Malaysia visa for Indians: Avoid boarding denials with a digital arrival card

Priya, from Bangalore, recounts her recent trip to Malaysia in an interview with our travel journalist, Ra'eesah Manack—a journey that nearly turned into a travel disaster.

For months, she dreamed of exploring Malaysia’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. With her tickets booked, bags packed, and an itinerary full of adventures, she was all set for her trip.

But as she stood at the airport, ready to board her flight, a forgotten detail nearly turned her dream vacation into a nightmare.

"I realized I hadn’t completed my Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), and panic set in," Priya tells us.

Thankfully, she discovered iVisa in the nick of time. "It was a lifesaver," she says before sharing her story so you can avoid the same stress.

Visa-free entry for Indian citizens

Indian citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 30 days per visit until December 31, 2024. This opportunity thrilled Priya as she prepared for her much-anticipated trip to explore Malaysia’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.

However, a crucial detail almost derailed her plans: the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Overlooking this mandatory requirement, Priya found herself in a stressful situation at the airport.

"Ensure your passport is valid for at least 180 days from your arrival date and complete the MDAC application at least three days before departure to avoid last-minute stress," Priya advises.

Thankfully, iVisa’s efficient service came to her rescue. Priya quickly completed the MDAC process online, turning what could have been a disaster into a minor hiccup. Her experience reminds all travelers to double-check entry requirements well ahead of time.

My experience: A close call

Priya vividly described the moment of panic: arriving at the airport filled with excitement and anticipation, only to be told she couldn’t board because she didn’t have her Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Her heart sank, and she felt overwhelmed as the possibility of missing her dream vacation loomed.

In that moment of chaos, Priya remembered reading about iVisa’s service. She quickly pulled out her phone, logged in, and completed the application within minutes. The process was simple, efficient, and a true lifesaver. Just moments later, Priya had her MDAC ready and was cleared to board her flight.

"To ensure your journey goes smoothly, complete the MDAC application early, use a reliable platform for guidance, and double-check all travel documents before heading to the airport," Priya advises, reflecting on her experience.

What is the Malaysia digital arrival card?

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory online document designed to simplify your entry by collecting essential details in advance. It only takes 7 minutes to complete, and immigration officers use this information to pre-clear your entry.

It is one of the easiest travel forms you’ll ever complete, with a difficulty rating of just 4/100. Priya's experience highlights how straightforward the process is with iVisa. Here’s a quick breakdown of the application:

"Instead of wrestling with government portals, consider using a reliable service like iVisa. They’ll handle the form and send it to your email promptly," emphasizes Priya.

How to apply for the Malaysia digital arrival card

Here’s how I applied for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card using iVisa:

1. Entered my personal and travel details. Double-checked everything to avoid errors.
2. Selected a processing time and paid the fees online.
3. Received my MDAC by email. I printed it out and kept it with my passport for easy access during travel.

The process took less than 10 minutes, and iVisa’s user-friendly interface made it a breeze.

Travel smart: Here are my final tips

With the MDAC in hand, you can breeze through immigration and dive straight into exploring Malaysia’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights.

"Don’t wait until the last moment. The earlier you complete your MDAC, the better prepared you’ll be."

Malaysia’s visa-free policy for Indian citizens is a fantastic opportunity, but only if you’re prepared. Double-check your documents, complete your MDAC, and ensure your passport is valid for 180 days.

Michael Angelo from Project Kosmos offers another entry tip:

"When you pass through the car gate to go to the airport in Kenya, you have to exit the vehicle and go through a metal detector. The first time I’ve had to do this to go to the airport! Arriving earlier at the airport might be wise in case there's a longer queue."

Malaysian embassy in India

If you’re planning a longer stay or need further assistance, here are the details for Malaysian diplomatic offices in India:

Malaysian High Commission, New Delhi

• Address: 50-M, Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
• Phone: +91-11-24159340-43 (for visa inquiries), +91-11-2415 9311 (for consular services)

Malaysian Consulate General, Mumbai

• Address: Unit 12A1, Unit 12A2 & Unit 12A3, 13th Floor, Supreme Headquarters Building, 14th & 33rd Road, near Link Square Mall Bandra (W), Maharashtra, Mumbai
• Phone: +91 22 2641 5540 (for visa inquiries), +91 22 6970 5757 (for general inquiries)

Consulate General of Malaysia, Chennai

• Address: No.7, Cenotaph 1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai
• Phone: +91-44-24334434 (general inquiries & emergency)

Need assistance?

If you have questions or need assistance with your MDAC, contact our customer support team. We’re here to make your journey smoother.