What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The MDAC is a mandatory online pre-arrival form that has replaced the traditional paper-based landing cards. Introduced by the Malaysian Immigration Department to streamline entry procedures, it requires travellers to submit their personal and travel details
digitally before they arrive in the country. Think of it as a digital registration of your arrival. It is completely free of charge to submit via the official government portal. Any website asking for payment is not the official channel. This card is required for each entry into Malaysia; if you leave and re-enter, a new MDAC must be submitted.
Is the MDAC Mandatory for Indian Travellers?
Yes, it is absolutely mandatory. Indian passport holders benefit from a visa-free entry policy for stays of up to 30 days, which has been extended until December 31, 2026. However, this visa exemption does not remove the requirement to complete the MDAC. The MDAC is a separate administrative requirement that applies to almost all foreign nationals, regardless of their visa status. Assuming visa-free means no paperwork is a common mistake that can cause delays at immigration. Children and adults alike must have a completed MDAC.
When and Where to Complete the Form
The timing for filling out the MDAC is specific: it must be completed within the three days immediately prior to your arrival in Malaysia. For instance, if you are scheduled to land on August 10th, you can submit the form anytime from August 8th onwards. The system will not accept submissions made earlier than this three-day window. It is crucial to use only the official website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia to register. The URL is imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Using this official portal ensures your data is secure and that you are not charged any fees.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Registration
The process is straightforward if you follow these steps. First, visit the official MDAC portal and click 'Register'. You will need to fill in your details exactly as they appear on your passport, including your full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality. Next, input your travel information: date of arrival, date of departure, mode of travel (air, land, or sea), and your last port of embarkation. You will also need to provide the address of your accommodation in Malaysia; if you are visiting multiple locations, the address of your first hotel is sufficient. After carefully reviewing all the information for accuracy, submit the form.
What Happens After Submission?
Once you submit the form, you should receive a confirmation email. It is highly recommended to save a digital copy of this confirmation—either as a PDF or a screenshot—on your phone. While immigration officers can often verify your submission electronically, having a copy ready can prevent potential issues, especially if you encounter connectivity problems at the airport. This confirmation is the proof you need to show that you have completed the mandatory pre-arrival step.
At Malaysian Immigration
Upon arrival at the immigration counter, you will need to present your passport. The officer will verify your MDAC submission in their system. For first-time visitors to Malaysia, it is mandatory to use the manual counter to get your passport verified and stamped. On subsequent visits, Indian travellers who have successfully registered their MDAC may be eligible to use the automated e-gates at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other designated entry points, which significantly speeds up the process. To use the e-gates, your passport must have at least six months of validity, and you must have submitted the MDAC for that specific trip.
