Arrival Card Malaysia — MDAC in English
Fill out your Malaysia arrival card (MDAC) in English with our online form. Prepare your discovery of Kuala Lumpur and the tropical islands with peace of mind.
Welcome to Malaysia
Before traveling to Malaysia, you must ensure you have applied for an electronic arrival card. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) allows you to facilitate formalities upon arrival in the territory. All travelers arriving in Malaysia, regardless of the mode of transport, must have received this electronic travel authorization in advance.
Digital switch
Why Malaysia made MDAC mandatory on 1 January 2024
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) replaced the traditional paper boarding form on the first day of 2024. A decision driven by three priorities of the Malaysian government.
Unclog saturated airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) was approaching 30 million annual travellers. Pre-arrival MDAC submission removes the need for officers to retype passport data — a measured 40% gain on processing time.
Prepare ASEAN integration: in 2024, Malaysia announced its intent to eventually mutualize immigration databases with Singapore and Thailand. The MDAC is the pivot format, compatible with Singapore's SGAC and Thailand's TDAC.
Fight overstay: digitalization enables automatic cross-checks against allowed visa durations. Since rollout, the overstayers detection rate has doubled according to the Department of Immigration Malaysia.
MDAC stays free
On imigresen-online.imi.gov.my, the MDAC is fully free. Any fee you see on third-party sites covers an assistance service (translation, review), not the card itself.
Validity of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
The MDAC has been mandatory for all foreign travellers since 1 January 2024. Here are its key validity rules.
Duration
Stay up to 30 days
Entries
One entry per MDAC
Extension
Extensions not handled via MDAC
Exit
No exit card required
Malaysia Arrival Card Information
What does the MDAC application consist of?
To obtain your arrival card, an application must be made at least 72 hours before your departure to Malaysia. The procedure is done online only. The form to be filled out will allow you to indicate several personal data concerning your identity as well as your country of residence. Information about your trip to Malaysia, including your accommodation address and stay dates will be required. The MDAC is a procedure that concerns travelers going to Malaysia for stays of 90, 30, or 14 days. Depending on your nationality, the authorized length of stay may vary. This formality does not replace the visa/e-visa process.
Which nationalities are concerned by the MDAC?
All nationalities are eligible for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. Here are some exceptions for the following travelers who are not concerned by the MDAC formality: Singaporeans holding diplomatic and official passports, Malaysian permanent residents (PR) and long-term pass holders, holders of a Brunei Common Identification Certificate (GCI), holders of the Brunei-Malaysia frequent traveler program, holders of a Thai border passport, holders of an Indonesian cross-border pass (PLB)
Which entry points are eligible for the MDAC?
All entry points are eligible for the MDAC arrival card (air, land, or sea)
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date, Residential Address, Phone |
| TRAVEL DETAILS | Arrival Date, Departure Date, Mode of Transport |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION | - |
| ACCOMMODATION | Name and Address of Accommodation |
| ITINERARY | Last border before entering Malaysia |
| HEALTH | - |
Practical pitfalls
MDAC quirks to know before you arrive
MDAC is fast to fill in, but a few details regularly cause boarding or arrival refusals.
The strict 3-day window: unlike many Asian arrival cards, MDAC cannot be submitted more than 3 days before arrival. A submission 5 days ahead is purely rejected by the portal.
Transit is not exempt: if you stay more than 24 h in Malaysia between two flights, MDAC is required even for transit. Many travellers ignore this and get refused at boarding for their connection.
Passport serial number: Malaysia also asks for the serial number at the bottom of the identity page (in addition to the main number). This dual entry is poorly explained and accounts for a third of rejections per community feedback.
Common MDAC mistakes
An invalid MDAC can mean denied boarding or refused entry. Here are the most frequent traps.
Submitting too early
The MDAC must be filed within 3 days before arrival. Earlier submissions are rejected.
Wrong passport number
A single typo invalidates the MDAC. Copy your passport number exactly as printed.
Vague accommodation address
Provide the full address of your hotel or accommodation, not just the city. Incomplete addresses are refused.
Forgetting children
Each traveller, including minors, needs their own MDAC. Group entries are not allowed.
Mixing up form and arrival dates
Enter your planned arrival date in Malaysia, not the date you fill out the form.
Penalties for a missing or invalid MDAC
Travelling without a valid MDAC exposes you to immediate consequences. Here's what's at stake.
Denied boarding
Denied boarding
Airlines check the MDAC before departure. Without it, boarding is refused without automatic refund.
Refusal at Malaysian airport
Refusal at Malaysian airport
A missing or invalid MDAC can lead to denied entry and immediate return at the carrier's or traveller's expense.
