For Indian passport holders planning a visit to Malaysia, whether travelling to the vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur, the beaches of Langkawi, or the rainforests of Borneo, completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is now an essential step in your pre-travel preparations. To enhance the efficiency of the immigration process, the Malaysian government has transitioned from traditional paper-based forms to this mandatory digital registration. 

Ensuring your MDAC is completed prior to departure is critical; it eliminates the need for manual documentation upon arrival and guarantees a more streamlined entry into the country. As this is a prerequisite for almost all non-Malaysian visitors, we recommend finalising your registration early to avoid any potential delays at the immigration counter. 

​Understanding The MDAC?

​The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) acts as a formal online introduction to the country’s immigration system before you arrive. This electronic declaration serves as an official requirement where travellers must submit essential data, including verified personal identification, specific residential information for the duration of the stay, and the projected length of the visit.

​The goal here is simple: it helps the Malaysian government keep things organised, boosts security, and (thankfully) cuts down on paper waste. Since its launch, it's become a standard part of the travel routine. It basically pre-clears your details so that by the time you reach the immigration officer, they already have everything they need on their screen. This means shorter lines and a much faster exit toward the baggage claim.

​Who Actually Needs to Fill One Out?

​The short answer? Almost everyone. If you aren't a Malaysian citizen, you likely need to complete the MDAC. But let’s break down the specifics for Indian travellers:

• ​Tourists: Whether you're there for a weekend shopping spree or a month-long backpacking trip.

• ​Business Travellers: Even if it's just for a quick meeting or a tech conference.

• ​Social Visits: If you’re heading over to visit family or friends.

• ​Transit Passengers: If you have to clear immigration to switch terminals or grab your bags, you’re on the hook for a card too.

​The Exceptions:

You usually don't need one if you're a Malaysian permanent resident or hold a specific long-term pass (like a specialised work permit), but even then, it's smart to check the latest rules. For the vast majority of us flying in from India for a holiday, the MDAC is a must-have.

​When Should You Submit Your Info?

​Timing is everything here. You can’t do it months in advance, and you definitely shouldn't wait until you're standing in the immigration line.

​The official window is within 3 days of your arrival. For example, if you're landing on a Thursday, you should look at submitting the form anytime from Monday onwards. I usually recommend doing it 48 hours before you fly. This gives you enough time to fix any typos and ensures the system has processed your info before you touch down.

The "Paperwork" Checklist for Indian Travelers

​Before you open the official portal, gather these details. Having them in front of you prevents the "session timeout" monster from eating your progress.

1. ​Your Passport: Make sure it has at least 6 months of validity left. This is a big one. If your passport expires in 5 months, immigration might turn you back regardless of your arrival card. Ensure that the passport number you enter on the form matches the physical document exactly, as even a single digit error can lead to complications at the border.

2. ​Travel Dates: Have your flight numbers for both your arrival and your departure ready. You must provide accurate information regarding your arrival and departure. Having your confirmed return flight ticket ready is essential, as immigration officers frequently request proof of your intent to depart the country before the 30-day visa-free period expires.

3. ​Accommodation Info: You’ll need the name and full address of your hotel or the place you’re staying. If you're staying at three different hotels, just use the first one on your itinerary.

4. ​Email Address: Selecting an email address that you can access easily on your smartphone is vital. Use an email you can actually access on your phone. This is where your confirmation PIN and PDF will be sent.

5. Comprehensive Travel Insurance: While gathering your passport and flight details, it is highly advisable to have your Niva Bupa travel insurance policy information readily available. Including your insurance details in your pre-travel folder ensures that you are protected against the financial impact of medical emergencies or trip cancellations while exploring Malaysia. 

​Step-by-Step: How to Apply Without a Headache

​Let’s walk through the actual process. It’s pretty straightforward, but there are a couple of spots where people usually trip up.

​Step 1: The Official Site

​Always use the official government portal: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. There are plenty of "third-party" sites out there that look official but will try to charge you a fee. The MDAC is 100% free. If a site asks for your credit card, close the tab immediately.

​Step 2: Filling in the Blanks

​Click on "Register". You’ll be asked for your name, passport number, and nationality.

• ​A quick tip for the "Address" field: the Malaysian system can be a bit picky. If the form keeps throwing an error at your hotel address, try removing special characters like commas or periods. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to the address box.

​Step 3: Travel Information

​Select your "Mode of Travel" (usually Air) and enter your last port of embarkation. If you are flying from Delhi to KL, your last port is Delhi.

​Step 4: The Confirmation PIN

​After you hit submit, check your email. You’ll get an acknowledgement with a PIN. You’re not done yet! You’ll need that PIN to go back into the site, click "Check Registration", and download your PDF.

