Planning Your Trip? Don't Forget the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)!
If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful and vibrant country of Malaysia, there’s a small but important step you need to take before you even board your flight: completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).
MDAC: Your Essential Guide to Entry into Malaysia
It’s part of Malaysia’s ongoing effort to streamline the immigration process and make your entry into the country smoother and faster. Think of it as a modernized, paperless version of the old arrival forms!
What is the MDAC?
The MDAC is an online declaration form that all travelers, both foreign and Malaysian citizens, must complete before entering Malaysia. It collects basic information about your trip, similar to what was previously gathered on a physical paper card.
Here’s a look at what a typical digital arrival card system might look like:
Who Needs to Complete the MDAC?
All travelers arriving in Malaysia are required to submit the MDAC.
However, there are a few exemptions. You do not need to complete the MDAC if you are:
- A traveler in transit or transfer through Singapore to a third country, without seeking immigration clearance.
- A Malaysian permanent resident.
- A Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) holder (this is for certain eligible foreign nationals with long-term passes).
- A diplomatic or official passport holder on an official visit.
If you don’t fall into one of those categories, you’ll need to fill it out!
completing the MDAC is your first step toward using the Autogates at Malaysian airports!
How to Use the Autogate:
- Submit MDAC: Complete your MDAC within three days of arrival.
First-Time Manual Clearance: On your very first visit, you will still need to see an immigration officer at a manual counter. They will verify your passport and MDAC submission. Crucially, they will also register your biometric data (your fingerprint/photo) into the system.
Here’s an example of an immigration counter where you might get your first-time manual clearance:
Subsequent Visits: Once your biometrics are registered, on all future visits to Malaysia, as long as you continue to submit the MDAC, you can directly use the faster Autogates for entry and exit, provided your passport has an electronic chip and at least 6 months of validity.
This is a fantastic time-saver, so if you are from an eligible country and plan to visit Malaysia more than once, make sure you complete your initial manual clearance step!
Taking a couple of minutes to complete the MDAC before your trip will help ensure a seamless and pleasant start to your Malaysian adventure. Remember, the goal is to make your journey easier, not harder!
Happy travels, and enjoy your time exploring the rich culture, delicious food, and stunning sights of Malaysia!