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Malaysia Visas

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Complete your mandatory digital arrival declaration before traveling to Malaysia. The MDAC is required for all foreign visitors entering the country.

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Processing Time

Within minutes

Service Fee

USD 35

When to Submit?

Submit well in advance before the trip.

Validity

Single entry only

What is Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, commonly known as MDAC, is an electronic pre-arrival registration system implemented by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Launched on January 1, 2024, this digital platform has completely replaced the traditional paper-based arrival and departure cards that travelers previously filled out upon entering the country.

The MDAC serves as an official border management tool designed to enhance national security protocols while simultaneously streamlining the immigration clearance process for international visitors. By digitizing the arrival declaration process, Malaysian authorities can now pre-screen travelers before they reach immigration counters, significantly reducing waiting times and improving the overall entry experience.

This mandatory online declaration collects essential information about incoming travelers, including personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and the purpose of visit. Once submitted and approved, the MDAC is electronically linked to your passport, allowing immigration officers to retrieve your declaration instantly when you present your travel document at any Malaysian entry point.

Key Features of MDAC

  • 100% digital system - no paper forms required
  • Mandatory for all foreign visitors
  • Quick online processing within minutes
  • Electronically linked to your passport
  • Valid for single entry only
  • Email confirmation provided

Who Needs to Complete MDAC?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for virtually all foreign nationals entering Malaysia, regardless of their nationality, visa status, or purpose of visit. Whether you are arriving for a short holiday, business meeting, educational program, medical treatment, or employment, you must complete the MDAC before your arrival.

Must Complete MDAC

All Foreign Tourists

Visitors for tourism and leisure activities

Business Travelers

Foreign nationals attending meetings or conferences

Transit Passengers

Those passing through Malaysian immigration

Students and Professionals

Foreign students and working professionals

All Visa Holders

eVisa, VOA, and all other visa categories

Important Note

The MDAC must be Submit well in advance before the trip. We strongly recommend applying at least 96 hours before your departure to allow adequate time for processing and to receive your confirmation.

While same-day applications are accepted, we strongly recommend submitting at least 72-96 hours before departure to account for any unexpected delays.

Each traveler must submit an individual MDAC application. Group application can be submitted for up to 10.

Children, regardless of age, must have their own separate MDAC submission. Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of minors.

If you are uncertain about whether you need to complete the MDAC, it is strongly recommended to submit one anyway. The application process is straightforward and ensures you will not encounter any issues at Malaysian immigration checkpoints.

Exempted Travelers

While the MDAC is mandatory for most foreign visitors, certain categories of travelers are exempted from this requirement. If you fall into any of the following categories, you do not need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.

Categories Exempted from MDAC:

Malaysian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Citizens of Singapore
Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
Malaysia Long-Term Pass Holders
Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) Holders
Brunei GCI and BL-MY Frequent Traveler Holders
Thailand Border Pass Holders
Indonesian PLB (Cross Border Travel) Document Holders

MDAC Application Requirements

Before starting your MDAC application, ensure you have all the necessary information and documents ready. Having everything prepared in advance will help you complete the submission quickly and avoid errors that could delay your approval.

Passport Details

• Full passport number

• Country and place of issuance

• Date of expiry (minimum 6 months validity for air travel, 3 months for land entry)

• Passport type (ordinary, official, diplomatic)

Personal Information

• Full name (exactly as it appears in passport)

• Date of birth

• Nationality

• Gender

Contact Details

• Valid email address (for confirmation)

• Mobile phone number with country code

• Emergency contact information

Travel Information

• Exact arrival date in Malaysia

• Flight number or vessel name

• Mode of transport (air, land, sea)

• Intended departure date

Accommodation Details

• Hotel or accommodation name

• Complete address in Malaysia

• City and state

• Contact telephone number

Technical Requirements

• Electronic device (smartphone, laptop, tablet)

• Stable internet connection

• Ability to receive email confirmations

• Online payment capability

MDAC Application Process

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card application process has been designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Most travelers can complete the entire submission in approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application experience.

1

Access the MDAC Portal

Navigate to the official MDAC application portal. Select your nationality and verify that you are required to complete the arrival card for your travel category.

2

Enter Personal and Passport Details

Fill in your personal information and passport details exactly as they appear in your travel document. Double-check all spellings and dates before proceeding.

3

Provide Travel and Accommodation Information

Enter your arrival date, flight details, entry point, and accommodation address in Malaysia. Include accurate contact information for your place of stay.

4

Review and Submit

Carefully review all entered information for accuracy. Once submitted, you cannot edit or modify your MDAC. If errors are found after submission, you will need to complete a new application.

5

Receive Confirmation

After successful submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your MDAC reference number. Keep this email accessible during your journey as a backup, although printing is not required.

MDAC Fees and Charges

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card application involves a service fee to cover processing, verification, and professional assistance throughout the submission process. Understanding the fee structure will help you prepare accordingly.

MDAC Service Fee

USD 35

Per person, per application

Professional form assistance and error checking
Fast-track processing within minutes
Email confirmation and tracking
24/7 customer support included

Payment can be made through various online payment methods including major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, and selected digital payment platforms. All transactions are processed through secure payment gateways to protect your financial information.

Important Guidelines and Tips

To ensure a hassle-free MDAC submission and smooth entry into Malaysia, please keep the following important guidelines in mind throughout your application and travel process.

Submission Timing

The MDAC must be Submit well in advance before the trip. We strongly recommend applying at least 96 hours before your departure to allow adequate time for processing and to receive your confirmation.

While same-day applications are technically possible, applying well in advance gives you peace of mind and ensures you have your approved MDAC ready before your journey.

One MDAC Per Entry

Each MDAC is valid for a single entry into Malaysia only. If you plan to leave and re-enter the country during your trip, you will need to complete a new MDAC application for each subsequent entry.

Security Measures

Ensure your device has a secure internet connection to prevent any issues during the application process.

Keep your personal information confidential and secure to prevent unauthorized access.

Entry Points in Malaysia

You can enter Malaysia through various ports of entry, including airports, seaports, and land crossings. Ensure that you complete your MDAC application before arriving at any of these entry points.

Common Entry Points:

Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Subang International Airport
Penang International Airport
Port Klang
Pasir Gaya Port
Woodlands Checkpoint
Cheong Kong Point of Entry

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs:

What is MDAC?
When should I submit my MDAC?
How much does MDAC cost?
Who is exempted from MDAC?
What information do I need for MDAC?
Can I update my MDAC after submission?
Is MDAC required for children and infants?
What is the MDAC processing time?

Related Visa Types & Services

If MDAC doesn't suit your travel needs, explore these alternative Malaysia visa options to find the perfect fit for your visit:

Malaysia Tourist Visa

Tourism visa for holiday travelers

Learn about Tourist Visa

Malaysia Transit Visa

For passing through Malaysia

Learn about Transit Visa

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Instant visa on arrival option

Learn about Visa on Arrival (VOA)

All Visa Types

Browse all Malaysia visa options

Learn about All Visa Types

Unsure which visa is right for you?

Compare all available visa types, requirements, and fees to determine the best option for your travel purpose and duration.

Compare all Malaysia visa options