Travelling to Malaysia soon? Foreign travellers are now required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before arriving in Malaysia. This digital system replaces traditional entry paperwork and helps make immigration clearance faster and smoother.  

Whether you are travelling to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Sabah, Sarawak or anywhere else in Malaysia, this guide will show you exactly how to complete the MDAC step-by-step.

At ZFB Travel, we regularly assist international travellers visiting Malaysia for holidays, family trips, food hunting and cultural tours. This guide is written based on the actual MDAC submission process and includes screenshots to make the process easier.

What Is Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) ?

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online immigration registration form introduced by the Malaysian government to manage and facilitate the entry of foreign visitors.  

Instead of filling out physical entry documentation upon arrival, travellers can now securely submit their information online and receive an email confirmation slip.

The MDAC system helps :

•  Reduce immigration waiting times at the border
•  Improve traveller data processing for safety and security
•  Make arrival procedures highly convenient for international tourists
• Reduce paperwork at border checkpoints

Do All Travellers Need MDAC ?

Yes, all foreign citizens entering Malaysia are mandatory required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival, unless you fall under the exemption list.

Important :

• MDAC is NOT a visa
• If your nationality requires a visa to enter Malaysia, you must still apply for a visa separately
• MDAC is simply an arrival registration form

Who is Exempted :

• Citizens of Singapore.  
• Diplomatic and Official Passport holders
• Malaysian Permanent Residents (PR) and Long-Term Pass holders
• General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam holders
• Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveler Facility holders
• Thailand Border Pass holders
• Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) holders

Even if you are entering Malaysia by Flight, Train, Bus, Cruise, or Private Vehicle, you must complete the MDAC before your trip.

When Should You Submit MDAC ?

Travellers must submit the MDAC within 3 days prior to arrival in Malaysia.  

• Example : If your travel date is Friday, you can start submitting your online form from Tuesday onwards.  

 Avoid submitting earlier than 3 days as the system will not allow you to choose future dates outside this window.

Documents and Information Needed

Before starting your MDAC application, prepare the following details :

•  Passport (Must have at least 6 months validity before travelling)
• Flight ticket or transport details (Flight number, vehicle number, etc.)
• Hotel or accommodation address in Malaysia
• Active email address (To receive your confirmation slip)
• Active phone number

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity before travelling.

Step 1 - Visit the Official MDAC Website
Open the official Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) portal on your phone or computer.
 Official Link : https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main

 Action : Click on the REGISTER button to begin your application.

Step 2 - Fill in Personal Information
As shown in image.png (Step 2), fill out your personal profile details carefully.
Ensure the following match your passport exactly :

• Name & Passport Number
• Nationality / Citizenship
• Date of Birth & Place of Birth
• Gender (Sex) & Date of Passport Expiry
• Email Address (and confirm it)
• Country/Region Code & Mobile No.

Step 3 - Fill in Traveling Information
Scroll down to the "Traveling Information" section as shown in (Step 3).

• Note : Your submission must be made within 3 days prior to your arrival date in Malaysia.

Provide your trip details :

• Date of Arrival & Date of Departure
• Mode of Travel (e.g., Air, Land, Sea)
• Last Port of Embarkation before Malaysia
• Flight / Vessel / Transportation No.
• Accommodation of Stay (Hotel, Residence, Others)
• Address (In Malaysia), State, City and Postcode

Step 4 - Complete the Security Verification
As shown in (Step 4), complete the security puzzle at the bottom of the page.
 

• Action : Drag the puzzle piece slider to verify you are a human.
• Action : Review your details one last time and click SUBMIT.

Step 5 - Successful Registration Confirmation
Once submitted, a green notification banner will appear as shown in (Step 5) stating :

"SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT EMAIL WILL BE SENT TO : [Your Email]"

Step 6 - Download and Save Your MDAC PDF
Check your email inbox for the official PDF confirmation from Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, illustrated in (Step 6).

You should :

• Save the digital PDF on your smartphone 
• Take a clear screenshot of the QR Code shown on the document
• Print out a physical backup copy just in case

Is Malaysia MDAC Free ?

Yes! Registration for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is completely free of charge.

Always use the official government link and avoid unauthorized websites asking for payment.

Who Needs to Fill Out the MDAC ?

All foreign citizens traveling to Malaysia must complete the MDAC.

Completion is mandatory except for the following exempted categories :

• Citizens of Singapore
• Diplomatic and Official Passport holders
• Malaysia Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders
• General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam holders
• Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveler Facility holders
• Thailand Border Pass holders
• Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) holders

Final Tips Before Traveling to Malaysia

• Submit on time : Complete your MDAC within 3 days before arriving
• Passport Validity : Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
• At the Border : Show your MDAC registration email/QR code alongside your passport at the immigration counter
• Customs Reminder : Travelers carrying cash or negotiable instruments amounting to more than USD 10,000 must declare it to customs

Planning a trip soon? ZFB Travel offers seamless, customized holiday packages tailored for travelers looking to explore the best sights, shopping and food spots across Malaysia!