Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
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The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a pre-arrival registration that most foreign nationals must complete before entering Malaysia. It is submitted online through the official Immigration Department of Malaysia portal and replaces the paper disembarkation card previously used at entry points. You must submit it within three days before your arrival. It is not a visa, and completing it does not guarantee entry into Malaysia.
What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The MDAC is a digital immigration form introduced by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia). It collects personal, travel, and health information from arriving international travelers and allows Malaysian immigration authorities to process arrivals more efficiently. Unlike a visa, the MDAC does not grant permission to enter Malaysia — it is a separate administrative requirement.
The official MDAC registration portal is free of charge, available at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.
Who Needs to Complete It?
Travelers Who Must Submit
The MDAC is required for most foreign nationals entering Malaysia, including tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers, regardless of the mode of entry — air, sea, or land.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Certain traveler groups may be exempt, including Malaysian citizens and some categories of permanent residents. Exemption categories must be verified directly with the Immigration Department of Malaysia before travel, as eligibility criteria are updated periodically.
When to Submit
You may submit your MDAC no earlier than three days before your scheduled arrival date in Malaysia. Completing it at least 24 hours in advance is advisable to allow time to resolve any technical issues. Do not submit the MDAC after you have already arrived.
What You Need Before You Start
Passport and Personal Details
- Full name as it appears on your passport
- Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date
- Date of birth, nationality, and a valid email address
Travel, Transport, and Accommodation Details
- Flight number, vessel name, or transport reference
- Embarkation point (city and country where your journey begins)
- Arrival date and entry point
- Full address of your accommodation in Malaysia
How to Complete the Form Step by Step
1. Access the Official Service
Go to imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. If a website asks for payment to submit your MDAC, it is not an official government service.
2. Enter and Review the Information
Complete all required fields using the exact details from your passport. Double-check your passport number, arrival date, flight details, and accommodation address before moving to the next section.
3. Submit and Save the Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation — save it digitally and, if possible, print a copy. Some entry points may ask you to present this confirmation upon arrival.
What Happens After Submission?
You will receive a confirmation reference indicating that your pre-arrival registration has been recorded. Receiving a confirmation does not mean you have been granted entry into Malaysia — immigration officers retain full authority to determine admissibility at the point of entry.
How to Correct Errors or Retrieve the Confirmation
Return to the official MDAC portal and check whether an edit or resubmission option is available. If you did not receive your confirmation email, check your spam folder first, then use the portal's retrieval function with your passport number and registered email address.
MDAC vs Visa and Other Entry Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MDAC | Pre-arrival registration |
| Visa | Permission to enter Malaysia |
| eGate access | Automated border clearance for eligible passport holders |
Completing the MDAC does not grant eGate access — eGate eligibility is determined separately by immigration authorities based on passport type and other criteria.
Key Points Before You Travel
- Submit within the three-day window before your scheduled arrival date.
- Use only the official MDAC portal — the service is free.
- Save or print your confirmation before you travel.
- The MDAC is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to submit the MDAC?
Most foreign nationals entering Malaysia, though Malaysian citizens may be exempt.
When can I register for the MDAC?
Within the three-day window immediately before your scheduled arrival.
Is the MDAC the same as a visa?
No, it is a separate pre-arrival registration form.
Does completing the MDAC guarantee eGate access?
No, eGate eligibility is determined separately.
What information is required?
Passport details, contact information, travel and transport information, and your accommodation address in Malaysia.