Heading to Malaysia in 2026? You’ll need to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before you board.
This free online form is now mandatory for almost all foreign visitors and must be filed within three days of arrival.
What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The MDAC is a free pre-arrival declaration introduced by the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM). It replaced the old paper arrival card and became compulsory on 1 January 2024.
It collects your passport, travel and accommodation details before you fly. The submission is digitally tied to your passport, so officers at Kuala Lumpur and other entry points can clear you faster.
The MDAC is not a visa. Visa-required nationalities still need to apply for a Malaysia eVisa or visa with reference separately.
Who Needs the MDAC and Who Is Exempt?
All foreign nationals entering Malaysia in 2026 must submit the MDAC, regardless of how long they stay or why they’re visiting. That covers tourists, business travellers, students and people visiting family.
Airlines now verify your MDAC status at check-in. Without a valid submission, you can be denied boarding before you even reach your flight to Malaysia.
Who Is Exempt from the MDAC
A small group of travellers don’t need to file the form. Per the Malaysian Immigration Department, the exempt categories are:
- Citizens of Singapore
- Diplomatic and official passport holders
- Malaysian Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders
- General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam holders
- Brunei–Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders
- Thailand Border Pass holders
- Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) holders
If you don’t fit one of these categories, assume you need the MDAC before you fly.
When to Submit the MDAC
You can only file the MDAC within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Malaysia. Submit any earlier than that and the system will reject your form.
The 72-hour window is counted from your scheduled arrival date and time, not from when you board. For long-haul flights, file the day before departure to stay safely inside the window.
How to Apply for the MDAC: Step by Step
Use only the official portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Type the URL straight into your browser and avoid sponsored search results, which often lead to fake sites.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
- Passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date
- Flight or vessel number and exact arrival date
- Accommodation address in Malaysia (hotel name and full address)
- A working email and contact phone number
If your hotel booking is still pending, you can compare hotels in Kuala Lumpur on Wego before you fill in the address field.
The Application Steps
- Open the official MDAC portal and click Register
- Fill in your personal and passport details
- Add your travel and accommodation information
- Review every field, then submit
- Save the confirmation email and PIN; that is your proof at the airport
Spotted an error after submitting? Use the Check Registration link with your passport number, nationality and PIN to fix the form before you fly.
Cost: The MDAC Is Free, Watch Out for Scams
The official MDAC is completely free. The Malaysian Immigration Department has warned tourists about copycat sites that charge a processing fee for fake “express approval”; one reported case saw a traveller lose about RM145 to a fake portal.
Autogate Rules for Foreign Visitors in 2026
Travellers from 63 eligible countries can use Malaysia’s autogate (Egate) facilities to clear immigration in seconds. This sits alongside the MDAC, which you still need to submit before arrival.
Where Autogates Are Available
| Entry Point | Type |
|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) T1 & T2 | Air |
| Penang International Airport (PEN) | Air |
| Johor land checkpoints (BSI and KSAB) | Land |
First-Time Visitors
If it is your first time entering Malaysia, you must clear immigration at a manual counter so officers can verify your passport and enrol your biometrics. From your second visit onward, you can walk straight to the autogate.
Who’s Eligible
The 63 eligible nationalities include the GCC states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE), the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Türkiye, Jordan, Singapore, Brunei and most of Europe.
You still need to file the MDAC at least 3 days before you fly to use the autogate, even if your nationality is on the list.
What Happens at the Airport After You Submit
Save the MDAC confirmation to your phone before your flight. A printout isn’t required, but keeping one as a backup helps if your battery dies.
On arrival, your MDAC is already linked to your passport. Eligible travellers head straight to the autogate; everyone else clears at a manual counter. The process is faster than the old paper arrival card.
If your form has errors or was never submitted, expect delays and possible secondary screening at the immigration desk.
MDAC vs Malaysia Visa: Don’t Mix Them Up
The MDAC and a Malaysia visa are two different things. The MDAC is a free arrival declaration that nearly every foreign visitor must file. A visa is a separate entry permit that only some nationalities need.
If your country sits on Malaysia’s visa requirement list, you will also need to apply for an eVisa or visa with reference. Filing the MDAC alone won’t get you in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting Too Early
Forms filed more than 72 hours before arrival are automatically rejected. Wait until the 3-day window opens before you register.
Typos in Passport Details
A wrong passport number or nationality will hold you up at immigration. Double-check every field before you submit, then verify it on the Check Registration page.
Paying for the MDAC
The form is free on the official portal. If you handed over a credit card, you’ve been scammed and should report it to your bank straight away.
Skipping the First-Visit Counter
First-time visitors can’t use the autogate until biometrics are captured at a manual counter. Don’t queue at an autogate on your first arrival in Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MDAC really free?
Yes. The Malaysian Immigration Department does not charge any fee for the MDAC. Any website asking for payment is a scam.
Can I edit my MDAC after submitting?
Yes. Use the Check Registration link on the official portal with your passport number, nationality and PIN to update details before you arrive.
Do children and infants need an MDAC?
Yes. Every foreign traveller, including children and infants, must have their own MDAC submitted by a parent or guardian before arrival.
What if I forget to submit the MDAC before flying?
You can fill it out on your phone before you reach the immigration counter, but airlines may stop you at check-in. File it as soon as you remember and well before boarding.
Does the MDAC expire?
The MDAC is tied to a single arrival date. Each new trip into Malaysia needs a fresh submission within the 3-day window before that arrival.
Do Sabah and Sarawak need a separate arrival form?
The MDAC covers entry into Malaysia as a whole. Sabah and Sarawak operate their own internal immigration controls, so check local requirements if you’re flying directly into Kota Kinabalu or Kuching.
Sources
- Malaysian Immigration Department: MDAC Announcement
- Malaysian Immigration Department: MDAC for Foreign Visitors
- Official MDAC Portal
- Malaysia Visa Requirement by Country
- Bernama: Immigration Dept Warns Tourists of Fake MDAC Website
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
