The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a free, mandatory online pre-arrival declaration that all foreign travellers, including UK passport holders, must submit within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia. It is processed instantly, is valid for a single entry, and is not a visa.
This guide explains the MDAC requirements for UK travellers in 2026 – who must submit it, its cost, processing time, validity, and the 3-day submission window.
The MDAC is administered by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) through the MyNIISe system. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (kln.gov.my), the MDAC replaced the paper disembarkation card on 1 January 2024. Every traveller, regardless of age, must have their own submission linked to their passport.
Published: 15 July 2026 | Last updated: 10 September 2026
What Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory electronic pre-arrival immigration declaration required by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) for most foreign visitors entering the country. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card replaced the paper disembarkation card previously issued on flights, and has been in effect since 1 January 2024. It is administered through the MyNIISe (Malaysia National Integrated Immigration System) platform.
The MDAC is a pre-arrival declaration, not a visa or eVisa. UK passport holders are visa-exempt for 90 days but must still submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card every trip.
How the MDAC Fits Into Malaysia’s Entry Requirements
The MDAC sits alongside – not in place of – existing entry requirements such as passport validity rules, visa conditions, and airline check-in procedures. A valid passport, sufficient validity, and any required visa must all be satisfied independently. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card functions as an additional immigration clearance layer, ensuring that traveller data is pre-registered before arrival at any Malaysian port of entry. Submitting the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card does not grant visa-free status or override any other entry condition.
Who Must Submit the MDAC?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration that all foreign nationals entering Malaysia must complete before travel. The obligation applies regardless of whether a traveller holds a visa, an eVisa, or qualifies for visa-free entry. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card must be submitted online within the permitted window before arrival.
- All foreign travellers entering Malaysia by air, land, or sea
- UK passport holders on visa-exempt stays of up to 90 days
- Nationals of visa-required countries who already hold a valid visa
- Children and infants of every age (separate submission per person)
UK Citizens and the MDAC
UK passport holders benefit from a visa exemption for stays up to 90 days, but the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card remains a separate, mandatory requirement for every trip. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card must be completed online before each entry, regardless of visa-exempt status.
Who Is Exempt
The following categories are not required to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card:
- Airside transit passengers who do not leave the airport (e.g., arriving from Singapore on a connecting flight to Australia and staying airside)
- Malaysian permanent residents
- Holders of certain long-term passes
These exemptions apply only to the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card; all other entry requirements remain in force.
MDAC for Children and Infants
Every traveller regardless of age needs a separate Malaysia Digital Arrival Card submission linked to their own passport. Parents or guardians must complete an individual Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for each child and infant in their travelling party.
How Much Does the MDAC Cost?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is completely free of charge – no fee is required at any stage of the application, confirmation, or border presentation process. The Immigration Department of Malaysia, which administers the MDAC through the MyNIISe system, has never authorised any third party to collect payment on its behalf.
Some.com sites charge $15 to $30 for MDAC processing – they are not affiliated with the Malaysian government; you can submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for free at imi.gov.my. If you have already paid one of these services, no refund mechanism exists, but you can still submit the genuine MDAC at no cost via the portal.
By contrast, some countries do levy a fee for their electronic arrival forms – Australia’s ETA, for example, carries a service charge. Malaysia does not. The MDAC remains 100% free, and you should never be asked to pay for it.
When to Submit the MDAC – The 3-Day Window
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card must be completed within 3 calendar days before your date of arrival in Malaysia, including the day of arrival itself. Submitting too early means the system will reject the entry; submitting too late risks delays or denial of boarding at your departure airport.
| Arrival Date | Earliest Submission | Latest Submission |
|---|---|---|
| 15 September 2026 | 12 September 2026 | 15 September 2026 |
| 20 October 2026 | 17 October 2026 | 20 October 2026 |
| 1 December 2026 | 28 November 2026 | 1 December 2026 |
Airlines operating flights to Malaysia may request proof of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at check-in, so aim to submit at the earliest point within the 3-day window rather than waiting until your arrival day.
MDAC Processing Time and Validity
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is processed instantly – a digital confirmation with a reference number and QR code/barcode appears on screen and is emailed immediately to the address provided in the form. No manual review period applies.
