1. What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory online pre-arrival declaration form introduced by Malaysia Immigration. It replaces the old paper disembarkation card used during travel and airport arrival.
Every foreign national entering Malaysia by air, sea, or land is now required to complete the MDAC before arrival. It captures your personal details, travel information, and health declaration in one secure submission to speed up immigration clearance.
The MDAC is a separate pre-arrival desclaration from the Malaysia eVisa.
Good to know: The MDAC is separate from the Malaysia eVisa. Even with an approved eVisa or visa-exempt status, MDAC submission is still required.
2. Who Needs to Fill the MDAC?
The digital arrival card is compulsory for most international travelers entering Malaysia, including:
Tourists
Short-stay leisure visits
Business Travelers
Meetings, events & conferences
Transit Passengers
Passing through Malaysia
Foreign Students
Arriving for study programs
eVisa & Visa Holders
Social Visit Pass, Multiple-Entry Visa
Visa-Exempt Nationals
ASEAN, select EU & other countries
Most foreign travelers entering Malaysia need to complete the MDAC before arrival.
Exemptions: Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempt. Diplomats may also be exempt depending on official travel status.
3. Malaysia Entry Requirements 2026 at a Glance
Use this quick-reference table to prepare travel documents before your flight:
Requirement
Required?
Who It Applies To
Where to Obtain
Valid Passport
Yes
All travelers
Home country government
MDAC (Digital Arrival Card)
Yes
All foreign nationals
Malaysia Immigration portal
Malaysia eVisa / Visa
Nationality dependent
Non visa-exempt travelers
eVisa portal or embassy
Return / Onward Ticket
Usually yes
Most travelers
Airline or travel provider
Travel Insurance
Recommended
All travelers
Insurance providers
Sufficient Funds
Yes
All travelers
Personal financial proof
Keep your passport, MDAC, visa if required, and travel proof ready before departure.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date. Keep accommodation proof ready for immigration checks.
4. What You Need Before You Start
Gather these details before opening the MDAC portal to complete the process quickly:
Valid Passport
Passport number, issuing country, and expiry date exactly as shown on your passport bio-data page.
Flight or Travel Details
Arrival date, route details, and intended entry point such as airport, border crossing, or seaport.
Accommodation Address
Hotel details or complete host address where you will stay in Malaysia.
Accessible Email Address
Your MDAC confirmation and QR code will be sent here. Use an email you can open while traveling.
Prepare your passport, travel details, accommodation address, and email before starting.
Pro tip: Every traveler, including children and infants, requires a separate MDAC submission.
5. Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your MDAC Registration
Follow each MDAC form step carefully and review all details before submission.
1
Visit the Official PortalGo to mdac.imi.gov.my only. The MDAC is completely free — any site charging a fee is unofficial.
2
Register an Account or Log InFirst-time users create a free account with your email. Returning travelers log in and click New Application.
3
Fill In Personal & Passport DetailsEnter full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and expiry exactly as shown on your passport.
4
Complete the Health DeclarationAnswer health-screening questions honestly covering recent travel history and symptom checks — takes under a minute.
5
Review, Submit & Save Your QR CodeReview all details carefully. Save the QR code to your phone gallery and screenshot it as backup before you fly.
When to submit: Complete MDAC within 72 hours before arrival. Best practice is 24 to 48 hours before departure.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the top errors that cause delays at immigration counters and e-gates:
Small errors in passport details or timing can cause travel delays.
Name MismatchYour name must be identical to your passport — even a missing middle name can cause issues.
Wrong Passport NumberTransposing just one digit will flag a mismatch at the e-gate or immigration counter.
Unofficial Third-Party SitesOnly mdac.imi.gov.my is legitimate. Other sites may overcharge or submit wrong data.
Submitting Too EarlyThe system only accepts applications within the 72-hour window before your arrival.
Not Saving the QR CodeAirport Wi-Fi can be unreliable — download your confirmation before you board.
Forgetting ChildrenEach child, including infants, needs their own separate MDAC form.
7. What Happens After You Submit?
You will receive a confirmation email within minutes containing your unique MDAC QR code linked to your submission.
Show your QR code — digital or printed — alongside your passport. Eligible travelers can use e-gates for faster immigration clearance.
Check your spam or junk folder first. Log back into your MDAC account to download your latest valid submission.
Submit a fresh application with the corrected details. Immigration always uses your most recent valid submission.
Save your MDAC QR code before departure so you can access it offline at immigration.
Offline access is essential. Download your QR code to your phone gallery or screenshot it before you fly. Do not rely on airport Wi-Fi.
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