Visiting Malaysia brings a new requirement for international travellers: the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This digital entry declaration has replaced the old paper forms that were once distributed during flights or at border control. Rather than completing documents on arrival, visitors must now submit the MDAC online before entering Malaysia, ensuring a smoother and quicker immigration process.
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) should not be confused with a visa. It is a compulsory entry declaration. The form collects essential details from travellers, including passport information, flight itinerary, accommodation address, and the reason for visiting. To avoid complications at the border, it must be submitted within three days prior to travel, helping ensure a seamless and hassle-free entry into Malaysia.
No matter if you’re heading to Malaysia for a holiday, a business trip, or just a quick stopover, getting your head around the MDAC registration and process is key to avoiding hold-ups at immigration. This guide covers everything you need to know—who needs to complete the MDAC, how to apply, the details you’ll be asked for, and handy tips to make the process stress-free. With a bit of preparation sorted in advance, you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time soaking up Malaysia’s lively culture.
Key Takeaways
- The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory requirement for most international travellers.
- It must be completed online within three days prior to your arrival in Malaysia.
- The form gathers important traveller information for immigration clearance.
- Reviewing the details carefully ensures accuracy and avoids delays.
- Completing the MDAC in advance allows for a smooth immigration process.
Travellers can enjoy a stress-free start to their journey in Malaysia.
Understanding the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Travelling to Malaysia in 2025 comes with a small but important update - the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. This online entry requirement has replaced the traditional paper form and must be completed before you arrive in Malaysia. The MDAC is intended to simplify border checks and ensure smoother entry into the country.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a business trip, or a stopover, being aware of the MDAC process can save you time and stress.
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Who Is Required to Complete the MDAC?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a new requirement that applies to the majority of foreign travellers entering the country. While the process itself is simple and only takes a few minutes, knowing whether or not you’re required to complete the form is crucial to avoid unnecessary stress or delays at the airport.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Required for: All international visitors travelling to Malaysia are expected to complete the MDAC before arriving. This includes tourists, business travellers, students, and even those visiting family or friends. Regardless of the length of stay—whether just a short holiday, a business meeting, or a longer visit—the MDAC is mandatory. Some travellers may also require a visa in addition to the MDAC, depending on their nationality.
- Not required for: Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from filling out the MDAC. Since they are already recognized in the country’s immigration systems, they can bypass this requirement. Certain nationalities with specific agreements or arrangements with Malaysia may also be exempt, but these are exceptions rather than the rule.
- Transit passengers: If you are only transiting through a Malaysian airport without passing through immigration, you typically do not need an MDAC. However, if you plan to leave the airport during your layover—even briefly—you will be required to complete the MDAC before entering the country.
- Special Categories: Diplomats, official delegations, and some government-recognized travellers may fall under special exemptions, but this varies depending on the purpose of travel and agreements between Malaysia and their home countries.
Because rules can occasionally change, it’s always advised to check the official Malaysian government site before you fly. This ensures that you don’t face last-minute surprises at the immigration counter.
At the same time, preparing your Malaysia SIM card before departure ensures you’re connected once you arrive.
In short, if you’re a Non-Malaysian traveller heading to Malaysia, assume you’ll need to complete the MDAC unless you fall under the very limited exemptions.
How to Apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Filling out the MDAC is a quick online process. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the official MDAC website.
- Fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
- Enter your details, travel information, and passport data.
- Review everything carefully before submission.
- You’ll receive confirmation post submission (keep it handy for immigration).
The MDAC form only takes a few minutes to complete, but it must be submitted within three days prior to arrival. To make your trip even smoother, take care of essentials ahead of time, such as choosing the best travel SIM card to stay connected without roaming hassles.
Required Details to Provide
What you’ll need when completing the MDAC:
- Full name as per passport
- Nationality
- Passport details (Passport number and expiry date)
- Flight details and place of arrival
- Purpose of visit
- Accommodation details in Malaysia
Make sure to double-check these details to avoid issues at immigration.
MDAC vs Malaysian Visa: Know the Difference
It’s important to know that the MDAC is not a visa.
- MDAC is an entry declaration, mandatory for immigration clearance.
- Visa is a permission to enter/stay, subject to your citizenship.
Some travellers will need both (visa + MDAC), while others may only need the MDAC.
What Happens If You Forget to Submit the MDAC?
Forgetting to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before your trip can cause delays and complications at immigration. While the MDAC is designed to streamline entry, arriving without a completed form may result in longer queues, additional questioning by border officers, or even being asked to fill out the card on the spot.In some instances, missing the MDAC may result in fines or, rarely, being denied entry until the form is properly filled out.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to complete your MDAC online within three days prior to your arrival. A saved digital copy or printout of your MDAC confirmation can ease and speed up immigration checks. Planning ahead ensures a smooth entry into Malaysia, letting you enjoy your trip rather than worrying about paperwork.
If you’re visiting for a short stay, staying connected is just as important as clearing immigration quickly. A practical option is the Malaysia 10 Day 6GB Data SIM Card, which helps you stay online and access essential information throughout your trip without stress.
Reasons Why Malaysia Introduced the MDAC
The digital arrival card is part of Malaysia’s broader effort to adopt smarter, digital-first travel systems with many benefits that include:
- Faster immigration clearance
- Reduced paperwork
- Enhanced monitoring for health and security purposes
- Easier travel experience for international visitors
Tips for a Hassle-Free MDAC Application
- Complete the form within 3 days of arrival.
- Make sure your MDAC details align with your travel passport.
- Keep a screenshot or printout of your MDAC confirmation.
- Pair your MDAC preparation with buying a local SIM or eSIM so you’re connected on arrival.
By following these simple steps, you’ll not only avoid immigration delays but also set yourself up for a stress-free and well-connected journey. Services like SimCorner offer convenient travel SIMs and eSIMs, ensuring you’re ready to explore Malaysia hassle-free.
Once your entry requirements are sorted, you can focus on the fun part of your trip. The Malaysia Festival blog highlights cultural events and festivals you can experience while in Malaysia.
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