Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia from India, there is more than just booking flights and hotels. One essential requirement now is the Malaysia digital arrival card (MDAC ) —a digital form that must be filled out online before you arrive in the country. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or short-term work, completing the arrival card ensures a smoother and faster arrival process at immigration.This blog will explain everything about the Malaysia arrival card for Indians including its purpose, how to apply, and why even Indian nationals with visa-free entry must complete it.

What is Malaysia digital arrival card?

The Malaysia arrival card (MDAC) is an online pre-arrival form that foreign travellers must complete before entering Malaysia. It is a government-mandated digital document designed to streamline immigration clearance and improve border security. The system collects essential travel details like your passport number, travel dates, and address in Malaysia. It is easy, fast, and free—but skipping it can cause major travel disruptions.

Once submitted, the Malaysia digital arrival card is valid for a single entry into the country.The main objective of this system is to digitize border procedures, reduce waiting time at immigration, and help authorities manage traveller data more efficiently.

Is Malaysia arrival card for Indians required ?

Yes, even though Indian passport holders can get  visa-free entry into Malaysia for up to 30 days  , they are still required to submit the Malaysia digital arrival card before entering the country.
Many travellers assume that visa exemption means no other formalities are needed but that is not the case. Malaysia visa and arrival cards serve different purposes. While the visa allows you to enter a country, the arrival card is a pre-arrival registration, and it is mandatory for all foreign nationals, including Indians.
Failure to submit the arrival card could lead to entry delays or denial at the Malaysian border.

When to apply for arrival card Malaysia?

You must submit the MDAC form within 3 days before your arrival in Malaysia. It  should not be earlier than 3 days before your date of arrival. You should try to do Malaysia arrival card submission at least 24 hours before your flight, to avoid last-minute technical issues
For example, if you plan to arrive on July 10, the earliest you can apply is July 7.

Malaysia arrival card requirements

You need to fill out the Malaysia arrival card online and you will need the following:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
• Peronal details
• Travel details, including flight number, arrival details and entry point
• Address of your accommodation in Malaysia
• A valid email address to receive confirmation

No physical document is required—you just need to show your passport at immigration, where they can verify your arrival card electronically.

Steps to apply for Malaysia arrival card online

Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for the Malaysia arrival card online:

1. Visit the official MDAC portal

2. Click “Register” and fill in your name, passport details, nationality, and email.

3. Enter your travel information: arrival date, port of entry, flight details, and accommodation address.

4. Submit the form and check your email for confirmation.

5. No need to print the confirmation—the data is automatically available to immigration officers.

Please keep a screenshot or digital copy of your submission, just in case.

Malaysia arrival card fees

There is no fee for the Malaysia digital arrival card. It is completely free of charge for all travellers, including Indian citizens.Be cautious of unofficial websites or agents trying to charge a fee for form submission. Always use the official Malaysian immigration website to apply.

Difference between Malaysia visa and arrival card

The Malaysia arrival card for Indians is not a visa substitute. If you need a visa for stays over 30 days, you can explore our Malaysia visa services to get expert help with documentation and submission..

Category		Visa	Arrival Card
Purpose		Permission to enter the country	Ease in immigration process
Is it for Indians?		No, if staying under 30 days	Yes
Submission		Before travel, if needed	Within 3 days before arrival
Cost		May vary	Free
Document		Official entry permit	Pre-arrival declaration

Consequences for Non-Submission of MDAC

If you do not submit the Malaysia Arrival Card, the following can happen:

• Delayed entry at immigration
• You may be denied entry until the form is filled out
• Possible fines or warnings
• Risk of deportation for repeated or intentional violations

To avoid travel hassles, ensure you submit the card on time.

FAQs

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

Yes, it is mandatory for most foreign travelers, including Indian citizens, entering Malaysia.

Is there any fee to submit the Malaysia Arrival Card?

No, the submission of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is completely free.

Do I need to print the MDAC confirmation?

Yes, it’s better to take a printout or screenshot of the MDAC confirmation to show during immigration.