Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC Malaysia) : Complete Guide 2026

If you are traveling to Malaysia, one important entry requirement and mandatory online travel declaration you may come across is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).

This system is part of Malaysia’s immigration digitalization process, designed to speed up arrival clearance and improve border security.

Below is a complete guide covering what is MDAC Malaysia, how to fill it, official website, fees, and entry requirements.

What is MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card)?

MDAC Malaysia refers to the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, an online pre-arrival registration system introduced by the immigration authorities.

If you are asking “what is mdac malaysia”, it is essentially a mandatory digital form that most foreign travelers must submit before entering Malaysia.

It replaces the traditional paper arrival card and allows smoother processing at immigration checkpoints.

The system is managed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

It is not a visa, but a required entry registration.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Requirements

MDAC remains mandatory for almost all foreign nationals entering Malaysia, regardless of visa-free or visa-required status.

• ✈️ Air, land, and sea arrivals included
• 🧳 Tourists, business visitors, and students included
• 👶 Even children must have their own submission

When to Apply for MDAC?

You must complete the form:

• 📆 Within 1–3 days before arrival in Malaysia
• 🌐 Online through the official immigration portal
• 📱 Before boarding (recommended)

⚠️ Important: The MDAC must be submitted within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Malaysia. Submissions made earlier than this window may not be valid. Always submit through the official portal at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my.

Singapore Eligible Submitting the MDAC?

If you are asking “what is MACS Malaysia”, it refers to:

👉 A biometric-based immigration facilitation system
👉 Used mainly for frequent Singapore–Malaysia cross-border travellers
👉 Allows faster entry/exit without regular passport stamping

MACS 2.0 Malaysia Key Purpose

MACS 2.0 was introduced to:

• Speed up immigration clearance at Johor checkpoints
• Reduce congestion at borders
• Replace manual stamping with automated verification
• Support frequent travellers (Singapore–Johor commuters)

Who can use MACS 2.0?

Based on current MACS 2.0 system rules, eligibility is specifically limited to Singapore citizens (excluding Malaysian permanent residents).

📍 It is mainly used at:

• Johor Bahru CIQ (Causeway)
• Second Link (Tuas–Johor route)

MACS 2.0 vs MDAC (Important Difference)

Latest Announcement for Singaporeans

The MyNIISe app is the official mobile application from the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) designed to digitalize immigration services and speed up border crossings, particularly at the Malaysia-Singapore land border.

It allows users to generate a QR code for quick, paperless clearance, replacing traditional passport stamping.

MDAC Malaysia Form – How to Fill It

⚠️ Scam Warning: The Malaysian Immigration Department has issued an official warning that unauthorised third-party websites are charging fees to submit the MDAC on behalf of travellers. The official MDAC submission is completely FREE of charge. Only use the official website at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my to submit your MDAC.

Step 1: Open Malaysia Immigration Official Website

• The MDAC Malaysia official website is the only trusted platform for submission.

Step 2: Fill In Personal Information

Step 3: Provide Travel Accomodation Details and Proof

• Once on the website, locate the MDAC form and fill it out accurately.
• You'll need to provide various details, including your personal information, travel itinerary, and passport details.
• Be sure to double-check all the information before submitting the form.

Step 4: Review and Submit Application

• After completing the form, submit it through the official website. There is no fee associated with MDAC submission.
• It's advisable to keep a record of your MDAC submission, either by taking a screenshot of the confirmation page or saving the confirmation email, if provided.

MDAC Malaysia Immigration Process

Once you've successfully submitted the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card and are planning your trip to Malaysia, it's essential to be aware of what comes next upon arrival. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Present your valid passport

Upon arrival in Malaysia, ensure you have a valid passport. All travellers must have a valid passport with at least six (6) months validity from the date of entry, regardless of whether you are arriving by air, land, or sea.

Step 2: Show your MDAC confirmation

Present your MDAC confirmation, either in print or digital form, for validation at the immigration counter.

If you're eligible, follow the autogate (e-gate) procedure for a faster entry process.

Step 3: Utilise the Autogate (E-Gate) System (if eligible)

Since June 1, 2024, citizens from 63 countries are eligible to use Malaysia's automated entry system (autogate) for immigration clearance on arrival. Additionally, since February 15, 2025, autogate access for departures has been expanded to include additional ASEAN nations and Timor-Leste, ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of one of the qualifying countries and have:

• Submitted Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arrival
• Enrolled a biometric (fingerprint) at the counter
• e-Passport

📌 Note: As of February 15, 2025, Malaysia has also expanded autogate access for departures to include six additional ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste, in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Please check the official Malaysian Immigration portal for the full and updated list of eligible countries.

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MDAC Malaysia Entry Rules

Have Fun in Malaysia!

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a simple but important requirement for entering Malaysia. Completing the MDAC online before arrival helps you avoid delays at immigration and ensures a smooth entry. Submit it on time, follow the steps correctly, and enjoy a hassle-free start to your trip to Malaysia.

With entry taken care of, you can focus on booking the best flight to Malaysia and choosing a comfortable hotel to make the most of your stay. Plan ahead, travel with ease, and enjoy every moment in Malaysia.