Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) mandatory for all foreign nationals?

Yes, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory for most foreign nationals entering Malaysia. It is a required digital form that must be completed online before arrival, providing basic travel and personal information to Malaysian immigration authorities.

However, there are a few exceptions. Travelers who are exempt from submitting the MDAC include:

  • Malaysian permanent residents
  • Holders of long-term passes (such as work or student visas)
  • Citizens of Singapore
  • Travelers transiting through Malaysia without passing immigration

For everyone else β€” including tourists, business travelers, and short-term visitors β€” the MDAC is a compulsory entry requirement.

Failing to complete the MDAC before arrival may result in delays at immigration, or in some cases, denial of entry. That’s why we recommend submitting the MDAC 1 to 3 days before your scheduled arrival.

Who Needs to Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?

Traveler Type

MDAC Required?

Notes

🌍 Foreign tourist or business traveler

βœ… Yes

Required for all short-term visitors

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Children under 18 (accompanied or alone)

βœ… Yes

Parent or guardian must complete it on their behalf

🧳 Transit passenger staying in same terminal

❌ No

As long as immigration is not passed

πŸ” Transit passenger changing terminals or airports

βœ… Yes

Considered as entry into Malaysia

πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ύ Malaysian permanent resident

❌ No

MDAC not required

πŸͺͺ Long-term pass holder (e.g., student/employment pass)

❌ No

Holders of valid passes are exempt

πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¬ Citizens of Singapore

❌ No

Exempt by bilateral agreement

πŸ•ŠοΈ Diplomatic or official passport holders

❌ No

Exempt based on diplomatic status

πŸš— Travelers with border passes from Thailand or Indonesia

❌ No

Thai Border Pass / Indonesian Cross-Border Pass holders are exempt