Travelers heading to Malaysia sometimes confuse the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) with the eNTL (Electronic Notice to Leave). These are two completely different documents serving opposite purposes – one is for arriving in Malaysia, the other is for departing. This guide explains the difference clearly so you know what applies to your situation.
What Is MDAC?
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a mandatory, free pre-arrival registration form for foreign nationals entering Malaysia. Introduced on 1 January 2024, it replaced the paper disembarkation card. Key points:
- Purpose: Pre-arrival immigration data collection for entry into Malaysia
- Who needs it: Virtually all foreign nationals entering Malaysia (except Singapore citizens and specific pass holders)
- Cost: Free (RM 0)
- When to submit: Within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia
- Official portal: imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
- Result: QR code – presented at immigration on arrival
What Is eNTL (Electronic Notice to Leave)?
The eNTL (Electronic Notice to Leave) is a Malaysian immigration enforcement tool used when a foreign national is required to leave Malaysia. It is NOT something that regular tourists apply for. The eNTL is issued by Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) as a formal notice requiring the recipient to depart Malaysia within a specified timeframe. It is typically associated with:
- Overstaying a visa or permitted stay duration
- Violation of immigration conditions
- Administrative immigration matters requiring a formal departure notice
If you are a normal tourist or business traveler, you will not encounter the eNTL. It is an enforcement document, not a standard traveler requirement.
Key Differences: MDAC vs eNTL
Purpose
- MDAC: For entering Malaysia – you submit it before arrival
- eNTL: For leaving Malaysia under enforcement circumstances – it is issued by immigration to require departure
Who Applies
- MDAC: All foreign travelers apply themselves at the official portal before their trip
- eNTL: Issued by Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia to individuals who have violated immigration conditions
Cost
- MDAC: Free of charge (RM 0)
- eNTL: Not applicable to normal travelers – it is an enforcement action
When Required
- MDAC: Required for every entry into Malaysia (except exemptions)
- eNTL: Only in immigration enforcement situations – not for regular travel
Why the Confusion?
The confusion between MDAC and eNTL sometimes occurs because some third-party websites and forum posts incorrectly use or swap these terms. Additionally, both are documents associated with border crossing in Malaysia, and both have digital formats. However, they serve completely opposite purposes – one is for entering the country, the other is for enforced departure.
If you are planning a trip to Malaysia and wondering what you need, the answer is MDAC – not eNTL. eNTL is only relevant if you are dealing with an immigration compliance issue in Malaysia.
What About eNTRI?
There is also the eNTRI (e-National Tourism Registration India), which is different from both MDAC and eNTL. eNTRI is a specific scheme that allows Indian citizens holding a valid US or UK visa to visit Malaysia for up to 15 days. Indian citizens who qualify for eNTRI still need to complete MDAC. If you are Indian and have seen references to eNTRI in your Malaysia travel research, note that:
- eNTRI is an entry facilitation scheme for Indian citizens only
- MDAC is a separate, additional requirement that Indian eNTRI users must also complete
- eNTRI is not the same as eNTL or MDAC
Summary Table
- MDAC: Entry document – apply yourself – free – required for most foreign travelers
- eNTL: Departure enforcement notice – issued by immigration – only in compliance situations
- eNTRI: Indian citizen entry scheme – Indian nationals with US/UK visa only – used alongside MDAC
What All Tourists Need: Just MDAC
If you are a standard tourist, student, or business traveler entering Malaysia, your only MDAC-related task is:
- Go to imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
- Register and complete the free form within 3 days before your arrival
- Save your QR code and present it at immigration
That is all. You do not need eNTL, and eNTRI applies only to specific Indian citizens. The MDAC is the only pre-arrival document relevant to standard tourists visiting Malaysia in 2026.
