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Best answer for an Indian traveller looking for Malaysia MDAC information.
Travelling from India to Malaysia? The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online arrival declaration that eligible foreign travellers need to complete before entering Malaysia. This guide explains who needs MDAC, when to submit it, what information you need, how to register online, and what to do after submission. Call us for more help +919388332255
Official MDAC Registration
Register your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card through the official Malaysian Immigration portal.
Official Malaysia MDAC Registration Portal
What is Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online arrival declaration that eligible foreign travellers are required to complete before travelling to Malaysia. It allows Malaysian immigration authorities to collect important traveller and trip information before the traveller arrives at the country’s border.
Why is MDAC required?
MDAC provides Malaysian immigration authorities with information about a traveller’s:
- Passport and personal details
- Nationality
- Arrival and departure dates
- Flight or other transport details
- Last port of embarkation
- Accommodation in Malaysia
- Contact information
The purpose is to provide immigration authorities with the traveller’s information before arrival and support the immigration clearance process.
Who needs to submit MDAC?
MDAC applies to eligible foreign travellers entering Malaysia, subject to Malaysia’s current immigration rules and exemptions.
For example, an Indian passport holder travelling to Malaysia should check both:
- Whether a Malaysian visa is required for their particular trip, and
- Whether they need to complete the MDAC.
These are two separate requirements.
Is MDAC the same as a Malaysia visa?
No.
| MDAC | Malaysian Visa |
|---|---|
| Digital arrival declaration | Travel/entry authorization where a visa is required |
| Provides traveller and trip information to immigration | Determines whether a traveller is authorized to travel to Malaysia under the applicable visa category |
| Completed before arrival | Application/approval requirements depend on nationality and visa category |
| Does not replace a visa | May be required separately |
| Does not guarantee entry | Does not by itself replace immigration clearance |
So, completing the MDAC does not mean that your Malaysian visa has been approved, and it does not automatically give you permission to enter Malaysia.
Does completing MDAC guarantee entry into Malaysia?
No.
Submitting the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is only part of the pre-arrival process. Final admission into Malaysia is determined by Malaysian immigration authorities at the point of entry, based on the traveller’s passport, applicable immigration requirements and other relevant conditions.
Simple example for Indian travellers
Suppose an Indian traveller is planning a holiday to Kuala Lumpur.
They shouldn’t think:
“I completed my MDAC, so I have a visa.”
Instead, they should understand:
MDAC = Arrival declaration
Visa = Visa requirement/authorization, when applicable
Immigration clearance = Final decision at the Malaysian border
That distinction is important because someone searching for “Malaysia arrival card” may actually be trying to determine whether they need a visa, when the arrival card and visa are separate matters.
Do Indians Need the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
Yes. Indian travellers should complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) when required under Malaysia’s current immigration rules, even though Indian citizens currently have a visa exemption for tourist travel under the applicable provision.
The important point is that MDAC and a Malaysian visa are two different requirements.
According to the Malaysian Immigration Department’s current visa-requirement page, Indian citizens are listed as visa-exempt until 31 December 2026.
However, this does not mean Indian travellers are exempt from MDAC. The official MDAC registration system is specifically designed for eligible foreign travellers and requires travellers to submit their personal and travel information before arrival. The current form states that the trip must fall within 3 days, including the date of submission.
What does this mean for Indian travellers?
If you are an Indian passport holder travelling to Malaysia for a tourist/social visit, think of the requirements separately:
Visa requirement:
Indian citizens are currently visa-exempt for tourist travel under the stated exemption, which is currently listed through 31 December 2026.
MDAC requirement:
MDAC is a separate digital arrival declaration that eligible foreign travellers need to complete before entering Malaysia.
Immigration clearance:
Even after completing MDAC, travellers must still go through Malaysian immigration on arrival. Completing MDAC does not guarantee entry into Malaysia.
Important: MDAC is NOT a visa
A common misunderstanding is:
“Indians don’t need a Malaysian visa, so they don’t need to fill in the arrival card.”
This is incorrect.
Visa exemption ≠ MDAC exemption.
The visa exemption determines whether an Indian traveller needs to obtain a visa for the applicable tourist visit. MDAC is a separate pre-arrival declaration.
