Malaysia implements MDAC for foreign travellers

Effective December 1, all foreign travellers entering Malaysia will be mandated to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online three days before their arrival.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia has announced this digital initiative, emphasizing the importance of pre-filling the MDAC to facilitate a smooth entry process.

Citizens from ten specific countries will enjoy the convenience of using autogates for immigration clearance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), subject to meeting specified conditions.

MDAC prerequisite for foreign visitors

As per the Immigration Department’s announcement on December 1, all non-Malaysian travellers must complete the MDAC before their arrival in Malaysia.

Exceptions are granted to Malaysia’s permanent residents, holders of the Malaysia Automated Clearance System pass, and individuals transiting or transferring through Singapore without requiring immigration clearance.

The MDAC form, accessible on the Immigration Department’s dedicated website, mandates submission within three days before arriving in Malaysia.

Travellers must provide essential details such as their name, nationality, passport information, along with their intended dates of arrival and departure.

Additionally, information about the mode of transport (air, land, or sea) and the last port of embarkation is required for a comprehensive digital arrival record.

Access to e-gate facilities

Previously, Singaporeans were granted access to e-gate facilities at Johor Bahru’s land entry points in January 2023, contingent on pre-filling the MDAC.

This facility was subsequently extended to Singaporeans allowing them to utilise autogate facilities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for immigration clearance.

Apart from Singaporeans, visitors from Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, US and the UK will be eligible to use autogates when arriving and leaving KLIA’s Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

Visitors utilising the autogates at KLIA for immigration clearance must possess passports valid for at least six months. Submission of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before arrival is mandatory, excluding permanent residents and long-term pass holders.

However, first-time visitors to Malaysia cannot use autogates on their initial trip. For the first visit, they must submit the MDAC three days before arriving and subsequently enrol and verify their passport at the manual counter, overseen by Immigration personnel.

Autogate usage is reserved for subsequent visits, contingent on MDAC submission three days before each visit. Successful enrolment for autogate immigration clearance is a prerequisite before utilising the autogates upon arrival and departure.

With mandatory completion required three days prior to arrival, the MDAC ensures a seamless entry process, laying the foundation for a more streamlined immigration clearance. Travellers are urged to familiarise themselves with the online form and adhere to the submission timeline.