Administrative fine
Administrative fine
Malaysian authorities can impose fines up to RM 3,000 (≈ €600) for serious immigration breaches.
Recorded in immigration databases
Recorded in immigration databases
Breaches can complicate future entries in Malaysia or partner countries sharing immigration data.
Places to visit in Malaysia
Malaysia
The capital Kuala Lumpur is usually the first place visited when you arrive in Malaysia. Between modernity and traditions, you can visit the Masjid Negara and Masjid Jamek mosques. To discover the city more in depth, you can go to the Kampung Baru district.
Traveling in Malaysia means exploring different temples and religious buildings. Malacca is a port city and is classified by UNESCO as "The Venice of Asia". It hosts the floating mosque Masjid Selat. Georgetown, located on Penang Island, is home to many Buddhist temples, including the Khoo Kongsi temple, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Green and natural tourism is also very present in Malaysia. Take advantage of it to explore the highlands and discover tea plantations. The Cameron Highlands will offer you breathtaking landscapes. Gunung Mulu National Park is located in the middle of the Borneo jungle and can only be accessed by air.
Regarding beach tourism, it can be interesting to visit different islands if you are a fan of paradise beaches. The most famous islands are mainly Tioman Island, Langkawi, and Pangkor.
Perhentian is an island with pristine beaches, located about 30 minutes by boat from Kuala Lumpur. It's an ideal place for beach lovers, hiking, and snorkeling.
Document Timeline
History and evolution of the document.
December 2023
Malaysia announces the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) system, replacing paper arrival cards.
December 2023
Malaysia announces the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) system, replacing paper arrival cards.
April 2024
MDAC goes live — mandatory for all international air travelers.
April 2024
MDAC goes live — mandatory for all international air travelers.
July 2024
Extension to sea entry points (cruise terminals).
July 2024
Extension to sea entry points (cruise terminals).
January 2025
Integration with autogate system at KLIA for faster processing.
January 2025
Integration with autogate system at KLIA for faster processing.
March 2026
MDAC now accepted at all 64 entry points nationwide.
March 2026
MDAC now accepted at all 64 entry points nationwide.
How It Works
Simple, fast, and stress-free.
Fill in the online form
Complete our secure form with your personal information and travel details
Receive your arrival card by email
We process your application and send your electronic arrival card directly to your inbox
Present your card upon arrival
Upon arrival, simply present your electronic card to immigration authorities
A reliable and secure service.
Processing Time
Your arrival card is typically processed within 24 hours. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your travel date.
Requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, recent passport photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
Fees
The service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, application verification, and customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions — Malaysia
What is the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card)?
The MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) is a mandatory electronic form that all international travelers must complete before entering Malaysia. It replaces the old paper arrival card and streamlines immigration formalities upon arrival in Malaysia.
Is the MDAC mandatory to enter Malaysia?
Yes, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all international travelers entering Malaysia, regardless of the mode of transport (air, land, or sea). Only a few exceptions exist, such as Singaporean diplomatic passport holders and Malaysian permanent residents.
How to fill out the Malaysia arrival card online?
You can fill out your Malaysia arrival card online through ArrivalCards. Simply provide your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation address in Malaysia. The form is straightforward and guides you step by step.
How far in advance should I fill out the MDAC?
The MDAC must be submitted at least 72 hours before your arrival in Malaysia. We recommend completing it as soon as your travel dates are confirmed to avoid any last-minute issues.
What documents are needed for the Malaysia MDAC?
To complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Malaysia. You will also need to provide your flight details, accommodation address, and travel dates.
Does the MDAC replace a visa for Malaysia?
No, the MDAC does not replace a visa. It is a separate arrival form. Many nationalities can stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes, but the MDAC is still required in addition. If your nationality requires a visa, you must obtain it separately.
How much does the Malaysia arrival card cost?
The MDAC is free on the official Malaysian government website. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers the translated form, assistance, and verification of your application before submission.
Is the form available in my language?
Official government websites are usually only available in English and the local language. ArrivalCards offers a translated and simplified form in 9 languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian). We verify your information and submit your application to the authorities.
What if my MDAC is rejected or has an error?
If there is an error on your MDAC, you can submit a new application with the corrected information. If you used ArrivalCards, our support team will help you correct and resubmit your form quickly before your departure.
Is the MDAC required for children and babies?
Yes, every traveler, including children and babies, must have their own MDAC to enter Malaysia. Parents or legal guardians must complete the form on behalf of minors using the child's passport information.