What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The MDAC is a compulsory digital pre-arrival registration for almost all foreign nationals entering Malaysia, including those from India. Introduced to streamline the immigration process, it’s not a visa but an online declaration of your arrival. The good
news for Indian tourists is that Malaysia offers visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days until the end of 2026, but completing the MDAC is still a non-negotiable requirement. You must fill it out online before you travel. Failing to do so can lead to delays at the immigration counter, as you'll be asked to step aside and complete it on the spot.
Who Needs to Fill It Out?
Nearly all foreign visitors must complete the MDAC. For Indian travellers enjoying the 30-day visa-free entry, this form is mandatory. There are very few exemptions. Those who do not need to fill out the MDAC include Malaysian permanent residents, diplomatic passport holders, and travellers transiting through a Malaysian airport without passing through immigration control. If you hold a long-term pass like a student or employment pass, you are also generally exempt. However, for the vast majority of tourists, submitting the MDAC is a required step for each entry into the country.
When and Where to Submit the Form
Timing is critical when it comes to the MDAC. You must complete and submit the form online within the three days (72 hours) leading up to your arrival in Malaysia. For example, if you are scheduled to arrive on August 20th, you can submit the form anytime from August 17th onwards. Filing it too early will result in the system rejecting your application. The form is completely free of charge and must be filled out on the official Malaysian Immigration Department website. Be wary of third-party websites that may try to charge a fee; always use the official government portal to avoid scams. The official address is: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling the Form
The process is straightforward if you have your details ready. First, navigate to the official MDAC website and click 'Register'. You will need to enter your personal information, including your full name as it appears on your passport, passport number, nationality, and date of birth. Next, provide your travel details: date of arrival, date of departure, mode of travel (air, land, or sea), and flight number if applicable. You will also be asked for your accommodation details in Malaysia, so have the address of your hotel or residence handy. One field that often causes confusion is the 'Last Port of Embarkation'. This refers to the last city you departed from before arriving in Malaysia, not your original starting point. After filling everything in, review all details carefully for any typos or errors before submitting. If you make a mistake, you cannot edit the form; you must submit a new one.
What Happens After You Submit?
Once you successfully submit the form, you should receive a confirmation email with a PIN. You can use this PIN along with your passport number on the MDAC website to check your registration status and download a PDF of your completed card. While immigration systems are digital, it is highly recommended to save a digital copy of this confirmation on your phone or even carry a printout. Upon arrival in Malaysia, you will need to present your passport and the completed MDAC confirmation to the immigration officer. Having everything in order ensures you meet the entry requirements alongside having a passport with at least six months' validity, proof of accommodation, and a confirmed return ticket.
