Malaysia Digital Arrival Card Guide
Effective from 1 January 2024 most foreign visitors are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, also known as the MDAC, before travelling to Malaysia,
In this guide you will read how to complete the MDAC to avoid delays or denial of entry at the border.
WHAT IS IT
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a online pre-arrival form used by Malaysia Immigration.
WHEN TO SUBMIT
Within 3 days before your scheduled arrival in Malaysia.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE
The submission takes about 10-15 minutes.
HOW MUCH IS IT
It is free.
WOW Note
Whether you arrive by air, sea or car, through Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Koh Lipe or directly at Langkawi International Airport, it is best to prepare your MDAC early so your arrival feels smoother.
CONTENT
01. What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card ?
02. What You Need Before Filling the Form
03. How to Fill the MDAC
04. Common MDAC Mistakes to Avoid
05. A Quick Checklist before you fly
06. Frequently Asked Questions
01. What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card ?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, often searched as MDAC Malaysia or Malaysia Arrival Card, is a digital form completed before entering Malaysia. It helps immigration to collect basic travel and passport information before arrival.
The MDAC is not a visa. If your nationality requires a visa for Malaysia, you may still need to arrange that separately. The arrival card is simply one part of the entry process.
Who Needs to Complete the MDAC?
Most foreign visitors travelling to Malaysia are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before arrival. This usually applies to tourists, business travellers, families, couples, and private villa guests entering Malaysia for a short stay. Some travellers may be exempt, including Malaysian permanent residents, certain long-term pass holders, Singapore citizens, and selected official or diplomatic passport holders. Because entry rules can change, always check the official Malaysia Immigration website before travelling.
Do You Need the MDAC for Langkawi?
Yes, if you are a foreign visitor entering Malaysia and you are not exempt, you should complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before travelling to Langkawi. This applies whether you arrive directly at Langkawi International Airport or connect through Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, or another Malaysian entry point. Langkawi is part of Malaysia, so the same entry requirements apply. Completing the MDAC correctly and in advance ensures a smoother entry process, so you can quickly proceed to your luxury private pool villa with WOW Holiday Homes.
When Should You Submit the MDAC?
The MDAC should be submitted within 3 days before your scheduled arrival in Malaysia. Do not leave it until you are already at the airport, as missing or incorrect information may cause delays at check-in or immigration. Do not miss the submission deadline.
WOW Note
Entry requirements can change. Always check the official Malaysia Immigration MDAC portal before travelling, especially if your nationality, visa type, or transit route is unusual.
02. What You Need Before Filling the Form
Before starting the MDAC form, prepare the following details. Having everything ready makes the process easier and helps avoid small mistakes.
PASSPORT DETAILS
Passport number, nationality, date of birth, place of birth, and passport expiry date |
CONTACT DETAILS
Email address, mobile number, and country or region code. |
TRAVEL DATES
Arrival date in Malaysia and departure date from Malaysia. |
TRAVEL DETAILS
Flight, vessel, or transport number, mode of travel, and last port before Malaysia. |
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
Your first accommodation address in Malaysia, including state, city, and postcode. |
FOR WOW GUESTS
Use the address of your booked villa or your first stay in Malaysia. |
03. How to Fill the MDAC - Step-by-Step
The form is simple, but your details should match your passport and travel documents exactly.
Step 1 - Visit the official MDAC website Use the official Malaysia Immigration website only.
Step 2 - Enter your personal details Make sure your name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth match your passport exactly.
Step 3 - Add your travel information Enter your arrival date, departure date, transport details, and point of entry into Malaysia.
Step 4 - Add your accommodation details Use the address of your first hotel, villa, or accommodation in Malaysia.
Step 5 - Submit the form Check everything carefully before submitting
Step 6 - Save your confirmation Keep a screenshot, PDF, or email confirmation on your phone. A printed copy can also be helpful to present at the immigration counter upon arrival.
WOW Note
We recommend to have the confirmation accessible offline on your phone as airport Wifi can be slow or unreliable. Simply save your confirmation as PDF and/or as a screenshot before heading to the airport.
04. Common MDAC Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong website
Search results may show third-party websites. Use the official Malaysia Immigration MDAC portal only. The submission is free. |
Submitting outside the window
The MDAC is meant to be submitted within theallowed pre-arrival window of 3 days. |
Incorrect passport detailsA small mistake in passport number, nationality, or spelling can create problems. |
Wrong accommodation address
Use your first accommodation in Malaysia, not necessarily your final destination if you are stopping elsewhere first. |
Not submitting at allAssuming a visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt status replaces the need for an arrival card. Almost every foreign traveler must complete it. |
Wrong Flight Number
Enter the flight number for the segment that arrives in Malaysia |
WOW Note
Take 5 minutes to check every single field before you are submitting the document. Those 5 minutes can save you hours of stress at the airport and at the immigration.
05. A Quick Checklist Before You Fly
- Passport valid for travel: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.
- Visa checked, if required- check here if you need a visa to enter Malaysia
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card completed within 3 days before arrival
- MDAC confirmation saved on your phone or print the confirmation page
- First accommodation address ready
- Flight and arrival details confirmed
- Airport transfer, private driver, or car rental arranged
- WOW Holiday Homes team informed of your arrival time
06. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MDAC?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online pre-arrival form required by the Malaysian authorities for most foreign nationals entering Malaysia. Introduced to streamline the immigration process, the MDAC replaces the traditional paper arrival card. It collects essential personal details, travel plans, and health information to help the immigration department verify travelers before arrival. The MDAC is part of Malaysia's broader digital transformation to create a faster immigration experience and was introduced under the Visa Liberalisation Plan.
Is the MDAC the same as a visa?
No. The MDAC is an arrival card, not a visa. If your nationality requires a visa for Malaysia, check the visa rules separately here.
Is the MDAC free to submit?
A: Yes, there is no fee to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
Can I complete the MDAC for my family?
Yes, you may complete the form for another traveller, but each traveller should carry their own submitted details and confirmation and present at immigration.
Is the MDAC required for Langkawi?
Yes, Langkawi is part of Malaysia. Foreign visitors travelling to Langkawi should follow Malaysia entry requirements.
What if I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake, submit a new form with the correct details before travelling.
Should I print the MDAC confirmation?
A digital copy is usually helpful, but keeping a printed copy can make travel easier.
What happens if I didn't submit the MDAC before arriving in Malaysia?
Failure to submit can lead to delays or denial of entry.
What happens if my travel plans change after submitting the MDAC?
The system does not allow modification. You will have to submit a new MDAC.
Do I need to submit the MDAC for connecting flights?
No. If you are only transiting through a Malaysian airport and do not pass through immigration, you do not need to submit the MDAC. However, if you plan to leave the airport, even briefly, you will need to submit the MDAC. This also applies if you need to collect and re-check your luggage for a self-transfer, as you will usually need to clear immigration first.
Is MDAC required for entry by land or sea?
Yes, the MDAC is required for all entry points including airports, land borders, and seaports.
A Smoother Arrival in Langkawi
Travel feels better when the small details are already handled. Complete your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before flying, keep your confirmation ready, and share your arrival details with our team if you are staying at one of our villas.
WOW Holiday Homes brings together a small collection of private pool villas in Langkawi for guests who want more space, more privacy, and an easier way to enjoy the island
Learn more about Langkawi