For example:
Indian traveller → Visa-exempt for eligible tourist travel → Complete MDAC when required → Arrive in Malaysia → Immigration clearance
The Malaysian Immigration Department also states that its MDAC system is for foreign visitors, while its visa requirements are handled separately.
How many days can Indian tourists stay without a visa?
The current Malaysian Immigration information states that Indian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement for the applicable tourist/social-visit arrangement through 31 December 2026. The associated Malaysian Immigration visa information describes the tourist exemption as allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
However, this 30-day visa exemption should not be interpreted as permission to stay for any other purpose, such as employment or study. Different immigration requirements apply to those purposes.
When should Indians submit MDAC?
The official MDAC registration form currently states:
The trip must be within 3 days, including the date of submission.
So, Indian travellers should plan their MDAC submission according to their actual Malaysia arrival date rather than completing it weeks or months in advance.
Where should Indians submit MDAC?
Use the official Malaysian Immigration MDAC portal, rather than a third-party website.
Official Malaysia MDAC Registration Portal
Malaysian Immigration has also issued a warning about fake MDAC portals, so Flywell should strongly encourage travellers to use the official government portal.
Quick summary for Indian travellers
| Requirement | Indian tourist |
|---|---|
| Malaysian tourist visa | Currently visa-exempt under the applicable provision |
| MDAC | Complete when required |
| Passport | Required |
| Immigration clearance | Required |
| MDAC = visa? | No |
| MDAC guarantees entry? | No |
| Current visa-exemption end date | 31 December 2026 |
Who Needs to Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is required for foreign visitors travelling to Malaysia, subject to the exemptions specified by the Malaysian Immigration Department. The safest approach is to check the latest requirements from the official Malaysian Immigration Department rather than relying on older travel blogs or third-party websites.
Who generally needs to submit MDAC?
If you are a foreign national travelling to Malaysia as a visitor, you should check whether you are required to complete the MDAC before your arrival.
This can include travellers visiting Malaysia for purposes such as:
- Tourism
- Social visits
- Visiting family or friends
- Business meetings or discussions
- Conferences and other permitted short-term activities
Malaysia’s Immigration Department describes short-term social visit entry as covering purposes including tourism, visiting relatives, meetings, conferences and business discussions.
Are all foreign travellers required to submit MDAC?
No. There are specific exemptions.
The Malaysian Immigration Department provides exemptions from the MDAC requirement for certain categories of travellers. Because these exemptions can change, travellers should always verify their situation using the latest official Malaysian Immigration guidance before travelling.
Rather than relying on an old list copied from other websites, Flywell should link directly to the Malaysian Immigration Department’s current MDAC information.
Who is exempt from MDAC?
The official Malaysian Immigration guidance identifies certain categories that are exempt from the MDAC requirement. These include specific categories of travellers such as:
- Malaysian citizens
- Permanent residents of Malaysia
- Malaysian Permanent Resident Entry Permit holders
- Certain Long-Term Pass holders
- Certain Brunei–Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility users
- Certain Thailand–Malaysia border pass holders
- APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders travelling under the applicable facility
- Other categories specifically exempted by Malaysian Immigration
Because the exact eligibility and conditions can vary by traveller category and immigration facility, do not treat this list as a substitute for the current official rules. Check the Malaysian Immigration Department’s MDAC guidance before publishing or updating the page.
What about Indian travellers?
For an Indian traveller, the important point is:
Being visa-exempt does not automatically mean being exempt from MDAC.
Malaysia currently lists Indian citizens as visa-exempt until 31 December 2026 under the applicable provision. However, visa requirements and MDAC requirements are separate.
Therefore, an Indian tourist should check both:
- Whether a Malaysian visa is required for their particular travel purpose and circumstances.
- Whether they need to submit the MDAC before arrival.
Important: MDAC exemptions can change
Travel requirements are updated by immigration authorities from time to time. For example, Malaysian Immigration announced in January 2026 that MDAC can also be filled directly through the MyNIISe app.
When Should You Submit MDAC?
You should submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of your planned arrival in Malaysia.
The official MDAC registration form states that your trip must fall within 3 days, including the date you submit the form.
Important
Submit your MDAC within the 3-day window before your arrival in Malaysia.
