Key Takeaways
- The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a free online form required for most foreign visitors.
- Travellers must submit it within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia via the official Immigration site.
- Exemptions apply to Malaysians, Singaporeans, permanent residents, and certain border-pass holders.
- The MDAC is not a visa but is necessary for smooth immigration clearance and autogate use.
- Missing or late submission may lead to longer processing times at immigration counters.
If you’re flying into Malaysia, you’ll likely need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). It’s a mandatory online form designed to speed up immigration clearance and improve border security.
Unlike a visa, it’s completely free, but you’ll need to submit it within three days of your arrival date.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the MDAC is, who needs it, the exemptions, how to submit it, and why it matters for travellers entering Malaysia.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Submitting your MDAC is simple, but timing matters. The form must be completed within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visit the Official MDAC Portal
- Go to the Immigration Department’s official site: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main?register
- Ensure you’re on the official website, MDAC is free and no agents are needed.
Step 2: Select “Register Arrival”
- On the homepage, click “Register Arrival”.
- You’ll be redirected to the MDAC form.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Information
Provide the following details exactly as they appear in your passport:
- Full Name
- Passport Number & Issuing Country
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Nationality
Step 4: Enter Travel Details
- Arrival Date (must be within 3 days)
- Departure Date
- Flight Number or Entry Point (KLIA, Penang Airport, Johor Checkpoint)
- Accommodation in Malaysia (hotel, Airbnb, or residential address)
Step 5: Submit & Save Confirmation
- Click Submit once all details are entered.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email (often with a link and/or PIN).
- Download the PDF or keep a screenshot on your phone. Officers may ask to see it, especially if you used the autogate.
Important: Submitting the MDAC is not the same as applying for a visa. If your nationality requires a visa, you must still apply separately.
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Who Needs the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
Most foreign visitors must submit the MDAC before travelling to Malaysia. This includes:
- Short-term visitors (tourists, business travellers)
- Travellers arriving by air, land, or sea
- Visa-required and visa-exempt travellers alike (MDAC is not a visa)
- Eligible autogate users (to access faster clearance)
Who Is Exempt from the MDAC?
You do not need to submit an MDAC if you are:
- Malaysian citizens
- Permanent residents or long-term pass holders (work, student, dependent)
- Singaporean citizens
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Brunei Darussalam General Certificate of Identity (GCI) holders
- Brunei–Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders
- Thai border-pass holders
- Indonesian cross-border travel document (PLB) holders
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even though MDAC is straightforward, some travellers run into problems. Here’s how to solve the most common ones:
- Website not loading → Try again at non-peak hours or switch to desktop.
- “Address field invalid” error → Clear browser cache or use another browser/device.
- Submitted too early → MDAC is only valid if submitted within 3 days of arrival. Re-submit closer to your entry date.
- Didn’t receive confirmation email → Check your spam/junk folder. Save a screenshot of the final “Submission Successful” page as backup.
- Flight change after submission → Re-submit a new MDAC with updated details. The system allows multiple submissions, but only the latest will be used.
“Always keep a PDF or screenshot of your MDAC slip on your phone in case immigration officers request it.”
Is There a Fee for MDAC?
MDAC is completely free of charge. The Malaysian government provides this service at no cost to ensure smoother immigration clearance for travellers.
Warning:
- Beware of unofficial or fraudulent websites that charge fees for MDAC submissions.
- Always use the official portal.
- MDAC is free, you should never pay a third party to process it.
What Happens if You Don’t Complete the MDAC?
- You may face delays at immigration counters
- You could be asked to manually fill in details on arrival
- In some cases, entry may be denied if the MDAC requirement isn’t met
MDAC vs Malaysia Visa: What’s the Difference?
Many travellers confuse MDAC with a visa. Here’s how they differ:
Feature | MDAC | Malaysia Visa |
Who Needs It? | Most foreign visitors entering Malaysia | Travellers not eligible for visa-free entry, or those staying longer |
How to Get It? | Online submission via the official MDAC portal | Online (eVisa) or through a Malaysian consulate/agent |
Cost | Always free | Varies depending on visa type |
Purpose | Digital arrival registration for immigration clearance | Legal permission to enter and stay for specific periods |
Even if you don’t need a visa (short-term tourists, for example), you still need to complete the MDAC.
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Conclusion: Why the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card Matters
MDAC is now mandatory for most visitors, ensuring immigration officers have your details before you arrive. This makes border checks faster, reduces queues, and even gives eligible travellers access to autogate lanes at major airports.
Best of all, the process is free, simple, and takes under 10 minutes. Submit it within 3 days before your trip, save the confirmation on your phone, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you touch down!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Is the MDAC the same as a visa?
No. The MDAC is a free arrival registration form, while a visa is a separate entry permit for eligible nationalities or long stays.
When should I submit the MDAC?
Within 3 days before your arrival in Malaysia. Submitting earlier than that will require resubmission.
Is there a fee for the MDAC?
No. The MDAC is completely free of charge. Avoid fraudulent websites that try to charge you.
What happens if I don’t complete the MDAC?
You may face longer queues at immigration, and in some cases, you could be denied entry.
Who doesn’t need to submit an MDAC?
Malaysian citizens, Singaporeans, permanent residents, long-term pass holders, and certain border-pass travellers (Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia).
Can I edit my MDAC if my flight details change?
Yes. Simply re-submit a new MDAC with your updated information. The system will use your most recent submission.
