Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Guide for Indian Travellers

What is MDAC?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is an online arrival declaration required by Malaysian immigration before entry. It replaces the old paper arrival card that was once filled on flights or at counters. Today, immigration expects this information to be submitted digitally before landing.

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is not a visa. It does not grant permission to enter by itself. Instead, it tells immigration who is arriving, where they are staying, and how long they plan to remain in the country. Officers see this information on their system even before the passport is scanned.

Here’s what really happens at the counter. When the passport is handed over, the officer checks the MDAC status automatically. If it is missing, the traveller is sent aside to complete it online, often on weak airport Wi Fi. That delay can feel long after a night flight.

Who Needs to Complete MDAC?

Almost every foreign traveller entering Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, regardless of nationality or visa type. This includes tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers who clear immigration.

Indian passport holders often assume that visa free entry means no paperwork. That assumption causes most problems. While Indians may not need a visa for short stays, they still must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before arrival.

This requirement applies whether the traveller holds a Malaysia visa, a Malaysia E Visa, or enters visa free. Even travellers on group tours or company sponsored trips are not exempt.

Information Required for MDAC

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card asks for basic but precise details. A valid passport is required, and the details must match exactly as printed. Small spelling errors in names or passport numbers are common reasons for system mismatches.

Travel details include flight number, arrival date, and port of entry. Accommodation details are also required. Immigration prefers a full address, not just booking name of the best hotels in Malaysia. For those staying with friends or family, the host address must be entered clearly.

One practical thing to remember is that the system saves data once submitted, but changes after submission are limited. Double checking before final submission saves time later.

How to Apply for MDAC

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is submitted online through the official portal. It can be completed a few days before travel, and doing it early is always safer. Submitting it at the airport works too, but that is when delays happen.

It’s easiest to apply through Akbar Travels, they handle the whole process smoothly and guide travellers step by step. Using akbartravels.com ensures the form is filled correctly, especially for families or elderly passengers who are not comfortable with online forms.

The form takes about ten minutes when documents are ready. Once submitted, confirmation is sent digitally. Printing is not mandatory, but keeping a screenshot helps in case the system is slow on arrival.

Important Information

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card does not have a fee. There is no charge or tariff involved in submission. Any website asking for payment to submit MDAC is not official.

The MDAC is linked to a specific arrival. It must be submitted again for each new entry into Malaysia. It does not cover multiple trips, even if the stay is short.

Validity is tied to the travel dates entered. If travel dates change, the form should be resubmitted. Immigration officers are understanding about minor timing changes, but incorrect dates can raise questions.

Photo requirements are simple. A passport style photo may be requested depending on nationality and travel history. The photo should be recent, with a plain background and clear facial visibility. Blurred images or cropped selfies often fail to upload.

Processing time for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is usually instant. In rare cases, system delays occur during peak travel periods or public holidays. Submitting at least twenty four hours before travel avoids these issues.

MDAC

Indian passport holders do not require a visa for short stays in Malaysia, but they must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card without exception. This applies to tourists, business visitors, and those visiting family.

Travellers holding a Malaysia tourist visa from India or entering under visa exemption follow the same MDAC rule. The card works alongside existing entry permissions, not instead of them.

For travellers planning a structured Malaysia trip with internal flights, hotels, and activities, completing MDAC early fits naturally into travel planning. Those booking cheap flights to Malaysia or combining flights with accommodation should treat MDAC like a boarding requirement.

Many travellers booking Malaysia tour packages rely on agents to manage documents. In such cases, akbartravels.com often assists with MDAC submission along with visa checks and itinerary review.