🇲🇾 Your New Beginning in Malaysia: The Ultimate MDAC & Autogate Guide!
Planning a new chapter in Malaysia? It’s an exciting thought! As of June 1, 2024, Malaysia’s entry procedures have been significantly updated. Eligibility for the Automated Immigration Clearance (Autogate) has been expanded to 63 countries, and the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is now the cornerstone of the arrival process. This single guide contains all the latest information you need to prepare for a smart and seamless entry into Malaysia.
A Quick History: What about paper forms?
For clarity, Malaysia stopped using paper arrival cards back in 2012. The new MDAC isn’t a replacement for a recent paper form; instead, it’s a new digital requirement introduced to enhance security and digitize the immigration process, aligning with global standards.
1. Autogate Eligibility (Latest as of June 2024)
The Immigration Department of Malaysia has expanded Autogate access to facilitate a faster and more convenient entry. You are eligible to use the Autogate system if you meet all the following conditions:
- Your passport has at least 6 months of validity.
- You have successfully submitted the MDAC within 3 days of arrival.
- You are a passport holder from one of the 63 eligible countries listed below.
Traveling with Children? Important Note! 👧👦
Children may use the Autogate, but they must meet the minimum height requirement of 120cm. If your child is shorter than 120cm, please use the manual immigration counter with them, even after submitting an MDAC.
Full List of the 63 Autogate-Eligible Nationalities
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong SAR
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan, Republic of China (ROC)
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
2. The MDAC Process: First-Time vs. Subsequent Visits
Understanding the process based on your visit history is key to a smooth arrival. The procedure is different for your first visit after this system was implemented.
Your First Visit: The Enrollment Process
To use the Autogate, your biometric data must be in Malaysia’s immigration system. Follow these three steps on your first arrival:
- Step 1: Submit the MDAC – Complete this online within 3 days before your arrival.
- Step 2: Go to the Manual Counter – After landing, proceed to a manual immigration counter, not the Autogates.
- Step 3: Enroll Your Passport & Biometrics – Present your passport to the immigration officer. They will verify it and enroll your fingerprints. Once this is done, your entry is approved.
For Your Second Visit and Onwards
Once your biometrics are enrolled, future arrivals are much simpler:
- Step 1: Submit the MDAC – You must submit a new MDAC every time you enter Malaysia, within 3 days of arrival.
- Step 2: Use the Autogate – Upon arrival, you can now go directly to the Autogate for quick, automated clearance using your passport and fingerprints.
🚨 SCAM ALERT! MDAC is 100% FREE.
Beware of phishing websites that charge a fee to “help” with MDAC registration. The official MDAC submission is a free service provided by the Malaysian Government. If any site demands payment, it is a scam. Close the page immediately.
Always verify that the website address ends in .gov.my. Any other domain (.com, .org, .net) is not official.
3. How to Fill Out the MDAC (Step-by-Step)
Click the link below to begin your registration on the secure, official government website.
Official MDAC Government Website (New Tab)STEP 1: Personal Information
All information must be entered in English and must match your passport exactly.
- Name: As it appears on your passport.
- Passport No.: Your passport number.
- Date of Birth: Note the format (DD/MM/YYYY).
- Nationality/Citizenship: Your nationality.
- Sex: Male / Female.
- Date of Passport Expiry: Note the format (DD/MM/YYYY).
- Email Address: Enter accurately to receive your confirmation.
- Country/Regional Code: Your phone’s country code.
- Mobile No.: Your phone number.
STEP 2: Travel Information
Refer to your flight ticket and accommodation booking for these details.
- Date of Arrival: Your planned arrival date.
- Date of Departure: Your planned departure date.
- Flight No.: Your flight number.
- Mode of Travel: Select ‘AIR’ if arriving by plane.
- Last port of embarkation: The country you are flying from.
- Accommodation of Stay & Address Details: Your accommodation type and full address in Malaysia.
After a final check, click ‘SUBMIT’. You will receive a confirmation in your email.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. At which airports can I use the Autogate?
Currently, the Autogate facilities for this program are available for arrival and departure at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminal 1 & Terminal 2).
Q. What if I make a mistake or my travel plans change?
No problem. Simply fill out and submit a new, corrected MDAC form. The system considers the latest submission as the valid one.
Q. Where can I find more information?
For further questions regarding immigration procedures, you can refer to the Malaysian Immigration Department’s Online Helpdesk.
🎉 You’re All Set! Enjoy Your Time in Malaysia!
Now that you’re up-to-date with the latest entry procedures, your arrival in Malaysia is sure to be a breeze. We wish you a successful and memorable stay!
