival (within 3 days)
- At KLIA arrival, proceed to the manual immigration counter for a one-time passport verification and biometric enrollment
- On departure from KLIA, you are eligible to use the autogate
Returning Visitors
- Submit your MDAC online before arrival
- At KLIA arrival, proceed directly to the autogate facility
- On departure, use the autogate again
Note: The autogate feature is currently available only at KLIA Terminal 1 for travelers from eligible countries. Check the Malaysia Airlines or Immigration Department website for the current list of eligible nationalities.
MDAC for Families and Group Travelers
Every foreign visitor – including children and infants – must have an individual MDAC submission. There is no group or family submission option on the MDAC portal. Parents or guardians must complete separate MDAC forms for each child traveling with them.
For minors (under 18), the MDAC requires:
- The child’s own passport details (not the parent’s)
- The same accommodation address as the accompanying adult
- A parent or guardian’s email address for receiving the confirmation
Tip: If you are traveling as a family, complete all MDAC submissions in one sitting to ensure consistency in accommodation details and arrival information across all forms.
What to Do After Submitting Your MDAC
After submitting your MDAC, you receive a confirmation receipt via email containing a QR code and reference number – keep this accessible for your entire journey. Here is your post-submission checklist:
- Check your email (including spam/junk folders) for the MDAC confirmation
- Download or screenshot the confirmation PDF with the QR code
- Verify all details on the confirmation – if you spot an error, you may need to resubmit
- Have it ready at check-in – airlines verify MDAC status before issuing boarding passes
- Present at immigration – digital (on phone) or printed copy accepted at the Malaysian immigration counter
If you do not receive a confirmation email within 30 minutes, check that the email address you entered was correct. You can verify your submission status through the official portal.
MDAC vs. Malaysia Visa: What Is the Difference?
The MDAC is an arrival card – not a visa. It does not grant you permission to enter Malaysia and does not replace any visa requirement for your nationality. Many travelers confuse the two documents:
| Feature | MDAC | Malaysia Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Pre-arrival immigration form | Permission to enter and stay |
| Cost | Free | Varies by visa type (RM 50-200+) |
| Who needs it | Most foreign visitors | Nationalities requiring a visa |
| How to apply | Online (imigresen-online.imi.gov.my) | Embassy or eVISA portal |
| Processing time | Instant (submitted within 3 days) | 1-5 business days |
| Validity | Single trip | Varies (single/multiple entry) |
| Replaces the other? | No | No |
If your nationality requires a visa for Malaysia, you need both a valid visa and a completed MDAC. The MDAC alone does not authorize entry.
FAQs About MDAC Requirements
Do I need to print my MDAC confirmation?
No, a digital copy on your phone is accepted. However, carrying a printed backup is recommended in case of phone battery issues or connectivity problems at the airport.
Can I submit the MDAC at the airport upon arrival?
No. The MDAC must be submitted online within 3 days before arrival. There is no facility to complete the MDAC at Malaysian immigration counters. Airlines may deny boarding without a confirmed MDAC.
Do children and babies need their own MDAC?
Yes. Every foreign visitor, regardless of age, must have an individual MDAC submission. Parents must complete separate forms for each child using the child’s own passport details.
What if my passport details change after submitting the MDAC?
If your passport number or personal details change (e.g., passport renewal), you must submit a new MDAC with the updated information. The MDAC is linked to your specific passport.
Is the MDAC the same as Malaysia eVISA?
No. The MDAC is a free arrival card required for most foreign visitors. The eVISA is a paid visa application for nationalities that require a visa to enter Malaysia. They are separate processes with different requirements.
Do US citizens need an MDAC for Malaysia?
Yes. US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but they must complete the MDAC within 3 days before arrival. The MDAC is mandatory for all foreign visitors except the seven exempt categories listed in this article.
What happens if I make a mistake on my MDAC?
Minor typos in non-critical fields may not cause issues, but discrepancies in your name, passport number, or nationality can lead to delays at immigration. If you catch an error before your trip, submit a new MDAC with the correct information.
How long does it take to complete the MDAC?
The MDAC form takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. You need your passport, flight details, and accommodation address ready before starting. The confirmation email arrives within minutes of submission.
Can someone else submit the MDAC on my behalf?
Yes, a travel agent, family member, or friend can submit the MDAC on your behalf as long as they have all the required information (passport details, travel itinerary, accommodation address). The confirmation will be sent to the email address entered in the form.
Do I need the MDAC if I am only transiting through Malaysia?
If you are not passing through immigration (remaining in the transit area), you do not need to complete the MDAC. However, if you will clear immigration for any reason – including a layover where you leave the airport – you must complete the MDAC.