For example, if you are arriving in Malaysia on 10 September, you should submit your MDAC during the applicable 3-day window leading up to your arrival.
Do not submit it 30 days in advance—that is an outdated instruction and does not reflect the current official registration requirement.
| Information | Required |
|---|---|
| Passport details | Yes |
| Date of birth | Yes |
| Nationality | Yes |
| Email address | Yes |
| Mobile number | Yes |
| Arrival date | Yes |
| Departure date | Yes |
| Flight/transport number | Yes |
| Last port of embarkation | Yes |
| Accommodation in Malaysia | Yes |
| Malaysian address | Yes |
MDAC Common Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes when completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC):
- Using a fake MDAC website – Submit your MDAC only through the official Malaysian Immigration platform. Be cautious of websites that charge unnecessary fees or claim to provide an “official” MDAC service.
- Entering your passport number incorrectly – Double-check your passport number before submitting the form. Even a small typing error can cause problems during verification.
- Entering the wrong arrival date – Make sure the arrival date matches your actual travel itinerary and flight booking.
- Entering the wrong departure date – Check that your intended departure date is entered correctly.
- Entering an incorrect flight number – Enter the flight or transport number exactly as shown on your travel booking.
- Providing incorrect Malaysian accommodation details – Enter the correct hotel, accommodation, or Malaysian address where you will be staying.
- Submitting outside the permitted window – MDAC should be submitted within the permitted 3-day window before arrival, including the date of submission. Avoid submitting it too early.
- Not saving your confirmation/details – After completing the submission, save the confirmation or relevant details so you can access them when needed during your journey.
- Confusing MDAC with a visa – The MDAC is an arrival declaration, not a visa. Completing the MDAC does not automatically grant permission to enter Malaysia or replace any visa requirement that applies to your nationality.
Official Malaysia MDAC Website
For the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), use the official Malaysian Immigration Department portal. Avoid third-party websites that charge fees or claim to be official MDAC registration services.
Official MDAC Portal: Malaysia Immigration – Official MDAC Portal
You can use the official portal to complete your Malaysia digital arrival card online and submit your Malaysia MDAC registration.
Apply for Your Malaysia Visa Today!
Need expert help with your Malaysia visa application? Our team at Flywell Tours ensures a smooth and stress-free process.
Call Us: +91 9388332255
Email ID : customersupport@flywelltours.com
Location: Flywell Tours and Travels, Ravipuram, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala
Website: www.flywelltours.com
Documents required for Malaysia Visa for Indians
*Must have Documents for Malaysia Visa Online:
- Scanned copy of first and last page of your passport;
- Scanned recent colour photograph. (Photo Specification);
- Confirmed return flight ticket ;
- Hotel Reservation or Invitation letter (If visiting family or friends).
- Birth Certificate for minors (below 14 years).
- Kindly note: The Govt is very strict on the photograph requirement; please ensure that your photos are as per the specifications for a successful Malaysia Tourist Visa application.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. All Indians require a prior Malaysia visa before travelling to Malaysia. You can either get the Malaysia eVisa electronically (online) with an e-Visa system or can apply for the Malaysia sticker visa at the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate via the Visa application centers in India. Flywell Travels processes all types of Malaysia visa for Indians: Malaysia eVisa and Malaysia sticker visa.
With the Malaysia e Visa for Indians, you can stay in Malaysia for a maximum of 30 days. The Malaysia eVisa is a single entry visa and should be used within 3 months from the issued date. There are no entry/exit restrictions and you can enter/exit Malaysia from any country.
Yes. You must apply and obtain a Malaysia Visa for Indians well in advance before entering the country. The Malaysia Tourist Visa for Indians can be obtained both online and offline.
There is no facility of getting a Malaysia visa on arrival for Indians. Indian nationals traveling from India to Malaysia will need to get the Malaysia visa online before traveling to the country.
It is only possible to get a Malaysia visa on arrival in certain circumstances, i.e., if Indians are visiting Malaysia from a third country, namely Singapore and Thailand. However, the final decision to grant a Malaysia visa on arrival is at the discretion of the Immigration officer in Malaysia.
It is always advisable to get the Malaysia visa for Indians before travel in order to avoid last-minute hassles.