Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Must Know Before You Go

27 Mar 2025 - 4 min read

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is one of the five main initiatives aimed at enhancing the services of the Immigration Department, aligning with the implementation of the visa liberalization plan that grants a 30-day visa exemption for tourists from China and India.

If you are not familiar with this new policy, Traveloka will provide detailed explanations about the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card and how to fill it out. So, read this article thoroughly!

What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

Since December 1, 2023, the Malaysian Immigration Department has officially introduced a new policy, namely the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Foreign nationals intending to vacation or visit Malaysia are required to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.

It is a form that you must complete if you plan to visit Malaysia. You need to show the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card and a fully filled-out passport to the Immigration officers on duty upon your arrival in Malaysia.

Who Doesn’t Have to Fill Out the MDAC?

Even though MDAC Malaysia is a must for most foreign visitors, some travellers don’t need to worry about it.

Hold a Malaysia Automated Clearance System Pass, or are in transit through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance.
You're off the hook if you're travelling on an official assignment with diplomatic status.
Those with a MyPR card (Malaysia Permanent Resident status) must not submit the MDAC.
Citizens of Brunei can enter Malaysia without completing the MDAC.
Foreigners with valid work pass, student passes, spouse visas, or dependent passes in Malaysia are exempt.
Indonesians using a PLB border crossing document can enter Malaysia without filling out the MDAC.
Travellers from Thailand who use a special border pass instead of a passport don’t need to submit the MDAC.

Who Needs to Fill Out the MDAC?

Unless you’re part of an exempt group, you must complete the MDAC online before your trip.

People travel to Malaysia for holidays, to explore the sights, or to catch up with family.
Business folks heading over for meetings, conferences, or quick work gigs.
Transit passengers who plan to leave the airport before catching their next flight.
International students joining short-term study programs or exchange courses (unless they have a long-term pass).

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To prevent any delays or complications at immigration, filling out the MDAC at least three days before you arrive in Malaysia is best.

Autogate System at KLIA: A Faster Way Through Immigration

Great news for sure, travellers! Malaysia has opened up its automated immigration clearance (autogate) system at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to passport holders from 10 selected countries.

Who’s Eligible?

Specifically for visitors from ten countries: Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom, you are eligible to use the autogates upon arrival and departure from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at KLIA.

To utilize the autogates at KLIA for immigration clearance, ensure that your passport has a validity period of six months or more. However, if it's your first time visiting Malaysia, you won't be able to use the autogate. For your initial trip, you are still required to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card three days before arriving and then enroll and verify your passport at the manual counter manned by Immigration personnel.

The use of autogates is permitted upon arrival and departure only for subsequent visits, provided you submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card three days before each visit to Malaysia. This privilege is applicable only after you have successfully enrolled to use the autogate for immigration clearance.

How to apply Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

Filling out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is actually quite easy. One thing you need to take note of is that you have to complete filling this form 3 days prior to your arrival in Malaysia. Follow these steps:

1.
Visit the official website of the Immigration Department’s MDAC.
2.
Once on the website, click on “Register”
3.
Input your data. This includes (as of this article was written) Your personal details, passport number, dates of arrival and departure, your stay address in Malaysia, and your flight or vessel number.
4.
On the day you arrived in Malaysia, show your MDAC registration, and verify your passport at the immigration counter.

Book Now with Traveloka

Planning to visit Malaysia soon? Don't forget to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before your trip! This new policy, effective from December 1, 2023, requires all foreign nationals to fill out the MDAC to streamline immigration services and enhance your travel experience. If you're a tourist from one of the ten eligible countries—Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom—you can even use the auto gates for a smoother immigration process. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months, and remember, the first time you visit, you'll need to verify your passport at the manual counter.

Why not make your journey even more exciting with Traveloka? Integrate your bookings on flights, hotels, and attractions. Whether you're flying from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur or exploring the many attractions Malaysia has to offer, Traveloka has you covered. With easy booking for all your travel needs in one app, you can secure everything from your flights to hotel stays and attraction tickets. Don't miss out on these incredible deals and cashback offers—book your trip with Traveloka today and ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Explore other articles about Malaysia:

In This Article

• What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
• Who Doesn’t Have to Fill Out the MDAC?
• Who Needs to Fill Out the MDAC?
• Autogate System at KLIA: A Faster Way Through Immigration
• Who’s Eligible?
• How to apply Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
• Book Now with Traveloka

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 20 May 2025
Scoot
Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from SGD 69.32
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Tue, 13 May 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from SGD 69.76
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Mon, 28 Apr 2025
Batik Air Malaysia
Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from SGD 88.61
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