All the foreigners are required to submit Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) prior to arrival Malaysia

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Effective 1 January 2024, foreign nationals entering Malaysia are required to fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) via the Malaysian Immigration portal

This online procedure must be carried out within three days before arriving in the country, also considering the day of travel in the calculation.
Example: If the arrival in Malaysia is scheduled for December 7th, the procedure can be carried out starting from December 5th.

Upon arrival, travelers will therefore, have to present to the border Authority, in addition to their passport, the completed MDAC.

Italian citizens with permanent residence (PR) status or with a Long-Term Pass in Malaysia are exempt from this requirement.

To transit within the same airport in Malaysia, it is not necessary to fill in the MDAC. In Kuala Lumpur there are international airports of KLIA 1 and KLIA2, to move from 1 to 2, passengers need to go through passport control, exit the airport, take a vehicle or train and check in. In this case, the MDAC is required.

What is MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card)?

The MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) is a new online pre-arrival form introduced as part of Malaysia’s Visa Liberalization Plan.

Starting from January 1, 2024*, most foreign travellers visiting Malaysia will be required to complete the MDAC before their arrival in the country. This online form is designed to streamline the entry process and enhance the overall travel experience.

*There is a grace period in effect until 31 December 2023, permitting foreign travellers to complete the form upon arrival at Malaysia’s international entry points. However, starting 1 January 2024, they must complete the form prior to arrival.

Who is exempted from MDAC submission?

Not all travellers are subject to the MDAC requirement. Certain categories of travellers are exempt from filling out the MDAC. These exemptions include:

Singaporeans: Citizens of Singapore are not required to complete the MDAC as of 1 January 2024.
Malaysia Long-Term Pass Holders: Individuals holding long-term passes for Malaysia are exempt from MDAC submission.
Brunei Common Identification Certificate Holders: Those with Brunei common identification certificates are not required to fill out the digital arrival card.
Thai Border Pass Holders: Travellers holding Thai border passes are also exempt from MDAC submission.
If you fall within any of these exemption categories, you do not need to complete the MDAC. However, it’s essential to ensure you meet the exemption criteria.

For travellers who are not exempt from MDAC submission, it’s crucial to understand the submission process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filling out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card:

Step 1: Visit the Immigration Department’s website

To initiate the MDAC submission, visit the official website of the Malaysia Immigration Department.

Step 2: Complete the MDAC form

Once on the website, locate the MDAC form and fill it out accurately. You’ll need to provide various details, including your personal information, travel itinerary, and passport details. Be sure to double-check all the information before submitting the form.

Step 3: Submit the MDAC

After completing the form, submit it through the official website. There is no fee associated with MDAC submission.

Step 4: Keep a record

It’s advisable to keep a record of your MDAC submission, either by taking a screenshot of the confirmation page or saving the confirmation email, if provided.

Step 5: Note the submission deadline

Starting from January 1, 2024, travellers must complete the MDAC before arriving in Malaysia. The grace period allowing submission upon arrival will no longer be available after this date. Ensure you submit the form in advance to avoid any complications.

After Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) application submission

Once you’ve successfully submitted the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card and are planning your trip to Malaysia, it’s essential to be aware of what comes next upon arrival. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Present your valid passport

Upon arrival in Malaysia, ensure you have a valid passport. All travellers must have a valid passport. For arrivals at Malaysian airports, passports should be valid for at least six months, while those entering through land checkpoints need passports valid for at least three months.

Step 2: Show your MDAC confirmation

Present your MDAC confirmation, either in print or digital form, for validation at the immigration counter.

If you’re eligible, follow the autogate (e-gate) procedure for a faster entry process.

Step 3: Utilise the Autogate (E-Gate) System (if eligible)

Foreign business and social traveller from 10 countries (such as Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United States and United Kingdom), have the option to use Malaysia’s automated entry system, known as the autogate. To be eligible, you need to be a visitor from the mentioned countries and have:

• Submitted Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arrival
• Enrolled a biometric (fingerprint) at the counter
• e-Passport

Note for first-time autogate users, it’s necessary to verify your passport at a manual immigration counter upon arrival. This step is mandatory before utilising the autogate during your departure. For subsequent visit to Malaysia, you can immediately use the autogate to enter and exit the country.