The MDAC at a Glance
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, or MDAC, is an electronic form that records a traveller’s personal, passport and travel details for arrival in Malaysia. This page is a short introduction: it explains the basics, what to understand before you prepare, and where to find fuller guidance.
An arrival information form
An electronic form that travellers use to give their arrival information for Malaysia.
Personal, passport and travel details
The information it asks for covers you, your passport and your journey.
Not the same as a visa
An arrival card is not a visa, and completing one does not by itself give permission to enter Malaysia.
Check what applies to you
What applies can vary with nationality, travel document and circumstances, so confirm the current requirements before you travel.
Application assistance is the focus of this website. The information here is general and is not a substitute for checking your own requirements.
What to Understand Before You Prepare
Requirements are not the same for every traveller, and they depend on the rules in force when you travel.
Requirements can differ
Your nationality, the type of travel document you use and the circumstances of your journey can all change what applies. Avoid assuming that one rule covers every traveller.
Your purpose of travel
Tourism, business, study, employment or another purpose may involve different arrival formalities. Check the ones that apply to your own circumstances.
Special arrangements
If you travel on a special document, under a border arrangement, or through a transit itinerary or other entry arrangement, check the requirements for that situation.
Confirm before you travel
This website gives general guidance only and cannot make an individual decision about whether the MDAC applies to your nationality, travel document or journey. Confirm the current requirements before you make travel arrangements.
What to Prepare, in Brief
A little preparation helps. Treat the points below as suggestions: the form you use decides what is actually requested, and not every item is necessarily required.
Passport details
The passport you plan to travel with, so you can refer to its number, country of issue and expiry date.
Personal and contact details
Your name, date of birth and nationality as shown in your travel documents, and an email address and telephone number you can use.
Journey details
Your expected arrival and departure dates, your transport details and where you will arrive in Malaysia.
Accommodation and visit
Where you expect to stay, why you are visiting and how long you plan to stay.
For the full preparation steps, read How to Apply for MDAC.
Where to Find More Guidance
Each page below covers one part of preparing in more depth, so this overview does not repeat it.
How to Apply for MDAC
Four general steps for preparing your information, from checking requirements to reviewing your details.
Read moreEntering Malaysia by Air, Land or Sea
How the MDAC fits arrivals by air, land and sea, with a short note on family and group travel.
Read moreWhy the MDAC Matters
How preparing your arrival details digitally helps travellers stay organised.
Read moreApplication Fees
The three service options for application assistance and their target processing times.
Read more
Check Before You Proceed
Before you rely on any prepared details, compare them with your travel documents. Names, passport information, dates and contact details should match exactly.
Plans change. If your dates, transport or accommodation change, or you are travelling with others, review the affected details again and keep a separate set for each traveller.
A Few Common Questions
When should I submit my Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
MDAC submission is generally associated with the three-day period before arrival in Malaysia. Information prepared earlier must still follow the applicable submission window, so prepare your passport and travel details ahead of time and confirm the window that applies to you.
Do I need an MDAC if I am travelling to Malaysia without a visa?
You may still need an MDAC even if you are eligible to enter Malaysia without a visa. Visa requirements and digital arrival card requirements are separate.
Can I use the same MDAC for another trip to Malaysia?
Arrival details relate to a particular journey, including its dates, transport and accommodation. For a later trip, review and update your information, and confirm whether a new submission is required for that journey.
Further questions are answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page.