FAQs for travellers to Malaysia: Completing the digital arrival card (MDAC)

As announced by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, completion of the MDAC will be mandatory, with certain exemptions.

Starting 1 January 2024, foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).

As announced by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), completion of the MDAC will be mandatory, except for the following groups:

1. Citizens of Singapore;
2. Diplomatic and Official Passport holders;
3. Malaysian Permanent Residents and Long Term-Pass holders;
4. General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam holders;
5. Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders;
6. Thailand Border Pass holders, and
7. Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) holders.

For clarity, JIM has released a set of frequently asked questions on the completion of the MDAC. 

MDAC FAQs

1. How do I register for MDAC?

First step: Before arriving in Malaysia:

• Complete and submit the application. Applications can be made as early as three days prior to arriving in Malaysia. Applicants may access the portal here. 

Second step: Upon arrival in Malaysia:

• Present the MDAC registration and proceed to the immigration counter for passport verification.

2. Are there any exceptions for foreign citizens to complete MDAC?

Yes, the following categories of foreign citizens are exempted:

1. Singapore Passport holders
2. Diplomatic and Official Passports holders
3. Permanent Resident (PR) status holders
4. Holders of Long-Term Visit Passes issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia – e.g,. Employment Pass, Temporary Work Visit Pass, Student Pass.

3. Are international airline crew members excluded from completing MDAC?

Yes, when on duty, and upon submitting the General Declaration form to the crew inspection counter.

4. Is it necessary for foreign citizens who have received permission for a Long- Term Visit Pass with Visa With Reference (VDR) or an e-VISA Approval Letter (eVAL), but have not yet received the physical Long-Term Visit Pass, to complete MDAC?

Yes, they are required to complete the MDAC.

5. What is meant by 'date of departure' in the MDAC form?

This refers to the date that travellers will depart Malaysia for another country. 

6. How can I correct information that is wrongly entered? 

You are allowed to resubmit a new MDAC form with the correct information.

7. Do I have to complete the MDAC form if I land at Terminal 1 on a transit flight and then take off from Terminal 2 or another airport in Malaysia (LTSAAS Subang)?

Yes, you will still need to fill out the MDAC.

8. Is it permissible for me to complete the MDAC on behalf of someone else – such as a father-in-law, a senior, a child, etc.?

No restrictions apply. However, the traveller is still required to go through the immigration vetting process at the immigration counter. Thus they must present all information on the MDAC.

9. What is the immigration vetting process? 

It is a prerequisite for entry into Malaysia for foreign citizens. Please refer to this website.

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