Quick answer

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a free, mandatory online form for foreign visitors, by air, land or sea. Complete it on the official site, imigresen-online.imi.gov.my, within the 3 days before you arrive. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for tourist visits, and are generally admitted for up to 90 days.

It's free. The only official address is imigresen-online.imi.gov.my. Websites that charge for it aren't needed.

What Americans need to visit Malaysia

  • A U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date: Passport validity checker →
  • An MDAC submission, within 3 days before arrival.
  • A return or onward ticket.

No visa is needed for tourist visits; Americans are generally admitted for up to 90 days.

The timing rule: within 3 days

Submit the MDAC within the 3 days before you arrive. Too early, and it won't accept your dates. Airlines may ask for it at check-in.

Visiting Sabah or Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo)

Sabah and Sarawak run their own immigration check, even when you fly in from Kuala Lumpur. Expect to go through immigration again, and keep your passport handy.

What you'll need

  • Your passport, with details entered exactly as printed;
  • Your arrival and departure dates, and flight details;
  • Where you're staying in Malaysia;
  • An email address for your confirmation PIN.

Step by step

  1. Go to the official site, imigresen-online.imi.gov.my, within 3 days of arriving.
  2. Register your arrival, and enter your passport details exactly as printed.
  3. Add your travel dates and accommodation.
  4. Submit, and save the confirmation email and PIN on your phone.
  5. At immigration, present your passport. Eligible travelers can often use the faster automated gates.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Paying a website. The MDAC is free on the official imigresen-online.imi.gov.my site.
  • Submitting too early. It's only accepted within 3 days of arrival.
  • Typos in passport details. Double-check before submitting.
  • A passport with less than 6 months left. You may be refused boarding or entry. If it needs renewing, we can expedite it as quickly as 4 business days from when your documents reach us.

Questions

Yes, for most foreign visitors, including Americans, since January 2024. A few groups are exempt, such as Singapore citizens.