Key Takeaways:
- Starting December 2023, travelers to Malaysia must complete the mandatory Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) to streamline immigration.
- The MDAC must be filled out online within three days of arrival, providing personal details, accommodation address, and duration of stay.
- Certain travelers, including Singapore arrivals and diplomatic passport holders, are exempt from the MDAC requirement.
Traveling to Malaysia? Be Prepared for the New Mandatory Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Malaysia is known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful destination, it’s essential to keep abreast of the latest immigration requirements. Starting early December 2023, Malaysia introduced a compulsory measure for foreign travelers: the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).
What is the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
The MDAC is a digital form that must be completed by foreigners entering Malaysia. It became mandatory for most passport holders, including Australians, and its primary goal is to streamline the immigration process, reducing waiting times significantly. The process is similar to the arrival systems of other countries such as Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
This new protocol officially came into effect in early December 2023, allowing travelers a one-month grace period, which concluded on January 1, 2024. Now, all travelers must ensure they comply with this requirement to avoid any inconvenience during their journey.
Filling Out the MDAC
Travelers must complete the MDAC within three days of their arrival in Malaysia. The online MDAC form requires the following information:
– Personal details
– Accommodation address in Malaysia
– Duration of stay
One unique aspect is the date entry method employed by the MDAC form. Instead of a standard date picker or manual entry, the system utilizes a more complex approach. Here’s a useful tip to navigate through the dates quickly:
– Click the “DD/MM/YYYY” field to display a drop-down calendar of the current month.
– Click the same field again, now titled with the current month and year, to show all months in the year.
– Click a third time to bring up a view of all the years in the decade, using the arrow buttons to find your year, then select the appropriate month and date.
Remember, the MDAC can only be completed a maximum of three days before your arrival. For example, if landing in Malaysia on January 30, the MDAC can be filled out on January 28, 29, or 30.
Who is Exempt from the MDAC?
Certain travelers are not required to complete the digital declaration. This exemption list includes:
– Arrivals from Singapore
– Diplomatic and official passport holders
– Malaysian permanent residents
– Long-term pass holders
– Frequent and border pass holders from Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei
Utilizing Malaysia’s Automated E-Gates
An additional benefit for travelers from certain countries is the use of Malaysia’s automated e-gates at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2. The e-gate system allows for a swift and efficient immigration clearance and is a convenient option for travelers who meet the e-gate requirements in Malaysia, including holding a Social Visit Pass.
As of March 2023, the following countries are approved for e-gate use:
– Germany
– Japan
– Korea
– Singapore
– Australia
– New Zealand
– United States
– United Kingdom
– Brunei
– Saudi Arabia
However, it’s important to note that first-time users of the e-gates will need to have their fingerprints scanned at staffed immigration counters. This process is required only once to register the traveler in the system.
Arriving in Malaysia by Air
Many travelers from Australia arrive in Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur, the main entry point. Malaysia Airlines offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Additionally, they have announced plans for a return to Brisbane and an upgrade of their Australian routes to new A330neo jets, expected between 2024-2026.
These A330neo aircraft will boast a new international business class seat—the Elevation model from Collins Aerospace, which is also featured in British Airways’ latest Club Suite business class and for Etihad Airways’ A350 Business Studio suite.
As travel norms continue to evolve, staying informed about requirements like the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card ensures a smooth entry into Malaysia. By planning and completing the MDAC in the specified timeframe, you’ll be all set to explore this diverse and enchanting country.
Before you travel, make sure to visit the official Malaysia Immigration website for the latest updates and to complete your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. Safe travels!
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): A compulsory digital form that must be completed by foreigners entering Malaysia. It aims to streamline the immigration process by collecting essential information from travelers, reducing waiting times significantly.
Passport Holder: An individual who holds a valid passport issued by their country of citizenship, allowing them to travel internationally.
Grace Period: A specified period of time after the implementation of a new requirement or policy during which individuals are given additional time to comply without facing penalties or consequences.
Personal Details: Information about an individual, including their name, nationality, date of birth, passport details, and contact information.
Accommodation Address: The address of the place where a traveler will be staying while in Malaysia, such as a hotel, guesthouse, or residential address.
Duration of Stay: The length of time a traveler plans to stay in Malaysia, typically indicated in days or weeks.
Date Entry Method: The specific way in which dates are entered into a form or system. In the case of the MDAC, a unique method is used involving a drop-down calendar display.
Exemption: A status that exempts certain individuals or groups from a specific requirement or obligation. In the context of the MDAC, certain travelers are exempted from completing the digital declaration.
Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders: Individuals who possess diplomatic or official passports, which are issued to government officials or diplomats for official travel purposes.
Permanent Resident: A foreign national who has been granted the right to live and work permanently in a country other than their country of citizenship.
Long-term Pass Holder: An individual who holds a long-term visa or permit that allows them to reside in Malaysia for an extended period, such as for employment, study, or family reunification.
Frequent and Border Pass Holders: Individuals who hold special passes or permits that allow frequent cross-border travel between specific countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Automated E-Gates: Automated gates or systems used at immigration checkpoints that allow eligible travelers to undergo expedited and self-service immigration clearance, reducing the need for manual processing by immigration officers.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA): The main airport in Malaysia, located in Kuala Lumpur, which serves as the primary entry point for many travelers.
Social Visit Pass: A type of visa or permit that allows individuals to enter Malaysia for non-work-related purposes, such as tourism, family visits, or social activities.
First-time Users: Individuals who have not used or passed through the automated e-gates system before and will need to have their fingerprints scanned at staffed immigration counters for initial registration in the system.
Entry Point: The location or port of entry where travelers arrive in a country, such as an airport, seaport, or land border crossing.
A330neo Jets: The Airbus A330neo is a next-generation aircraft model featuring improved fuel efficiency, enhanced range, and modern cabin designs. Malaysia Airlines plans to upgrade its Australian routes to A330neo jets in the future.
Business Class: A premium class of travel available on airlines, offering increased comfort, amenities, and services compared to economy class.
Travel Norms: Established patterns or practices related to travel, including entry requirements, documentation, and procedures followed by countries and travelers.
Official Malaysia Immigration Website: The official online portal maintained by the Malaysian government’s immigration authorities, providing information, updates, and online services related to immigration matters.
So, there you have it! The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is now a mandatory requirement for most travelers entering Malaysia. Don’t fret, though – it’s a simple online form that aims to make your immigration process smoother. Remember to fill it out within three days of your arrival and keep an eye out for those unique date entry instructions. For more tips and information on travel requirements, visit visaverge.com. Safe travels and enjoy your adventure in Malaysia!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Traveling to Malaysia? Be ready for the new Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), mandatory from December 2023. Complete the digital form within three days of arrival, providing personal details and accommodation address. Certain travelers are exempt. Use Malaysia’s automated e-gates for swift immigration clearance. Stay informed for a smooth entry!
