What Is MDAC? Malaysia Digital Arrival Card Explained

What Is MDAC?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online pre-arrival registration of your traveler and trip details. Instead of relying on paperwork at the border, you enter your details online before you arrive in Malaysia.

According to the Malaysian Immigration Department, completing MDAC has been mandatory since 1 January 2024 for foreign visitors, except for the exempt groups.

MDAC and Visas Are Separate

MDAC is not a visa and does not replace any visa requirement. Whether you need a visa depends on your passport and the purpose of your trip. Being able to travel to Malaysia without a visa does not automatically make you exempt from MDAC.

Who Generally Needs It?

Foreign visitors travelling to Malaysia generally need to complete MDAC unless they fall within an official exempt category. Exempt groups include Singapore citizens, diplomatic and official passport holders, and Malaysia Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders, among others. See the full list on our eligibility page.

When to Complete It

The traveler's trip must be within 3 days, including the date of submission. MDAC is therefore meant to be completed in the days just before you travel.

What Information Is Requested

MDAC asks for four broad kinds of information: personal and passport details, contact details, travel details and accommodation details. Enter them exactly as they appear in your passport and travel bookings.