Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for US citizens
All visitors to Malaysia including US citizens must complete the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arrival. Airlines may ask for proof at check-in.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Required | Yes, all foreign visitors |
| Cost | Free |
| When | Within 3 days before arrival |
| Official portal | mdac.hasil.gov.my |
| Time to complete | 5–10 minutes |
| Enables autogate use | Yes, at KLIA and major airports |
Note: Airlines may ask for your MDAC completion confirmation at check-in. Complete it before leaving for the airport. The MDAC is only available through the official government portal — it is free.
What you need to complete the MDAC
Before starting your MDAC, have the following ready:
- Valid US passport (passport number, expiry date, date of birth)
- Incoming flight number and scheduled arrival date in Malaysia
- Accommodation address for your first night (hotel name and address, or host address)
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
- Email address for confirmation
Step-by-step: completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
- 1
Go to the official MDAC portal at mdac.hasil.gov.my within 3 days before your flight.
- 2
Select "Foreign Visitor" and create an account or log in.
- 3
Enter your passport details exactly as they appear — any mismatch can cause delays at immigration.
- 4
Enter your flight number, arrival airport, and scheduled arrival date.
- 5
Enter your accommodation address for your first night in Malaysia.
- 6
Select your purpose of visit.
- 7
Review all information and submit. You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code.
- 8
Save the QR code on your phone or print it. Present it at check-in and at immigration on arrival.
Using the autogate at Malaysian airports
US citizens who complete the MDAC can use the autogate lanes at KLIA and other major Malaysian international airports. The autogate reads your biometric passport chip and processes your arrival automatically.
Important notes about the autogate:
- You will NOT receive a stamp in your passport when using the autogate
- Your entry is recorded electronically — keep your MDAC confirmation as proof of legal entry
- If you plan to travel from Malaysia to Sabah or Sarawak, you will pass through separate immigration — carry your passport and have your entry record accessible
- If you prefer a physical stamp, join the regular immigration counter instead of the autogate
Sabah and Sarawak — additional step for East Malaysia
If your Malaysia trip includes Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) or Sarawak (Kuching) in East Malaysia (Borneo), note that these states operate their own immigration systems. When flying from Kuala Lumpur or any Peninsular Malaysia city to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, you will pass through immigration again on arrival and receive a separate entry stamp. US citizens are generally admitted for 90 days in both states. Carry your passport at all times when traveling between East and West Malaysia and keep your entry slips — you will need them on departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Information compiled from official government sources and verified data: