Malaysia has implemented a new regulation that must be followed by all foreign tourists wishing to visit the country. Under this rule, every visitor is required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before arriving in Malaysia. This policy is part of the Malaysian government’s efforts to modernize its immigration system and speed up inspection processes at airports and border checkpoints.
What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an electronic arrival form that replaces the traditional paper arrival card previously filled out manually by travelers upon arrival in Malaysia. MDAC is a pre-arrival declaration system that must be completed online by almost all foreign nationals entering Malaysia, including Indonesian citizens.
Purpose of Implementing the Digital Arrival Card
The implementation of the digital arrival card serves several strategic objectives set by the Malaysian Immigration Department. First, it aims to improve the efficiency and speed of immigration processes at Malaysian entry points by processing traveler data before arrival. Second, it enhances border security through early screening of international visitors.
Who Is Required to Complete MDAC?
MDAC must be completed by nearly all foreign nationals entering Malaysia, including Indonesian travelers, regardless of the purpose of visit—whether for tourism, business, education, or medical treatment. This requirement applies to travelers of all ages, meaning even children must have an MDAC completed by their parents or legal guardians.
MDAC Exemptions: Who Does Not Need to Apply?
Although MDAC is mandatory for most foreign visitors, several categories are exempt from this requirement, including Malaysian permanent residents and holders of the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS). Diplomatic and official passport holders are also exempt.
In addition, holders of special documents such as the Brunei Government Circular of Instruction (GCI), Brunei Frequent Traveller, Thai Border Pass, and Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Pass (PLB) are not required to complete MDAC. Passengers transiting or transferring through Singapore without undergoing Malaysian immigration clearance also do not need MDAC.
MDAC Submission Deadline
Travelers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card no later than 3 days (72 hours) before their arrival date in Malaysia. For example, if you arrive in Malaysia on February 15, you may submit the MDAC starting from February 12. It is recommended not to submit it too early, as MDAC data has a limited validity period.
MDAC Validity Period
An approved MDAC is valid for 3 days from the stated arrival date in the form and applies to single entry only. If your travel plans change or you need to re-enter Malaysia after leaving, you must submit a new MDAC with updated arrival information.
How to Fill Out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Step by Step
The MDAC application process is very easy and can be completed in about 5–10 minutes per person. Follow these steps carefully:
Access the Official MDAC Website
Open a browser on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Visit the official MDAC website at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main — make sure you use this official link to avoid fake websites. Wait until the MDAC homepage loads completely.
Click the “Register” Button
On the homepage, you will see a button or menu labeled “Register” or “New Registration.” Click this button to start a new MDAC registration. The registration form page will then open.
Fill in Personal and Travel Information
Complete the form fully and accurately according to your passport details. The form is divided into two main sections:
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Personal Information: full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport expiry date, email address, and phone number
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Travel Information: date of arrival in Malaysia, date of departure from Malaysia, mode of transportation, full accommodation address, state, city, and postal code
Review All Information Carefully
Before submitting, scroll from top to bottom to review all the information you have entered. Make sure there are no typos, especially in your passport number, name, and email address. Also double-check that the arrival date is correct. Even small mistakes can cause major issues at immigration.
Click “Submit” and Wait for Confirmation
Once you are sure all the information is correct, click the “Submit” or “Register” button at the bottom of the form. The system will process your data and display a confirmation page indicating that your registration was successful. You will also receive a notification to check your email.
Required Personal Data
The first section of the MDAC form asks for your personal information, which must be 100% identical to your passport details. Make sure there are no typos or spelling differences, as this may cause issues during check-in or at Malaysian immigration.
Identity Information:
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Full name – enter exactly as shown in your passport, including titles if any
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Passport number – double-check to ensure there are no typing errors
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Date of birth – usually in DD/MM/YYYY format
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Nationality – select “Indonesia” from the dropdown menu
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Gender – choose according to what is stated in your passport
Passport Information:
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Passport expiry date – make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
Contact Information:
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Active email address – use an email you can easily access, as the verification PIN will be sent to this email
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Confirm email address – re-enter the same email for validation (must be identical)
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Phone country code – adjust the country code according to your country
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Active phone number – enter your mobile number without the leading zero
(example: 81234567890, not 081234567890)
MDAC Verification and Download
After successfully submitting the form, the process is not yet complete. You need to verify and download your MDAC to activate it. Here’s how to do it:
Check the Confirmation Email
The system will send a confirmation email to the address you registered within a few minutes. Check your inbox, and if you don’t see it, look in the Spam folder. This email contains a unique PIN (usually a combination of numbers and letters) that will be used for verification. Save or note down this PIN carefully.
Verify on the MDAC Website
Return to the MDAC website at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Click the “Check Registration” button or menu, which is usually available on the main page. You will be asked to enter several details for verification.
Enter Verification Details
Fill in the verification form with the following information: enter your passport number (the same as used during registration), select nationality “Indonesia” from the dropdown menu, paste or type the unique PIN you received via email (copy-paste is recommended to avoid typos), then click the “Submit” or “Verify” button.
Download the MDAC File
Once verified, the system will display a confirmation page indicating that your MDAC is active. You will see a “Download” or “Download PDF” button. Click it to download your MDAC file in PDF format. This file contains a QR code and a summary of your arrival details.
Save the File Securely
Store the PDF file in multiple places as a backup: on your smartphone (Downloads folder or a dedicated travel folder), send it to your personal email, upload it to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox), and print 1–2 physical copies as a backup in case of electronic device issues.
MDAC Application Fee
Filling out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) through the official website of the Malaysian Immigration Department is completely FREE. The Malaysian government does not charge any fees for this MDAC service. Be cautious of third-party websites or services that ask for payment to process MDAC, as these may be scams. Always use the official link https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main to avoid fraud.
MDAC Support and Assistance
If you experience technical difficulties or have questions regarding MDAC, the Malaysian Immigration Department provides several communication channels you can contact. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Official Malaysian Immigration Website
Visit https://www.imi.gov.my to access comprehensive information about MDAC. The website provides FAQs, step-by-step guides with images, the latest policy updates, and troubleshooting for common issues. You can also check application status and download additional forms if needed.
Email Support
Send an email to webmaster@imi.gov.my for detailed inquiries or technical issues that require written explanations. This channel is suitable for reporting system bugs, form submission errors, or consultations that require documentation. Response time is usually 1–3 working days, so be sure to email well before your departure date.
Hotline Phone
Call +603-8000 8000 (MyGCC – Malaysia Government Contact Centre) for direct assistance and real-time consultation. This service is available during Malaysian working hours (Monday–Friday: 08:00–17:00 MYT). The hotline is especially helpful if you need a quick solution or are already en route to Malaysia and facing urgent issues.
Head Office Address
If you require in-person assistance or wish to submit an official complaint, you may visit or send correspondence to:
Malaysian Immigration Department
No. 15, Level 1–7 (Podium)
Persiaran Perdana, Precinct 2
62550 Putrajaya, Malaysia
The office is open on weekdays, Monday to Thursday from 08:00–17:00 and Friday from 08:00–12:15 and 14:45–17:00 (Malaysia time). It is recommended to make an appointment in advance for in-person consultations.
