Malaysia: Digital Arrival Card Forthcoming for Most Foreign Nationals

Effective January 1, 2024 foreign nationals traveling to Malaysia will be required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least three days (including the date of submission) prior to their arrival in Malaysia. However, individuals transiting through Malaysia without seeking immigration clearance, Malaysian Permanent Residents, Malaysia Automated Clearance System Holders, Malaysian Long-Term Pass holders, nationals of Singapore, diplomats and official passport holders, Brunei Common Certificate of Identification holders, Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveler Program participants, Indonesian Cross Border Pass holders and Thailand Border Pass holders will be exempt from this requirement. At the entry point in Malaysia, foreign nationals will need to show both their passport and the completed MDAC to the immigration officers. If the foreign national is entering for work purposes, additional documents such as the work pass approval letter, a copy of the e-visa (if applicable) and the endorsement confirmation letter will also need to be shown. The MDAC is expected to streamline entry to Malaysia as it will shorten immigration clearance times.