Corporate Immigration — Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
The Malaysian government has announced that effective January 1, 2024, foreigners must complete the digital card three days before arriving in the country.
Who will be affected?
Foreigners/travellers entering Malaysia.
Background
The MDAC is an online pre-arrival form and must be filled out up to three days before arriving in Malaysia. This implementation aligns with the control and enforcement measures of the country’s Visa Liberalisation Plan, aimed at attracting foreign tourists and boosting revenue. Initially launched in January 2023 for Singapore passport holders, the digital arrival card is now mandatory for all travellers entering Malaysia, with updated regulations effective December 1 2023.
Impact
Exemptions from filling out the MDAC include:
- Singaporeans,
- Long-term pass holders in Malaysia,
- Individuals with Brunei common identification certificates, and
- Holders of Thai border passes.
All other travellers not falling within these exemptions must submit their digital forms three days before they arrive in Malaysia.
Date of implementation
1 January 2024
Santa Fe analysis
- A grace period is in effect until December 31, allowing foreign travellers to complete the form upon arrival at Malaysia’s international entry points. However, from January 1, they must complete the form before arrival.
- First-time visitors must verify their passports at a manual immigration counter upon arrival before using the autogate during departure. Those who have previously registered their passports can use the autogate directly for entry and exit.
- All arrivals must possess a valid passport, with at least six months validity for arrivals at Malaysian airports and three months for arrivals through land checkpoints.
For any inquiries or further clarification, you are welcome to reach out to the designated contacts below:
Samson Prakash Poore
Immigration Manager, Malaysia
Santa Fe Relocation
+60 19 601 6900
samson.poore@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
+44 7990 021125
robert.day@santaferelo.com
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