Starting from December 1, 2023, all foreign visitors to Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival, as announced by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The online card, accessible on the MDAC website, requires travelers to input personal details, including name, nationality, passport information, and arrival and departure dates.
Exceptions to this requirement include Malaysia’s permanent residents, holders of the Malaysia Automated Clearance System pass, and those transiting or transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance. The MDAC must be completed within three days before arriving in Malaysia.
In a bid to streamline the entry process, Singaporeans were initially allowed to use e-gate facilities at land entry points in Johor Bahru in January 2023, provided they pre-filled the MDAC. This privilege was later extended to Singaporeans and foreigners from nine “low-risk” countries, allowing them to use autogate facilities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2.
Notably, a significant number of Singaporeans enter Malaysia regularly, leading to the exemption of MDAC requirements for them. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced on December 5, 2023, that Singaporeans would no longer need to fill in the MDAC.
Additionally, several other traveler categories are exempt from MDAC requirements, including –
- Diplomatic and Official Passport holders,
- Malaysian Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders,
- General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam holders,
- Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveller Facility holders,
- Thailand Border Pass holders, and
- Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) holders.
However, effective January 1, 2024, other foreign nationals entering Malaysia must complete the digital arrival card two to three days before arrival.
This online pre-arrival form offers convenience, allowing travelers to complete it up to three days before their scheduled arrival in Malaysia. The process involves providing personal information, including name, nationality, passport details, and arrival and departure dates.
Upon arrival, travelers must present a valid passport and the completed MDAC to border officers for validation before proceeding through the immigration counter. This streamlined procedure enhances efficiency and aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to digital entry management.
As Malaysia adapts to digital entry management, this move enhances border control efficiency while providing clarity for foreign visitors on the new digital arrival card requirements. Travelers must familiarize themselves with the MDAC process to ensure a seamless entry into Malaysia.
Stay informed on these developments to navigate the changing landscape of international travel to Malaysia. For detailed information and to access the MDAC form, Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).
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