Each Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is valid for a single entry only. One MDAC corresponds to one passport and one trip, meaning frequent visitors must submit a new MDAC for every separate journey to Malaysia. This differs from a multi-entry visa, which permits repeated crossings under a single approval.
| Feature | MDAC | Multi-Entry Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Single entry | Multiple entries |
| Validity | One trip, one passport | Fixed period (e.g. 90 days) |
| Frequency of application | New submission per trip | One application per validity period |
How to Submit the MDAC – Step-by-Step
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is submitted via the government portal at imi.gov.my, requiring passport details, flight information, accommodation address, and a health declaration. The process runs through the MyPass@JIM system at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my.
Access the portal
Go to imi.gov.my and select the MDAC submission option.
Enter personal information
Provide passport number, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date.
Provide travel details
Enter flight number, arrival airport, departure country, and arrival date.
Enter accommodation details
Provide your accommodation address in Malaysia and purpose of visit.
Complete health declaration
Fill in the health declaration and emergency contact information, then acknowledge the terms.
Submit and receive confirmation
Get an instant confirmation with a reference number and QR code on screen and via email.
Use only imi.gov.my – third-party .com sites charging fees are not affiliated with the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is free of charge at every stage.
Required Documents and Information Checklist
Before starting your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card application, gather: passport, flight booking details, Malaysian accommodation address, and emergency contact information. Required fields for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card include passport number, nationality, date of birth, passport expiry, flight number, arrival airport, departure country, arrival date, accommodation address, purpose of visit, emergency contact, health declaration, and terms acknowledgement.
The Genuine MDAC Submission Portal
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card portal is hosted at imi.gov.my. Verify the URL starts with https://www.imi.gov.my/ before entering any data. Avoid third-party sites that charge for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. You can also verify your registration status via the MyPass@JIM system at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my.
What Happens If You Don’t Submit the MDAC?
Arriving without a completed Malaysia Digital Arrival Card can lead to denied boarding by your airline, long queues at Malaysian immigration, potential entry denial, and possible fines. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration, and non-compliance triggers a consequence chain that begins at your departure airport.
At check-in, airline staff may refuse boarding if you cannot show proof of MDAC submission. GOV.UK confirms that airlines may ask for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at check-in before allowing you onto the flight.
If you do reach Malaysian immigration without the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, you face manual processing and extended queue times. In more serious cases, travellers may be denied entry entirely or subjected to fines at the border. Border officers verify your MDAC submission instantly via the MyNIISe system.
MDAC vs. Visa – Key Differences for UK Travellers
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a pre-arrival declaration required for all foreign nationals; a visa is a separate travel authorisation needed only for certain nationalities. The MDAC is not a visa, not an eVisa, and not an ETA. UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days but must still submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before every trip. Nationalities that require a visa or eVisa must hold a valid visa AND submit the MDAC – both documents are mandatory.
| Feature | MDAC | eVisa | Visa Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Pre-arrival declaration | Travel authorisation | Visa-free entry for eligible nationalities |
| Approval time | Instant | Days | N/A |
| Cost | Free | Paid | Free |
| Validity | Single entry | Varies | Up to 90 days |
| Who needs it | All foreign nationals | Specific nationalities | UK and other eligible passport holders |
For eVisa applications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia portal at kln.gov.my serves as the external reference point.
How to Fix MDAC Mistakes After Submission
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card cannot be edited after submission. Travellers who notice a mistake must submit a new Malaysia Digital Arrival Card with the corrected information and retain the old reference number. Critical errors involving passport number or nationality require immediate resubmission, while minor typos may be correctable at the airport immigration counter.
Common mistakes include a wrong passport number, an incorrect flight number, a misspelled name, and a wrong accommodation address. When resubmitting, use only the portal at imi.gov.my.
Do You Need to Print the MDAC Confirmation?
A digital copy of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card confirmation on your mobile phone is accepted at Malaysian immigration, but saving a PDF backup offline is strongly recommended. Some airlines may request a printed copy at check-in, so having a PDF backup ensures smooth processing.
To prepare, save the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card confirmation as a PDF to your device once the reference number and QR code appear on screen. Screenshot the QR code in case of connectivity issues. If your phone dies at immigration, border officers can look up your submission using your passport number via the MyNIISe system.
