The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an electronic form that has replaced the traditional paper-based arrival card for travelers entering Malaysia. It is a mandatory requirement for all foreign visitors and must be submitted at least 3 days before arrival in Malaysia.
The MDAC is part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to digitize and streamline immigration processes, enhance security, and improve the overall travel experience.
All foreign visitors entering Malaysia are required to complete the MDAC before their journey. This includes tourists, business travelers, and those visiting friends and family.
The following individuals are exempt from the MDAC requirement:
For more detailed information on exemptions, please visit our Exemptions page.
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card has been introduced to:
By digitizing the arrival card process, Malaysian authorities can process travelers more efficiently while maintaining high security standards.
No, the MDAC is not a visa. It is an electronic arrival card that replaces the traditional paper arrival card that travelers previously filled out upon arrival in Malaysia.
The MDAC does not grant permission to enter Malaysia. You still need to meet all visa requirements for your nationality. If your nationality requires a visa to enter Malaysia, you must obtain it separately before your journey.
Both the MDAC and visa (if required) are necessary for entry into Malaysia.
The MDAC differs from the previous paper arrival card in several ways:
These changes help streamline the immigration process and enhance the overall travel experience.
You can submit your MDAC application up to 7 days before your planned arrival in Malaysia (but at least 3 days prior to the trip).
We recommend applying as early as possible within this window to allow time for processing and to address any potential issues that may arise.
Standard processing typically takes 1-2 business days after submission.
To apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card:
For a detailed step-by-step guide, please visit our How to Apply page.
Failure to complete the MDAC before travel may result in:
It is strongly recommended to comply with the MDAC requirement and submit your application at least 3 days before your planned arrival in Malaysia.
If you have an emergency situation and need to travel to Malaysia urgently, contact the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate for guidance.
No, each traveler requires a separate MDAC application, including children of all ages. However, you can use the same account to submit applications for multiple travelers.
For families traveling together:
Parents or guardians can complete applications on behalf of minors, but each child still needs their own MDAC.
If your travel plans change after submitting your MDAC:
The MDAC is valid only for the specific travel dates indicated in your application. If you're unsure whether your changes require a new application, contact Malaysian immigration support for guidance.
To apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, you will need:
You may also need to provide information about your purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.).
For more detailed information, please visit our Required Documents page.
Yes, you typically need to upload a scanned copy or clear photo of your passport's biographical page during the MDAC application process. This helps immigration authorities verify your identity and passport details.
Ensure that the uploaded image:
Having a digital copy of your passport ready before starting your application will help streamline the process.
It's recommended to have your accommodation details confirmed before applying for the MDAC. However, if you haven't finalized your accommodation yet, you have a few options:
Keep in mind that providing accurate information is important. If your accommodation changes significantly after submission, you should update your information if possible.
Some travelers choose to make a refundable hotel booking to use for the MDAC application, which they can cancel later if their plans change.
The MDAC application itself typically does not require proof of sufficient funds. However, immigration officers at the point of entry may ask for evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Malaysia.
While not specifically required for the MDAC, it's advisable to have:
The amount considered "sufficient" varies depending on your planned length of stay, but having access to approximately 100 USD per day of your visit is generally considered adequate.
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the MDAC application. However, having travel insurance is highly recommended for any international travel, including to Malaysia.
While not required for the MDAC, travel insurance can provide coverage for:
Some countries do require travel insurance for entry, but Malaysia currently does not make this a mandatory requirement for most visitors.
The standard processing fee for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is approximately 20 USD per person. This fee covers the processing and verification of your application.
Important notes about the fee:
For more detailed information about fees, please visit our Application Fee page.
The following payment methods are typically accepted for the MDAC application:
The availability of payment methods may vary depending on your country of residence. The official MDAC portal will display the available payment options during the application process.
For more information about payment methods, please visit our Application Fee page.
No, the MDAC application fee is typically non-refundable in the following situations:
This is why it's important to ensure all information is accurate before submitting your application and making payment.
In exceptional circumstances, such as system errors or technical issues on the official portal that prevent your application from being processed, you may be eligible for a refund. In such cases, you would need to contact the Malaysian immigration authorities directly.
If you encounter issues during the payment process, try the following steps:
If a payment appears to have been deducted but you didn't receive a confirmation, wait at least 24 hours before attempting another payment. Check your application status on the portal to see if the payment was processed.
For persistent payment issues, contact the support team through the official MDAC portal or the Malaysian immigration authorities.
Yes, after successful payment, you should receive:
It's important to keep this payment confirmation for your records. You may need it if:
If you don't receive a payment confirmation email within 24 hours, check your spam folder or log back into the portal to verify your payment status.
When you arrive in Malaysia, you should have your MDAC ready for presentation at the immigration checkpoint. You can present it in one of the following ways:
It's recommended to have both a digital and printed copy available, in case of technical issues or low battery on your device.
The immigration officer will verify your MDAC against their system using the reference number or QR code. They will also check your passport and other travel documents.
After verification, you will be allowed to enter Malaysia for your specified purpose and duration.
The MDAC itself does not determine your length of stay in Malaysia. The duration of your permitted stay is determined by the immigration officer at the point of entry, based on:
Most tourists are typically granted a stay of 30 to 90 days, depending on their nationality. The exact duration will be stamped in your passport upon entry.
The MDAC is valid for a single entry into Malaysia. If you plan to exit and re-enter Malaysia, you will need to submit a new MDAC for each entry.
Yes, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is required for all foreign visitors entering Malaysia, regardless of the entry point:
The same rules apply regardless of how you enter Malaysia. You must submit your MDAC at least 3 days before your planned arrival.
If you're crossing the border frequently (e.g., between Singapore and Malaysia), you'll need a new MDAC for each entry into Malaysia.
If you're planning to visit multiple destinations within Malaysia during a single trip:
However, if you exit Malaysia and then re-enter (e.g., if you visit a neighboring country and return), you will need to submit a new MDAC for your re-entry.
Yes, it is possible to apply for an extension of your stay in Malaysia after arrival. This process is separate from the MDAC and is handled by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
To extend your stay:
Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities and are not guaranteed. The likelihood of approval depends on your nationality, reason for extension, and immigration history.
It's recommended to apply for an extension at least one week before your current permitted stay expires.
Contact our support team for assistance with your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Our support team is available to assist you with any questions or issues related to the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm (GMT+2)
English: +44 20 8089 4595 / +1 929 238 1300
Deutsch: +49 30209930611
Polski: +48 32 431 00 11
Español: +34937371120
Available 24/7
support@evisa.express
Immigration Department of Malaysia: www.imi.gov.my
Official MDAC Portal: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
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