Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
- Official website
- https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main 3
- Who must submit
- All foreign citizens, with listed exemptions 2
- Mandatory since
- 1 January 2024 2
- When to submit
- Within 3 days before arrival 3
- Main exemption
- Citizens of Singapore 2
Who needs the MDAC
The Immigration Department of Malaysia says all foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia must complete the MDAC 2. Completion became mandatory on 1 January 2024 2. The rule covers arrivals at KLIA1, KLIA2 and the other gazetted international checkpoints 1.
Who is exempt
The department lists these groups as exempt 2:
- Citizens of Singapore
- Diplomatic and official passport holders
- Malaysia permanent residents and long-term pass holders
- Brunei General Certificate of Identity (GCI) holders
- Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders
- Thailand border pass holders
- Indonesia cross-border travel document (PLB) holders
When and how to submit
Complete and submit the MDAC within 3 days before you arrive in Malaysia 3. Use the official form at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main 3.
When you land, show your MDAC registration and have your passport checked at the immigration counter 3. The portal has pages to check your registration and your visit pass after you submit 1.
Cost and validity
The official portal and the department's MDAC guides list no fee for registration 1,23. We could not find a page that states the cost in words, so treat any request for payment with suspicion 4.
The guides do not state a validity period. The card is tied to the arrival you register within the 3-day window 3.
If anyone asks you to pay for the MDAC, stop and check that you are on the official address before you go further 4.
Autogates and cash rules
The MDAC portal lists Malaysian autogate facilities for foreigners. It names MACS holders, long-term pass holders and visitors from Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom 1.
The portal reminds travellers that cash or bearer negotiable instruments worth more than US$10,000 must be declared to customs 1.
Fake MDAC websites
In January 2025 the Immigration Department warned foreign tourists about a fraudulent MDAC website 4. Its statement said: "Always visit the official MDAC website at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main to avoid scams and safeguard your personal information" 4. Sites that copy the form may charge you and collect your passport data 4.
Common questions
Do Singaporeans need the MDAC?
No. Citizens of Singapore are on the exemption list 2.
How many days before arrival can I fill in the MDAC?
Submit it within 3 days before you arrive in Malaysia 3.
What do I do with the MDAC when I land?
Show your MDAC registration and have your passport verified at the immigration counter 3.
Do diplomats need the MDAC?
No. Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt 2.
Can I check my MDAC after I submit it?
Yes. The official portal has Check Registration and Check Visit Pass pages, plus a page to check autogate eligibility 1.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.
Sources
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) portal (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: MDAC for foreign visitors, Who is eligible? (infographic, accessed 19 October 2026)
- Immigration Department of Malaysia: MDAC for foreign visitors, How to register? (infographic, accessed 19 October 2026)
- Bernama: Immigration Dept Warns Tourists Of Fake MDAC Website (4 January 2025)
Related
- SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with electronic health declaration
Singapore's SG Arrival Card is free and must be submitted within 3 days before arrival. Who is exempt, the official links and ICA scam warnings.
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
The TDAC is Thailand's free online arrival card for all non-Thai visitors. Who needs it, when to submit it and the only official website.
- All Indonesia: arrival card and customs declaration
All Indonesia combines Indonesia's immigration, customs, health and quarantine arrival forms. It is free. When to submit and the official site.