Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a new online immigration form mandatory for all foreigners arriving in Malaysia. The Immigration Department of Malaysia introduced the MDAC form to improve and digitalize the country’s immigration services together with an attempt to liberalize Malaysian visa policy and attract more foreign visitors to Malaysia.
The MDAC declaration must be submitted within three days before the planned arrival in the country. Travelers simply need to complete a short online form, cover the processing fee, and receive the confirmation of the submitted MDAC via email.
There are only a few traveler groups that are exempt from the requirement to submit the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card, including Malaysian Permanent Residents, Holders of MACS, as well as those who transit through Malaysia and aren’t seeking immigration clearance.
No matter the entry point and immigration counter in Malaysia, travelers need to present a valid passport and a confirmation of completed MDAC.
Who needs to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
All foreign travelers are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arriving in Malaysia. Some groups of travelers are exempt from the MDAC requirement. These travelers include the following:
- Passengers transiting/transferring through Malaysia who aren’t seeking immigration clearance;
- Malaysian Permanent Residents
- Malaysian Automated Clearance System (MACS) Long-Term Pass Holders
When to complete the MDAC
The Digital Arrival Card for Malaysia should be completed 3 days before the intended arrival in Malaysia. It may take around 1-2 business days before your application is confirmed and approved.
Please do note that the processing time depends on the volume of submitted applications and is at the total discretion of the Malaysian immigration authorities.
Make sure that all the details in your application form are error-free. This way, no corrections that could extend the waiting time will be necessary.
How to submit the Malaysia Arrival Card
Completing the Malaysia Arrival Card requires following three very intuitive steps, including:
- Filling out the online application form: enter all necessary details, including your personal data, passport details, trip-related information, etc.
- Paying the processing fee: double-check the provided details and choose one of the available methods of online payment to cover the service fee.
- Receiving the MDAC confirmation via email: shortly after covering the processing fee, check your email address and receive the confirmation of your correctly submitted Malaysia Arrival Card.
Note: The submitted arrival card is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport. Therefore, the printed copy of the MDAC confirmation is not mandatory. Make sure just to save your confirmed Malaysia Arrival Card on your mobile phone to display it during the immigration control.
Requirements to complete the Malaysia Arrival Card
When completing the Malaysia Arrival Card, applicants need to provide certain information, including:
- personal data such as name, surname, date of birth, nationality
- contact information (email address, phone number)
- travel details
- valid passport
Moreover, applicants must ensure they have access to the following:
- active email address
- valid means of online payment
- working electronic device with a stable Internet connection
Requirements upon arrival in Malaysia
All travelers need to prepare the following and present upon arrival in Malaysia:
- a valid passport
- a completed MDAC
FAQ
What is the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card?
The Malaysian Digital Arrival Card is an electronic document that must be submitted by all foreign passengers traveling to Malaysia. Only a few groups of travelers are exempt from the MDAC requirement, including passengers transiting through Malaysia not going through immigration clearance, Permanent Residents of Malaysia, and MACS Holders.
Is the Malaysia Arrival Card the same as the Malaysian eVisa?
No. The Malaysia Arrival Card is not the same document as the Malaysian eVisa. If you plan to travel to Malaysia, make sure to obtain both a relevant visa (if not visa-exempt) and complete the MDAC form to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry to the country.
How to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
Go to the online application form, enter all required information, pay the processing fee, and receive the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card confirmation. Download the confirmation of the submitted arrival card and save it on your mobile phone.
Who needs to submit the Digital Arrival Card before arriving in Malaysia?
All foreign travelers visiting Malaysia must submit the Digital Arrival Card 3 days before the date of their planned trip to Malaysia. Only Malaysian Permanent Residents, Holders of MACS, and travelers transiting through Malaysia without seeking immigration clearance do not need to complete the arrival card when traveling to Malaysia.
What is the validity of the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card?
The Malaysian Digital Arrival Card can be used only for one single trip to Malaysia. Each applicant is asked to provide the planned arrival date in Malaysia. Any time you wish to enter Malaysia, a separate MDAC must be submitted.
Why do I need to submit the digital arrival card to Malaysia?
The introduction of the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card is aimed at improving and digitalizing immigration services in line with the Malaysian visa liberalization policy, which is supposed to attract more foreign visitors.
When should I complete my MDAC?
All foreign travelers should complete the MDAC online form within 3 days before their intended arrival in Malaysia. The application can be submitted earlier but will be processed closer to the arrival date.
Are there any coronavirus restrictions in Malaysia?
Currently, all travelers can enter Malaysia irrespective of their COVID-19 vaccination status. No pre-departure or on-arrival coronavirus tests are required.