Malaysia: Apply for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

This valuable data contributes to the surveillance and prevention of health risks, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Far from being a hindrance, the MDAC is a real facilitator for travellers. By centralising information and digitising procedures, it simplifies and speeds up the process of entering Malaysia. No more long queues or tedious forms to fill in on arrival! The MDAC saves a great deal of time and energy, enabling travellers to make the most of their stay as soon as they arrive. This page contains a complete guide to the MDAC. You'll find all the information you need to complete the card online, step by step, as well as the documents required and practical advice for a smooth, stress-free experience.

MDAC arrival card for Malaysia (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card)

• The MDAC is required for all travellers entering Malaysia, including Malaysian citizens, foreigners and children.
• Fill in the MDAC form online on the official website or a service provider website at least 3 days before your departure.
• The MDAC enables the authorities to collect information and simplify the process of entering Malaysia.
• The MDAC contributes to the surveillance and prevention of health risks, in particular COVID-19.
• Bring your MDAC printed out or on your phone, your passport, your visa (if required) and your COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if applicable) with you on arrival.

What is the MDAC or Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, you should be aware that since December 2023 a new formality has been compulsory before you leave: the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card or MDAC.

What is the MDAC?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a compulsory digital form that all travellers, including Malaysian citizens, foreigners and children, must complete before entering Malaysia. It was introduced in August 2020 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to simplify the process of entering the country.

Why is the MDAC required?

MDAC enables the Malaysian authorities to collect important information on travellers in order to:

• Track travellers' movements and identify potential cases of COVID-19.
• Contact travellers when necessary, for example to inform them of a new health directive.
• Simplify the process of entering Malaysia by reducing administrative formalities on arrival.

Who must complete the MDAC?

All travellers, without exception, must complete the MDAC before arriving in Malaysia. This includes Malaysian citizens, foreigners holding a visa and children.

Completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Completing the MDAC is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to a site offering online visa services and the MDAC. This may be the official site or a private provider

2. Choose the language: you can choose English.

3. Create an account:

• Click on "Create an account".
• Fill in the required information, such as your name, e-mail address and passport number.
• You will receive a confirmation e-mail. Click on the link in the e-mail to activate your account.

4. Log in to your account:

• Enter your e-mail address and password.
• Click on "Sign in".

5. Fill in the MDAC form:

• Follow the step-by-step instructions.
• Fill in all the required information, such as your personal details, travel details and health details.
• Make sure all information is accurate and complete.

6. Upload the required documents:

• You must upload a copy of your passport and a recent passport photo.
• You can also upload other documents, such as your COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

7. Check and submit your application:

• Carefully check all the information you have entered.
• If you make any mistakes, correct them.
• Click on "Submit".

8. Pay the processing fee:

• You can pay the processing fee by credit or debit card.

9. Receive your MDAC :

• You will receive your MDAC by e-mail.
• Print your MDAC or keep it on your mobile phone.

The information required for the MDAC includes personal information such as name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, travel information such as date of arrival, flight number, airline, and health information such as medical condition, COVID-19 vaccination, etc.

Processing time and documents required for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

It is necessary to complete the MDAC at least 3 days before your departure for Malaysia. It is important to respect this deadline to avoid delays on arrival. If you complete the MDAC less than 3 days before your departure, you risk not being able to obtain your boarding card.

However, it is advisable to complete the MDAC as early as possible. This will avoid queues on arrival in Malaysia and simplify the process of entering the country.

What documents do I need to bring with me to Malaysia?

When you complete the MDAC, you will need :

• A copy of your passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Malaysia.
• A recent passport-size photo: The photo must be passport-size and meet the specific requirements of the MDAC.
• Your COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if applicable): If you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you must upload your vaccination certificate on the MDAC website.

When you arrive in Malaysia, you must have with you :

• Your MDAC printed out or on your mobile phone: It is important to be able to show your MDAC to the Malaysian authorities when you arrive.
• Your passport: The passport you present on arrival must be the same one you used to complete the MDAC.
• Your visa (if required): If you need a visa to enter Malaysia, you must have obtained it before your departure.
• Your COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if applicable): You must present your COVID-19 vaccination certificate to the Malaysian authorities on arrival.

In addition to these documents, it is also advisable to have with you :

• Your flight ticket
• Your hotel booking confirmation
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Malaysia
• Travel insurance

Our advice for obtaining your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) quickly

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a compulsory document for all travellers entering Malaysia. Obtaining your MDAC quickly and easily will enable you to make the most of your trip as soon as you arrive.

Here are our tips for obtaining your MDAC quickly:

 Start the process early: It is advisable to complete the MDAC application at least 3 days before your departure for Malaysia. This will help you avoid queues and delays on arrival.

Prepare all the necessary documents: You will need a copy of your passport, a recent passport photo and your COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if applicable). Make sure all documents are scanned and ready to upload to the MDAC website. Use a laptop or tablet to complete the application form. This will make it easier for you to upload the required documents. Make sure your internet connection is stable. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to contact MDAC technical support.

Other essential documents for travelling to Malaysia

In addition to the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card), here are the other documents you need to travel to Malaysia:

• 1. Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date from Malaysia. Make sure you have at least 3 blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
• 2. Visa (if required): Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Malaysia.
• 3. Return or onward flight ticket: You must present a flight ticket proving that you will be leaving Malaysia within 3 months of arrival.
• 4. Travel insurance: It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation.
• 5. Proof of sufficient funds: You may be required to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay in Malaysia.

How do I obtain an e-visa for Malaysia online?

Malaysia offers an e-visa for citizens of certain countries. This e-visa allows travellers to enter and stay in Malaysia for a period of 30 days for tourism or business purposes.

Here are the steps to follow to obtain an e-visa for Malaysia online:

• 1. Find out if you are eligible: The first step is to check if you are eligible for an e-visa. 
• 2. Create an account: If you are eligible, you need to create an account on the Malaysian Immigration Department website.
• 3. Complete the visa application form: You will need to provide information about your travel, accommodation and finances.
• 4. Upload the required documents: You will need to upload scanned copies of your passport, passport photo and yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required).
• 5. Pay the visa fee: You can pay the fee by credit or debit card.
• 6. Submit your application: Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Malaysian Immigration Department. It may take up to 3 working days for the application to be processed.
• 7. Receive your e-visa

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.