Required Documents for MDAC
Know what documents and information you'll need before starting your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card application. Having all required information ready ensures a smooth and quick application process.
Essential Information Checklist
Gather information from these documents before beginning your MDAC application to complete the process efficiently
Primary Information Required
Valid Passport
Your passport is the most critical document for the MDAC application. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Malaysia. This six-month validity rule is strictly enforced by Malaysian immigration authorities, and travelers with passports expiring within this period may be denied entry regardless of their MDAC approval status.
The passport must be machine-readable and contain at least two blank visa pages for immigration stamps. Damaged passports with torn pages, water damage, or illegible information may not be accepted. If your passport is nearing expiration or is damaged, you should renew it before applying for MDAC to avoid complications during your travel.
Required Passport Information for MDAC:
- Full name exactly as shown on passport biographical page
- Passport number (alphanumeric code on biographical page)
- Country of passport issuance
- Date of birth as shown on passport
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date (must be at least 6 months from arrival)
- Gender designation as listed on passport
Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Details
Complete and accurate travel information is essential for your MDAC application. You must provide specific details about your arrival plans, accommodation arrangements, and intended stay duration in Malaysia. This information helps Malaysian immigration authorities understand your travel purpose and verify your plans while in the country.
For accommodation, you need to provide the complete address of where you will be staying during your visit. This can be a hotel, resort, serviced apartment, private residence, or any other accommodation type. If staying with friends or family, provide their complete address including street name, house number, city, state, and postal code. For hotel bookings, include the hotel name, address, and confirmation number if available.
Required Travel Information:
- Arrival date in Malaysia (exact date)
- Flight number or mode of transportation
- Port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport name)
- Complete accommodation address in Malaysia
- Duration of intended stay
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, education, etc.)
- Contact phone number in Malaysia (if available)
Contact Information and Email Address
A valid and active email address is mandatory for the MDAC application process. This email will be used to send your MDAC approval confirmation, reference number, and any important updates regarding your application. You must have access to this email address to receive your approved MDAC document, which you'll need to present upon arrival in Malaysia.
Ensure you provide an email address that you check regularly and will have access to while traveling. Many travelers lose access to their approved MDAC because they provided incorrect email addresses or cannot access their email while abroad. We recommend using a personal email address rather than a work email, especially if you're traveling for leisure, as you'll need to access this email during your trip.
Contact Details Required:
- Valid email address (must be accessible during travel)
- Phone number with country code
- Home country address (permanent residence)
- Emergency contact person name and number
Supporting Documents (When Applicable)
Valid Visa (if required)
If your nationality requires a visa to enter Malaysia, you must obtain the appropriate visa before applying for MDAC. The MDAC does not replace visa requirements. Have your visa approval letter or visa sticker details ready, as you may need to provide visa information during the MDAC application.
Hotel Confirmation
Having your hotel booking confirmation readily available is essential when completing your MDAC form. You'll need to provide the accommodation name, address, and booking dates. For stays with friends or family, be prepared to provide their full address and contact information.
Flight Confirmation
Your flight booking confirmation or e-ticket showing your arrival details into Malaysia. This should include flight number, arrival date and time, airline name, and departure city. If arriving by land or sea, have your transportation booking details ready.
Return/Onward Ticket
Proof of onward travel showing you will leave Malaysia before your permitted stay expires. This can be a return flight ticket, a ticket to another country, or other transportation booking. Immigration officers may request this at the border even if not required for MDAC.
Invitation Letter (Business Visits)
For business travelers, an official invitation letter from the Malaysian company or organization you're visiting. This letter should be on company letterhead, include your visit purpose, dates, and host organization's contact information and business registration details.
Proof of Funds
While not required for MDAC application, immigration officers at the border may request proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay. This can include bank statements, credit cards, cash, or traveler's cheques. Have these available when traveling.
Documents for Special Circumstances
Minors and Children Traveling
When completing MDAC for children under 18 years old, parents or legal guardians must provide additional information and documentation. Each child requires a separate MDAC application linked to their own passport, even for infants. The application should include the child's full name, date of birth, passport details, and relationship to the accompanying adult.
For minors traveling without both parents, additional documents may be requested at immigration, including notarized parental consent letters from the non-traveling parent(s), birth certificates showing parental relationship, and contact information for parents remaining at home. While these documents aren't required for MDAC submission, having them prepared prevents issues at the Malaysian border.
- Child's valid passport (with 6-month validity)
- Parent/guardian information and contact details
- Birth certificate or relationship proof (recommended)
- Parental consent letter if traveling with one parent or guardian
Work Pass and Long-Term Visa Holders
Foreign nationals holding Malaysian work passes, employment passes, or long-term residence permits still need to complete MDAC for each entry into Malaysia. Even if you're a resident or work in Malaysia, the MDAC is required every time you return to the country after traveling abroad. This applies to all permit types including Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, Dependant Pass, and Student Pass holders.
When completing your MDAC, have your work pass or long-term visa details readily available. You should indicate your visa type, pass number, validity dates, and employer or sponsoring institution information. Your accommodation address should be your Malaysian residence address. Keep both your approved MDAC and valid work pass or visa accessible when entering Malaysia, as immigration will verify both documents.
Multiple Nationality Holders
If you hold citizenship from multiple countries and possess more than one passport, you must complete the MDAC using the same passport you will use to enter Malaysia. The information on your MDAC must exactly match the passport you present at Malaysian immigration. Mismatches between your MDAC passport details and your physical passport can result in entry denial.
Choose the passport that provides the most favorable entry conditions for Malaysia. Some nationalities enjoy visa-free entry while others require visas. Once you've decided which passport to use for entry, complete the MDAC with that passport's information and ensure you carry that specific passport when traveling to Malaysia. Do not switch passports after submitting your MDAC application.
Important Document Reminders
Critical information to ensure successful MDAC application
Accuracy is Critical
All information provided must exactly match your passport and official documents. Even minor spelling differences or incorrect dates can result in MDAC rejection or entry denial at immigration.
Digital Copies Recommended
Keep digital copies of all your documents (passport, visa, MDAC confirmation, hotel bookings, flight tickets) stored securely in cloud storage or email. This provides backup access if physical copies are lost during travel.
Check Expiry Dates
Verify that your passport validity extends at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Malaysia. Also check visa expiry dates if applicable. Expired documents cannot be used for MDAC applications.
Prepare Before Starting Application
Gather all required documents and information before beginning your MDAC application. This prevents incomplete submissions and ensures you can complete the entire process in one session without delays.
No Document Uploads Required
The MDAC application does not require any document uploads. You simply need the information from these documents to accurately fill out the online form. Keep all documents accessible during the application process for easy reference.