MDAC and Autogate Immigration for UK Passport Holders
UK passport holders who have submitted the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card are eligible for autogate clearance at KLIA and KLIA2, enabling faster border processing. The autogate system verifies your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card submission automatically when you scan your passport.
The autogate process is straightforward: scan your passport at the gate, the system verifies your MDAC submission, and the gate opens. Autogate clearance significantly reduces wait times compared with the manual immigration queue, typically processing travellers in under 10 seconds.
Practical Tips for UK Travellers Submitting the MDAC in 2026
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card should be submitted early within the 3-day window before arrival, with all passport details double-checked and the confirmation saved immediately as a PDF. The MDAC system has been fully operational since January 2024 and remains the mandatory entry requirement for Malaysia in 2026.
- Submit your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card as early as possible within the 3 calendar days before arrival – do not leave it to the last minute at the airport.
- Double-check your passport number against your physical passport before submitting; a single digit error can cause delays at Malaysian immigration.
- Use your exact name as printed in your passport – abbreviations or middle-name omissions may trigger questions at the border.
- Save the MDAC confirmation immediately as a PDF to your device once the reference number and QR code appear on screen.
- If you are unsure whether your submission went through, use the registration status check tool on the portal at imi.gov.my or via the MyPass@JIM system at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my to verify.
- The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card form is available in English, so UK travellers do not need translation tools.
- The paper disembarkation card no longer exists – the MDAC replaced it entirely on 1 January 2024.
- The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is free of charge – never pay a third-party site. Use only imi.gov.my for submission.
FAQ: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Do I need the MDAC if I’m only transiting through Malaysia?
Airside transit passengers who remain in the airport transit area without passing through Malaysian immigration control are exempt from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. However, if you leave the airport or pass through immigration, you must submit an MDAC before your arrival.
Can I submit the MDAC on the same day I arrive in Malaysia?
Yes, you can submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card on the same day you arrive, because the day of arrival is included in the 3-day submission window. However, this is not recommended. You should submit your MDAC as early as possible within the window to avoid last-minute issues.
Is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a pre-arrival declaration form, not a visa, not an eVisa, and not a travel authorisation. UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days but must still submit the MDAC. Nationalities requiring a visa must hold a valid visa and submit an MDAC.
Do I need a separate MDAC for each family member, including infants?
Yes. Every traveller regardless of age, including infants and children, needs a separate Malaysia Digital Arrival Card submission linked to their own passport. Parents or guardians can complete the form on behalf of minors, but each child must have their own MDAC with their own passport details.
Does the MDAC cover multiple entries to Malaysia?
No. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is valid for a single entry only. One MDAC equals one entry into Malaysia. Each new trip requires a fresh MDAC submission tied to your passport and travel details. Frequent visitors must submit a new MDAC every time they enter the country.
What if my MDAC confirmation email hasn’t arrived?
If your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card confirmation email has not arrived, first check your spam or junk folder. You can also verify the confirmation screen, which displays your reference number and QR code immediately after submission. Use your reference number to check your registration status online via the portal at imi.gov.my or the MyPass@JIM system at imigresen-online.imi.gov.my.
Can I edit my MDAC after submitting it?
No, you cannot edit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card after submitting it. To correct errors such as a wrong passport number, misspelled name, or wrong flight date, you must submit a completely new MDAC application with the corrected details. Retain your old reference number for your records.
What documents do I need before starting the MDAC application?
Before starting your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card application, gather your passport, flight booking details, Malaysian accommodation address, and emergency contact information. The form also requires your nationality, date of birth, passport expiry date, arrival airport, departure country, purpose of visit, and a health declaration.
Will the airline check my MDAC before boarding the plane?
Airlines may request proof of your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at check-in before boarding. You should have your confirmation ready, either as a digital copy on your mobile device or as a printed PDF backup. Presenting your MDAC reference number or QR code ensures smooth check-in.
Is there an MDAC app I can download?
No, there is no MDAC app to download. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a browser-based web portal accessible at https://www.imi.gov.my/. You can complete and submit the form using any compatible web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer. No app is required.
