MDAC and SG Arrival Card for a Johor Bahru Trip: Who Needs What (2026)

The Short Version

Two online forms matter for a JB trip. Malaysia's MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) is for foreign citizens entering Malaysia, and Singapore citizens are exempt. Singapore's SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is for travellers entering Singapore, but Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders are exempt only when they travel through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Both are normally submitted within 3 days before arrival. We checked the official pages on 30 October 2026, and where a page did not say something we say so below.

Malaysia: the MDAC

A Malaysian government notice (posted on the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mission site) says that from 1 January 2024 all foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia must complete the MDAC, to be submitted three days before arrival. The same notice lists exemptions that include citizens of Singapore, diplomatic and official passport holders, Malaysian permanent residents and long-term pass holders, and holders of certain Brunei, Thailand and Indonesia border documents.

The Star reported in December 2023 that the Home Minister said all Singaporean citizens would be exempt, and that the card applies at all entry points, not just the southern entry points in Johor. So a land crossing from Singapore into JB is covered by the rule, not an exception to it.

What we could not confirm: the notice we fetched does not mention a fee, and the official portal page (imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main) did not show the eligibility details in text we could read. Use only the official portal, and be careful of sites that charge to submit on your behalf.

Singapore: the SG Arrival Card

ICA's SG Arrival Card page says all travellers must submit the SGAC with electronic health declaration before arriving in Singapore, except people transiting without clearing immigration, and residents travelling through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. In ICA's wording, residents there means Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders. Residents arriving by air or sea still need to submit it.

• When: within 3 days before arrival, counting the day of arrival (ICA's example: for a 30 June arrival you can submit from 28 June).
• Fee: ICA says submitting the SGAC is free, and that it does not endorse commercial services that charge to submit for you.
• How: through the SGAC e-Service or the MyICA mobile app.
• At the counter: ICA says to present your travel document only.

Malaysian passport holders are not on ICA's exemption list, so a Malaysian going into Singapore for the day should expect to submit the SGAC. That is our reading of ICA's list, so confirm on ICA's page if you are unsure.

Which Form for Which Traveller?

• Singapore citizen, day trip to JB by land: no MDAC (exempt). Coming home through Woodlands or Tuas, no SGAC either.
• Foreign visitor staying in JB, going to Singapore and back by land: MDAC for Malaysia and SGAC for Singapore. Each applies to the country you are entering, so a same-day round trip can mean a form for each direction. Check each official page for whether one submission covers a return trip, because the pages we read do not say.
• Malaysian citizen going to Singapore: no MDAC (you are not a foreign citizen in Malaysia), SGAC for Singapore.

Practical Tips

• Submit the night before, not in the queue, and screenshot the confirmation.
• Carry your passport anyway. ICA's page says you present your travel document at the counter.
• Immigration staff may ask where you are staying. See our guide on getting accommodation proof for Malaysian immigration.
• For queue strategy, read immigration tips to beat the queue and the Causeway crossing guide.

FAQ

Is the MDAC the same as a visa?

No. The notice describes it as an arrival card. Whether you also need a visa depends on your passport, so check the Malaysian immigration site (imi.gov.my).

Do Singaporeans need the MDAC for a day trip?

No. Citizens of Singapore are listed among the exemptions.

Can I submit it a week early?

The official wording is within three days before arrival, so wait until that window opens.

Do I pay to submit either form?

ICA says the SGAC is free. We could not confirm the MDAC fee from the pages we fetched, so use only the official portal.

Stay at Pelangi

Pelangi Capsule Hostel is at 26A Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru. A capsule is RM35 per night, and RM30 for the first night if you book direct on our website. Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM. We accept MYR and SGD (not USD). Book direct here, or see our rooms and contact us.

Sources (checked 30 October 2026)

• Malaysian mission notice: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
• The Star: Singaporeans exempt from MDAC (5 Dec 2023)
• Malaysia Immigration: MDAC portal
• ICA: SG Arrival Card

Entry rules change. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm on the official sites before you travel.