Picture this: a serene Saturday morning, you find yourself at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint, only to be faced with lengthy queues for passport stamping. The MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) system is here to help to speed up entry and exiting Malaysia.
Who Qualifies for E-Gate Usage in Malaysia?
Before diving in, the crucial question is, are you eligible to use the e-gates? Simply put, if you are a Singaporean citizen, Malaysian Permanent Resident (PR), or a Malaysia Automated Clearance System pass holder with a passport valid for at least three months, you’re in luck. Keep in mind the height requirement of over 120cm, particularly relevant if you’re traveling with young children.
Where Can You Access the E-Gate System?
The e-gate system is available at two key locations in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and the Sultan Iskandar Checkpoint at Johor Barhu.
How to Pre-Apply for E-Gate Access Before Your Malaysian Trip?
Head over to this website : https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main and register.
Now, let’s demystify the process of applying for e-gate access before your journey to Malaysia. While these tips are tailored for those entering via the JB land crossing, the same applies to those flying into Kuala Lumpur.
- Complete and Submit the MDAC Form
- Each traveler must fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), a straightforward declaration form requiring personal information and travel details.
- Submit this form within three calendar days of your departure. Whether it’s a few days before or on the day of your trip, as long as you complete it within the 3-day window, you’re set.
- Verify Your Passport at Manual Counters (First-Timers)
- After submitting the MDAC, your passport still needs verification in the e-gate system. On your first entry into Malaysia post-MDAC submission, you’ll need to queue at the counters to get a manual stamp.
- Inform the immigration officer that you’ve submitted an MDAC for future trips.
- The Immigrataion officer will take biometric scans of your index fingers.
- Exit Johor Through Manual Counters (First-Timers)
- When leaving JB, despite having e-gate access, you must exit through the manual counters to ensure consistency in your entry and exit modes.
- In fact, I exited through the e-gate for the first trip and it worked. Do take note that the officer will ask for the exit stamp, just inform them you exited via the e-gate on your previous trip.
Using E-Gate on Subsequent Trips to Malaysia
The good news is that once your passport is verified, you can seamlessly use the e-gates on your next trips to JB. Remember to register on https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main on your date of arrival and departure.
- At the Johor Bahru customs centre, head to the left-side e-gate queue, scan your passport, wait for the gates to open, and voila – you’re officially in Malaysia.
- For those flying into KLIA, head directly to the e-gates designated for travelers from Singapore and six other countries.
Remember to submit an MDAC each time you enter Malaysia, so be sure to fill in the form within 3 days of your journey. If you have forgotten to fill in upon arrival at Malaysia end, you would still access the site and register immediately using your smartphone through 4G/5G data roaming.
Finally, do check out
at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
Happy Holidays.