The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement is an email receipt containing a QR code and digital slip with your travel details. It is sent to the email used during MDAC submission. If lost, retrieve it by logging into the MDAC portal at imi.gov.my using your passport number and date of birth.
Published: 10 September 2026 | Last updated: 10 September 2026
What Is the MDAC Acknowledgement and Who Needs It?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement, introduced on 1 January 2024, is a mandatory pre-arrival confirmation for all foreign travellers entering Malaysia. A separate MDAC must be submitted per passport holder within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival via the online portal at imi.gov.my.
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement is tied to the specific declared entry date; submitting outside the 72-hour window invalidates the confirmation and requires a new submission. Children and infants are not exempt – each passport holder, regardless of age, must hold an individual Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement.
If you have misplaced your confirmation, you can retrieve a lost MDAC acknowledgement through the portal using your passport details.
What Does the MDAC Acknowledgement Look Like and How Is It Delivered?
This section details each component of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement below.
Email Receipt – Sender, Subject Line and Body
Sender: Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (domain imi.gov.my). Subject: includes “MDAC”, “Acknowledgement”, or “Kad Ketibaan Digital”. Body: name, passport, arrival date, flight, reference number + PDF attachment or download link.
QR Code – Placement and Function
The QR code is embedded in both the email body and the PDF digital slip, typically positioned in the upper-right area. Immigration officers scan this code at checkpoints to verify pre-arrival registration. It is accepted displayed on a smartphone screen or printed on paper.
Digital Slip – Layout and Key Fields
| Field | Example Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | As per passport | Must match passport exactly |
| Passport Number | AB1234567 | Same as travel document |
| Nationality | British | Country of citizenship |
| Date of Birth | 15/03/1990 | DD/MM/YYYY format |
| Arrival Date | 25/09/2026 | Must be within 3 days of submission |
| Flight Number | MH0001 | Airline code + number |
| Accommodation Address | Hotel name, Kuala Lumpur | Address in Malaysia |
| Reference Number | MDAC-XXXXXXXX | Unique submission identifier |
| Submission Timestamp | 22/09/2026 14:35 UTC | When the form was submitted |
| QR Code | [Embedded barcode] | Scannable at immigration |
Delivery Time and Spam Folder Tips
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement is delivered within minutes of submission. If not received within 1 hour, check spam, junk, and promotions folders; verify the email address entered during submission; log into the MDAC portal at imi.gov.my to re-download; or contact the immigration helpdesk as a last resort. Search your inbox for “MDAC”, “Acknowledgement”, “imi.gov.my”, or “Kad Ketibaan Digital”. Once received, find out whether you need to print the MDAC acknowledgement for your trip.
How to Retrieve a Lost MDAC Acknowledgement and Fix Errors
A lost Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement can be retrieved via imi.gov.my using passport number, nationality, date of birth, and reference PIN.
Go to imi.gov.my
Navigate to the MDAC section or “Check Status” tab.
Enter your details
Provide your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and MDAC reference PIN (if available).
Submit the lookup request
Wait for the system to display your acknowledgement record.
Download or screenshot
Save the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement (email receipt, QR code, and digital slip).
Save a backup copy
Email it to yourself, save as PDF, or take a screenshot on your phone. If you later need to present it, find out whether you need to print the MDAC acknowledgement.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Call centre | 03-88801555 – 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM, every day |
| [email protected] | |
| Alternative call centre | 03-88801452 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, every day |
| In-person | No. 15, Tingkat 2 (Podium), Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2, 62550 Putrajaya |
Correcting Mistakes on Your Acknowledgement
Minor errors (e.g., typo in accommodation address) may be acceptable at immigration discretion; carry supporting documents. Critical errors – wrong passport number, incorrect nationality, or wrong date of birth – require a new MDAC submission, as the existing Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement cannot be edited.
Do You Need to Print the MDAC Acknowledgement (Including E-Gates)?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement is accepted digitally on a smartphone screen; a printed backup is recommended for airline check-in and KLIA e-gates. If you have lost your MDAC acknowledgement, follow these retrieval steps before departure.
| Scenario | Digital (Phone Screen) | Printed Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration manual counter | ✅ Accepted | ✅ Accepted |
| Airline check-in (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester) | ✅ Generally accepted | ✅ Recommended backup |
| Automated clearance gates (KLIA T1 & T2) | ✅ QR scanned from screen | ✅ Also works |
| Phone battery dead / no connectivity | ❌ Not accessible | ✅ Essential backup |
Malaysia Airlines (MH) requires MDAC before flight; UK check-in staff at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester may verify submission. Carry both digital and printed copies in carry-on luggage.
MDAC and Automated Clearance Gates at KLIA
KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 operate automated clearance gates where the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement QR code can be scanned. E-gate eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, and age – not all travellers qualify even with a valid MDAC acknowledgement. If e-gate access is denied, proceed to the manual immigration counter with your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement in digital or printed form.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MDAC Acknowledgement
What does the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement look like?
Email with QR code and PDF digital slip (imi.gov.my domain, upper-right QR placement). Contains name, passport, travel dates, accommodation, and reference number.
How do I retrieve a lost MDAC acknowledgement email?
Check spam, then portal at imi.gov.my with passport number and date of birth.
Do I need to print out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
No. Digital copies on smartphone are accepted at immigration and e-gates. Printed backup recommended for airline check-in and as failsafe.
What is the MDAC reference number and where can I find it?
Unique identifier (format: MDAC-XXXXXXXX) in the email receipt header and on the digital slip. Required for retrieval via the portal.
Can I resend my MDAC acknowledgement if I deleted it?
Yes. Retrieve via imi.gov.my with passport, nationality, date of birth, and reference PIN. If portal fails, call 03-88801555 (8:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily) or email [email protected].
How long is the MDAC acknowledgement valid?
Valid for the specific entry date declared during submission, within the 3-day (72-hour) pre-arrival window. Each entry requires a separate submission.
Can I use the MDAC QR code at automated clearance gates?
Yes. Eligible travellers can scan the QR code at e-gates in KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, and age.
What should I do if my MDAC email has not arrived?
Wait 1 hour, then check spam/junk folders. If still missing, log into imi.gov.my to re-download, or email [email protected].
How do I correct a mistake on my MDAC acknowledgement?
Minor errors (accommodation typo) may be acceptable with supporting documents. Critical errors (wrong passport number, nationality, or date of birth) require a new MDAC submission.
Who do I contact if I cannot retrieve my MDAC acknowledgement?
Call centre: 03-88801555 (8:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily). Email: [email protected]. In person: No. 15, Tingkat 2 (Podium), Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2, 62550 Putrajaya.
Can I use my MDAC acknowledgement for multiple entries to Malaysia?
No. Each entry requires a separate MDAC submission and acknowledgement, tied to the specific arrival date.
Do children and infants need a separate MDAC acknowledgement?
Yes. Every passport holder, including children and infants, must have an individual Malaysia Digital Arrival Card acknowledgement linked to their passport.
This article is based on information from the Malaysian Immigration Department (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia) as of September 2026. Travel requirements may change; always verify with the MDAC portal at imi.gov.my before your trip. Our editorial team has monitored Malaysia’s immigration requirements since the MDAC was introduced in January 2024.
