MDAC Requirements – Documents and Information You Need
Before starting your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) application, you need to gather specific documents and information. Having everything ready before you open the portal prevents interruptions, timeouts, and data-entry errors. This guide lists every document, detail, and piece of information required for a successful MDAC submission, along with tips for getting each item right the first time.
Core Documents Required
1. Valid Passport
Your passport is the single most important document for the MDAC. Every detail you enter on the form must match your passport exactly.
- Validity requirement: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Malaysia
- Condition: Pages must be intact, biographical page legible, and no significant damage
- Machine Readable Zone (MRZ): The two-line code at the bottom of your passport bio page contains your passport number, nationality, and birth date in a standardised format
Information you will copy from your passport:
| Passport Field | Where on Passport | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Given names + Surname lines | Enter exactly, including all middle names |
| Passport number | Top right of bio page | Alphanumeric – watch for O/0 and I/1 confusion |
| Nationality | Nationality field or country code | Must match the passport you travel on |
| Date of birth | Date of birth field | Day/Month/Year format on the form |
| Gender | Sex field (M/F) | As shown on passport |
| Date of issue | Date of issue field | Some forms request this |
| Date of expiry | Date of expiry field | Must be 6+ months from arrival |
2. Flight or Travel Booking Confirmation
You need your arrival details to complete the travel information section:
- Arrival date in Malaysia – the date you physically land or cross the border (not your departure date from home)
- Flight number – the specific flight arriving in Malaysia (e.g., MH1, AK6253, SQ108)
- Airline name – the carrier operating your arrival flight
- Port of entry – the specific airport, land checkpoint, or seaport where you will clear immigration
3. Accommodation Details in Malaysia
You must provide a complete address for where you will stay in Malaysia:
- Accommodation name – full hotel name, Airbnb property name, or host’s name for private residences
- Street address – complete street name and building or house number
- City – Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, etc.
- State – the Malaysian state (Wilayah Persekutuan, Selangor, Penang, Sabah, etc.)
- Postal code – 5-digit Malaysian postal code
- Contact phone number – phone number of the accommodation
For multi-city trips, enter the address of your first accommodation – where you will stay immediately upon arriving in Malaysia.
Contact Information Required
Email Address
Your email address serves multiple critical functions in the MDAC process:
- Receiving the confirmation PIN code after submission
- Receiving the MDAC registration confirmation
- Downloading your MDAC PDF using the PIN
- Potential communication from immigration authorities
Requirements for your email:
- Must be an active, accessible inbox
- Should be accessible on your phone during travel
- Avoid using work emails that may block government sender addresses
- Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and most major providers work reliably
Phone Number
- Include your country code (e.g., +44 for UK, +1 for US, +91 for India, +61 for Australia)
- Use a number that will be reachable during your trip to Malaysia
- If using a local SIM card in Malaysia, you can provide that number
Home Address
Your residential address in your home country, including:
- Street address
- City
- State or province
- Postal or ZIP code
- Country
Additional Information by Traveller Type
Business Travellers
- Purpose of visit: Select “Business”
- Company name and address may be requested
- Business meeting or conference location in Malaysia
- Letter of invitation from Malaysian company (recommended to carry, not required for MDAC)
Students
- Purpose of visit: Select “Education”
- Educational institution name and address
- Student pass or acceptance letter details
- Duration of study programme
Family Visitors
- Purpose of visit: Select “Family Visit”
- Host’s full name and address in Malaysia
- Relationship to host
- Host’s contact number
Transit Passengers
- Purpose of visit: Select “Transit”
- Onward flight details
- If staying within the international transit zone (airside), you may be exempt from MDAC
- If clearing immigration to leave the airport, MDAC is required
Documents Not Required for MDAC (But Carry for Immigration)
The MDAC form itself does not ask you to upload documents, but Malaysian immigration officers may request the following upon arrival:
- Return or onward ticket – proof you plan to leave Malaysia within your permitted stay
- Hotel booking confirmation – matching the address on your MDAC
- Proof of funds – bank statements or cash showing sufficient funds for your stay
- Visa documentation – if your nationality requires a visa, carry your visa approval
- Travel insurance – recommended though not always checked
- MDAC confirmation – printed or digital copy with reference number
Passport Validity Rules
The 6-month passport validity rule is strictly enforced at Malaysian immigration. Here is how it works:
| Your Situation | Passport Must Be Valid Until |
|---|---|
| Arriving 1 January 2026, staying 7 days | At least 1 July 2026 (6 months from arrival) |
| Arriving 15 March 2026, staying 30 days | At least 15 September 2026 (6 months from arrival) |
| Arriving 1 August 2026, staying 3 days | At least 1 February 2027 (6 months from arrival) |
The 6-month rule is calculated from your arrival date, not your departure date. If your passport expires within 6 months of arrival, renew it before travelling.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Dual Citizens
If you hold citizenship of two countries, your MDAC must match the passport you will use to enter Malaysia. If you enter on your British passport, your MDAC must show British passport details, even if you also hold an Australian passport.
Children and Infants
Every child, regardless of age, needs their own MDAC with their own passport details. You will need:
- The child’s passport (separate from parents)
- The child’s full name as shown on their passport
- Parent or guardian contact information
- Same accommodation address as the accompanying adult
Frequent Travellers
If you travel to Malaysia regularly, each trip requires a new MDAC. However, the portal may save some of your information from previous submissions, making subsequent forms faster to complete. Keep your passport and accommodation details handy for each new submission.
Quick Checklist – Print This Before You Apply
| Item | Ready? |
|---|---|
| Passport (valid 6+ months from arrival) | ☐ |
| Full name as on passport | ☐ |
| Passport number | ☐ |
| Nationality | ☐ |
| Date of birth | ☐ |
| Passport expiry date | ☐ |
| Arrival date in Malaysia | ☐ |
| Flight number (arrival segment) | ☐ |
| Port of entry (airport/checkpoint) | ☐ |
| Accommodation name | ☐ |
| Accommodation full address | ☐ |
| Accommodation postal code | ☐ |
| Active email address | ☐ |
| Phone number with country code | ☐ |
| Home address in home country | ☐ |
Having all these items ready before you start will ensure your MDAC submission takes under 15 minutes and is accepted on the first attempt.
Do I need to upload any documents for the MDAC?
No, the MDAC form does not require document uploads. You enter the information from your passport and travel documents into the form fields. However, you should carry your physical documents (passport, booking confirmations, return ticket) for inspection by immigration officers upon arrival in Malaysia.
What if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
You must renew your passport before travelling to Malaysia. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced, and airlines may deny boarding if your passport does not meet this requirement. The MDAC portal may not validate passport expiry, but immigration officers will check upon arrival.
Can I use a hotel booking from a third-party site?
Yes, any valid hotel booking confirmation works. Enter the hotel’s official name and address as shown on your booking. If staying at an Airbnb or private residence, enter the host’s full address including house number, street, city, state, and postal code.
What if I don’t know my exact accommodation yet?
You need a confirmed accommodation address for the MDAC. Book at least your first night’s stay before submitting the form. If plans change after submission, you cannot edit the MDAC – you would need to submit a new one with updated details.
