Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for Non-Sabahan

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online platform introduced by the Malaysian Immigration Department to streamline and digitize the arrival process for foreign visitors. Instead of filling out a physical arrival card at the airport, travelers can now submit their details digitally before arriving in Malaysia, making the process faster and more convenient.

This initiative is part of Malaysia’s efforts to improve the efficiency of immigration procedures while ensuring border security. The digital system reduces paperwork, minimizes human contact, and expedites entry into the country, particularly for tourists and business travelers.

How Does the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card Apply to Visitors to Sabah?

Visitors to Sabah, one of Malaysia’s key tourism destinations, are also required to fill out the Digital Arrival Card if they are international travelers arriving from abroad. Sabah, while part of Malaysia, has its own immigration checks even for Malaysian citizens from Peninsular Malaysia or Sarawak. This makes the MDAC essential for ensuring a seamless entry for non-Sabahans and foreigners.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Eligibility: The MDAC applies to all foreign visitors, regardless of whether they are visiting Sabah for tourism, business, or social purposes.

2. How to Fill Out the Digital Arrival Card: Travelers must submit the digital form within 72 hours prior to their arrival in Malaysia. The card requires essential details such as:

   • Passport information
   • Travel details (flight number, date of entry)
   • Accommodation in Malaysia (address where you will be staying)
   • Purpose of visit (holiday, business, social visit)

3. No Need for Physical Forms: Upon completing the form online, travelers no longer need to fill out the traditional physical disembarkation card. Instead, the information is already recorded in Malaysia’s immigration system, speeding up the process when passing through immigration at the airport.

4. Entry into Sabah: Upon arrival at any Sabah entry point, such as Kota Kinabalu International Airport, immigration officers will check the digital records of your MDAC submission. Ensure that you have proof of completion of your digital form, either by showing the email confirmation or a screenshot.

Benefits of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

1. Convenience: The digital form can be filled out at your convenience before travel, reducing the time spent queuing at immigration counters upon arrival.
2. Faster Immigration Processing: Since the information is already pre-registered, immigration officers can quickly verify and approve entry, making the overall experience smoother.
3. Environmentally Friendly: By reducing the need for physical forms, the MDAC supports Malaysia’s efforts to move toward more sustainable and eco-friendly travel processes.
4. Security and Accuracy: The digital submission ensures that all data is accurate and securely stored, reducing the risks of human error in manually filled forms.

Important Tips for Travelers to Sabah

• Submit the Digital Card on Time: Be sure to complete the digital card within 72 hours before your arrival to avoid delays at immigration.
• Double-Check Your Information: Ensure all details entered are correct, particularly passport numbers and travel dates.
• Carry a Copy: While the digital arrival card is electronic, it’s a good idea to save a screenshot or print a copy of your confirmation for peace of mind when passing through immigration in Sabah.

Conclusion

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is a user-friendly and efficient way for international visitors to enter Sabah. By digitizing the arrival process, Malaysia’s immigration department is simplifying entry procedures and enhancing the overall travel experience. Whether you’re visiting Sabah’s beautiful islands or trekking through Mount Kinabalu, submitting the MDAC ensures your entry is quick and hassle-free.

Last Updated: October 2024