How to Apply for Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Follow our comprehensive step-by-step guide to complete your MDAC application quickly and correctly. The entire process takes just 10-15 minutes with proper preparation.
Simple 4-Step Application Process
Complete your MDAC application in four straightforward steps
Access the MDAC Application Portal
Begin your MDAC application by accessing our secure online application portal. The system is available 24/7, allowing you to apply at your convenience from anywhere in the world. You can access the portal from any device including computers, tablets, or smartphones with internet connection. The platform is optimized for all modern web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Before You Start:
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection to prevent application interruptions
- Gather all required documents and information (passport, travel details, accommodation address)
- Have a valid email address that you can access immediately for confirmation
- Set aside 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted time to complete the application
- Use a desktop or laptop computer for the best experience, though mobile devices work too
The application portal uses bank-level SSL encryption to protect your personal information throughout the submission process. All data is transmitted securely and stored in compliance with Malaysian data protection regulations. You don't need to create an account or register before starting your application – simply access the portal and begin filling out the form directly. However, you will receive a unique reference number after submission that allows you to track your application status if needed.
Complete Your Personal Information
The first section of the MDAC application requires your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. This is the most critical part of the application, as any discrepancies between your MDAC and passport can result in entry denial at Malaysian immigration. Take your time to enter all details carefully, double-checking each field against your passport biographical page.
Passport Information Required:
Full Legal Name
Enter your full name exactly as shown on passport – including all middle names, with correct spacing and special characters
Passport Number
Alphanumeric passport number from the top right of your passport's biographical page
Nationality
Select your country of citizenship as shown on your passport
Date of Birth
Use the exact format shown on your passport (DD/MM/YYYY)
Gender
Select gender as indicated on your passport
Passport Issue/Expiry
Enter issue and expiry dates; ensure expiry is at least 6 months after arrival
Contact Information Required:
- Email Address: Provide a valid, active email that you can access while traveling. MDAC confirmation will be sent here.
- Phone Number: Include country code and ensure this number will be reachable during your trip to Malaysia.
- Home Address: Complete residential address in your home country including street, city, state/province, and postal code.
Pay special attention to name spelling, as even a single letter difference can cause problems at immigration. If your passport shows "JOHN" but you enter "Jon," this mismatch could result in entry complications. Use capital letters where your passport uses capital letters, and include all hyphens, apostrophes, or special characters exactly as shown. For compound surnames or multiple family names, enter them in the exact order shown on your passport.
Provide Travel and Accommodation Details
The third section requires comprehensive information about your travel plans and where you'll be staying in Malaysia. This information helps Malaysian immigration authorities understand your visit purpose and verify your plans while in the country. Be as specific and accurate as possible with all travel and accommodation details.
Arrival Information
- Arrival Date: Exact date you'll enter Malaysia (must be within 3 days of MDAC application or later)
- Flight Number: Complete flight number if arriving by air (e.g., MH370, AK6253)
- Port of Entry: Specific airport, land border, or seaport where you'll enter Malaysia
- Departure City: City/country you're traveling from
- Duration of Stay: How many days you plan to stay in Malaysia
Accommodation Details
- Hotel/Residence Name: Full name of hotel, apartment, or private residence
- Complete Address: Street name, building/house number, neighborhood/district
- City/State: City and Malaysian state where you're staying
- Postal Code: Malaysian postal code of accommodation (5 digits)
- Contact Number: Phone number of accommodation or host in Malaysia
Important Tips for This Section
- If staying at multiple locations, provide your first accommodation address in Malaysia
- For private residences, include the complete home address of your host
- Verify your flight number carefully – mistakes here are common and cause application delays
- If arriving by land or sea, select the appropriate border crossing or port name
- Purpose of visit options typically include: Tourism, Business, Education, Family Visit, Medical, Transit
Review and Submit Your Application
Before submitting your MDAC application, you'll be presented with a comprehensive summary page showing all the information you've entered. This is your final opportunity to review and verify that everything is accurate and matches your travel documents. The review process is crucial because once submitted, you cannot edit your application and will need to submit a new one if corrections are needed.
Review Checklist – Verify Each Item:
Name Spelling
Check that your name matches your passport exactly, letter by letter
Passport Number
Verify passport number is correct with no typos
Dates
Confirm arrival date, birth date, and passport expiry are accurate
Email Address
Ensure email is spelled correctly and accessible
Flight Details
Double-check flight number and arrival date match your booking
Accommodation
Verify complete address with correct postal code
Take your time during the review process. It's recommended to check each field twice, comparing it directly against your passport and travel documents. Many application issues arise from simple typos or transposed numbers that could have been caught during review. If you notice any errors, use the "Edit" or "Back" button to return to the relevant section and make corrections before final submission.
After Review – Final Submission:
Once you're confident all information is accurate and complete, click the "Submit Application" button. You'll receive an immediate on-screen confirmation with a unique reference number. This reference number is important for tracking your application status, so make note of it or take a screenshot. The system will also send an automatic email acknowledgment to the address you provided, confirming that your MDAC application has been received and is being processed.
After submission, you cannot modify your application. If you later discover errors, you'll need to submit a new MDAC application with the correct information. Therefore, thorough review before submission is essential.
Processing Time & Timeline
Understand when to apply and what to expect
Recommended Application Window
Apply at least 3-5 days before departure to ensure timely approval and allow for resubmission if needed
Standard Processing Time
Most MDAC applications are processed and approved within 1-3 business days of submission
Minimum Advance Application
You can apply up to 30 days before travel, but no later than 3 days before your arrival date
Pro Tips for Successful Application
Apply Early
Don't wait until the last minute. Apply 1-2 weeks before travel to avoid stress and allow time for any issues
Double-Check Everything
Review all entered information multiple times against your passport before submitting to prevent errors
Keep Digital Copies
Save your MDAC in multiple places – phone, email, cloud storage – so you always have access
Use Reliable Internet
Apply from a location with stable internet to prevent form data loss due to connection issues
Have All Documents Ready
Gather passport, flight details, and accommodation information before starting to complete application quickly
Save Reference Number
Write down or screenshot your application reference number immediately after submission for tracking