​Step 5: Save and Screenshot

​Once you have that PDF, save it to your phone. I also highly recommend taking a screenshot of the QR code. That way, if you’re in a dead zone at the airport and your email won't load, you can just pull up your photo gallery and show the officer.

Current Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals

​This is where things get exciting. As of 2026, Indian citizens can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy has been a massive game-changer for spontaneous trips.

​However, and this is a big "however", visa-free doesn't mean "document-free". Even though you don't need to apply for a visa at the embassy, you still must have:

• ​Your Digital Arrival Card confirmation.

• ​A confirmed return flight ticket.

• ​Proof of sufficient funds (around $500–$1,000 in cash or bank statements is usually plenty).

• ​A confirmed hotel booking.

​If you show up without a return ticket, the immigration officer might suspect you're planning to stay permanently, and that's a quick way to get your holiday cancelled.

​Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) 

The following section describes the most common mistakes people make when submitting official forms. Even though online systems are now easier to use, the complex rules involved can still lead to accidental errors. While these mistakes may seem small, they can cause significant delays or even lead to an application being denied. 

1. ​The "Ghost" Email: You filled out the form but never got the email? It is highly probable that the message has been intercepted by automated security filters or diverted by the mail server’s sorting algorithms. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a comprehensive audit of your "Spam", "Junk", and "Promotions" directories. Beyond local folder checks, it is important to account for potential server-side latency. During periods of high traffic or routine maintenance, the delivery of automated receipts may be delayed by several minutes.

2. ​Typing Errors: If you realise you put "Passport Number 123" instead of "124" after you submitted, don't panic. You can’t edit a submitted form, but you can just submit a new one. The latest one you submit is the one they will use. Most modern digital entry systems and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platforms are designed in a way to recognise the most recent entry as the authoritative record. Consequently, the standard protocol for correcting an error is to initiate a new submission containing the rectified data.

3. ​The Autogate Confusion: Some travellers think they can use the "Autogates" (the automatic scanning machines) with just the MDAC. While Malaysia is rolling this out for more nationalities, as an Indian traveller on your first visit, you usually need to see a physical officer for your first "enrolment" before you can use the gates on future trips.

4. Ensuring Health Security during Your Malaysian Journey: A frequent oversight among international visitors is the tendency to focus exclusively on satisfying digital entry requirements while overlooking personal safety and health security during the actual duration of the trip. To mitigate the stress associated with unexpected medical emergencies or hospital visits in a foreign country, it is highly recommended that travellers supplement their mandatory digital arrival card with a comprehensive protection plan from Niva Bupa Travel Insurance.
   
    

Also Read : Malaysia Digital Arrival Card Explained: Application Process & Travel Tips

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory requirement that Indian travellers must complete to ensure a seamless entry into the country. By registering your details accurately and within the specified three-day window before your arrival, you can avoid unnecessary delays and enjoy a more efficient experience at immigration. While navigating digital travel regulations may seem complex, thorough preparation is the key to a stress-free journey.

In addition to fulfilling these entry requirements, it is equally important to prioritise your well-being while abroad. Securing comprehensive travel insurance, such as the plans provided by Niva Bupa, offers an essential layer of protection against unexpected health issues or travel disruptions. With your MDAC submitted and your health coverage in place, you can embark on your Malaysian adventure with total confidence and peace of mind.

FAQs

1. Do Indians need a Malaysia digital arrival card?

​Yes. All Indian nationals are required to complete the MDAC before entering Malaysia. This applies to all Indian passport holders entering for tourism, business, transit, or short stays, even though they currently enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days.

​2. How to get a Malaysia digital arrival card?

​You can register for the MDAC through the official Malaysian Immigration portal: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.

• ​Process: You must fill in personal details (name, passport number, and nationality) and travel information (arrival/departure dates, mode of travel, and flight details).

• ​Confirmation: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement via email, which may include a PIN to download your official PDF confirmation.

3. ​Can I submit a Malaysia digital arrival card?

​Yes, but you really want to get the timing right on this. The rule is that you have to submit your Digital Arrival Card within three days of your arrival. So, if you’re landing on the 10th of the month, the earliest you can hop online to fill it out is the 7th. Don't leave it until the very last second, but don't try to do it weeks in advance either; the system simply won't let you.

4. ​Should I print a Malaysia digital arrival card?

Technically, no. The officers can scan the QR code right off your smartphone screen. However, we always tell people to carry a backup printout. Phones die, screens crack, and sometimes airport Wi-Fi just refuses to cooperate. Having a hard copy in your passport folder is a small move that can save you a massive headache if technology decides to fail you at the border.