Malaysia's Mandatory Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Malaysia has made the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) a compulsory requirement for nearly all foreign travellers, including Indian citizens. This rule applies even though Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry for stays of up to
30 days. Think of the MDAC not as a visa, but as a mandatory pre-arrival registration that informs immigration authorities of your visit. Failure to complete it can result in significant delays or even refusal of entry at the border. The process is entirely online and free of charge on the official Malaysian Immigration Department website. It is crucial to avoid third-party sites that may charge a fee. The MDAC must be filled out within three days prior to your arrival in Malaysia. Submitting it earlier than the 72-hour window will result in the application being rejected. The form requires basic personal information, passport details, travel dates, flight numbers, and the address of your accommodation in Malaysia. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation with a PIN. You should save this confirmation digitally, as you will need to present it along with your passport at the immigration counter.
Key Documents for Malaysia
While the MDAC is the primary digital requirement, Indian travellers should also have several other documents ready for a smooth entry. First and foremost, your passport must have at least six months of validity from your date of arrival. You will also need to show proof of a confirmed return or onward flight ticket to demonstrate that you intend to leave within the permitted 30-day visa-free period. Immigration officers may also ask for proof of accommodation, such as hotel booking confirmations, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. It is advisable to have both digital and physical copies of these documents handy. For first-time visitors to Malaysia, you will need to verify your passport at a manual counter upon arrival. Subsequent visits may allow you to use the automated e-gates at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for faster clearance.
Thailand's New Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Thailand has also modernized its entry process, replacing the familiar paper-based TM6 arrival and departure card with the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This is now a mandatory online form for all foreign nationals entering the country, including Indian tourists traveling under the visa exemption scheme. The TDAC is a free-of-charge system designed to streamline immigration and reduce queue times at airports. It must be completed online via the official Thai immigration portal before you travel. The system generates a QR code upon completion, which you must save on your phone or print out to present to the immigration officer upon arrival. This QR code is your proof of registration and is essential for entry. The old paper TM6 forms are no longer in use. The TDAC is valid for a single entry only; if you leave and re-enter Thailand, you must complete a new TDAC.
How to Complete the Thai TDAC
Completing the TDAC is a straightforward process. You will need your passport, flight details, and the address of your first night's accommodation in Thailand. The form requires you to enter personal information, passport data, your flight number, and port of entry. It's crucial to ensure all details, especially your name and passport number, are entered exactly as they appear in your passport to avoid any mismatches in the system. The TDAC also includes a brief health declaration. While there isn't a strict 72-hour window like Malaysia's form, it is highly recommended to complete it well in advance of your flight to avoid any last-minute issues. After submitting the form, you will receive the QR code via email. Having this code ready will significantly speed up your passage through immigration. Indian citizens should also be aware that they may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds, a confirmed return ticket, and hotel bookings upon arrival.
