Digital Arrival – General information
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is compulsory for most foreign travelers intending to visit Malaysia from January 1, 2024. The MDAC was introduced as one of the five main initiatives aimed at improving the Immigration Department services along with the implementation of the visa liberalization plan that allows tourists from China and India to stay in Malaysia without a visa for 30 days.Travellers should complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card up to 3 days prior to the planned date of arrival in the country. The procedure is simple and takes place online: fill out a short form, cover the fees, and get confirmation via email. Upon arrival in Malaysia, passengers must present a completed MDAC and a valid passport to the immigration officer. First-time arrivals should proceed to the Immigration Manual Counter to enrol and verify their passport.
Note: Citizens from non-visa-exempt countries also need to have a Malaysian visa since MDAC is a separate entry requirement and does not substitute for a visa.
Who must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Since December 1, 2023, foreign citizens willing to enter Malaysia are required to have a valid Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This entry requirement applies to all travellers except for:- Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance
- Malaysia Permanent Residents
- Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) Holders
Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card on time
Those planning on visiting Malaysia must submit a Malaysia digital arrival card application within 3 days prior to arriving in the country. Processing may take a couple of days and is at the discretion of Malaysian authorities. Make sure that the data provided in your MDAC application is accurate and relevant, as it will help you to avoid refusal and delays.How to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
To complete the application process for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online, you should follow several straightforward steps:- Fill out the form. You need to enter the requested information: name, surname, nationality, phone number, email address, passport details, travel data, etc.
- Attach the required documents. Make sure the digital copies show all the data clearly.
- Pay the service fees. Choose the online payment method that fits you best – debit/credit card or PayPal.
Requirements to meet to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
In order to get a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, a traveller must have:- a valid passport (for at least 6 months from the planned date of arrival at Malaysian Airport; at least 3 months if arriving through one of the land checkpoints)
- an electronic device (smartphone, laptop, tablet, PC)
- a stable internet connection
- the ability to complete the payment online
- an active email address
Requirements on arrival
Upon arrival in Malaysia, passengers must show a valid passport and a completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for validation before proceeding through the immigration counter. Tourists arriving from Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom can also use the autogates (Malaysia’s automated entry system) for immigration clearance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. First-time visitors are not eligible to use autogates for immigration clearance – they are required to enrol and verify their passports manually at the airport’s counter upon arrival.FAQ
What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a compulsory form for foreign visitors to enter Malaysia. It was launched by Malaysian authorities on December 1, 2023, and will be required at entry points from January 1, 2024.
Do I need Malaysia digital arrival card?
Malaysia MDAC is required for all foreign nationals, excluding Malaysia permanent residents, Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) holders, and those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance.
Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card equivalent to a visa to Malaysia?
No, a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card and a Malaysian visa are separate documents. If you are not from a visa-exempted country, you must additionally obtain a visa to Malaysia and present both documents at the entry point.
How to submit the Malaysia Arrival Card?
Malaysian Arrival Card can be submitted online. A passenger must provide their personal and travel data in the form and pay the fees. MDAC will then be delivered to the email address. A traveller must download the confirmation document onto their electronic device and be ready to show it to the immigration officer upon arrival.
What is the validity of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card can be used only for one entry into Malaysia, if you need to re-enter Malaysia, you need to obtain a new MDAC. Note that it expires after 3 days.
When should I submit the Malaysia Arrival Card?
You need to submit the application for a Malaysia Arrival Card within three days before your planned arrival in Malaysia. Note that processing may take a few days, so it is better not to wait until the last moment either.