Guide to using immigration e-gates in Malaysia
Here’s a familiar scene: it’s a Saturday morning, you arrive at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint and realise you have to queue for hours just to get your passport stamped.
Well, you can now save yourself some time and travel to JB with ease by using the electronic gate (e-gate) system in Malaysia. That means you can enter Malaysia via the automated gate instead of going through the manual immigration counters – basically, what we have at Changi Airport.
Who can use the e-gate in Malaysia?
The most important question is, are you an eligible user for the e-gates?
Well, the good news is that Malaysia has opened their e-gates to 63 different countries, including Singapore, for immigration clearance. You can refer to the image below for the full list.
Image credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia
Most travellers will need to fill up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least 3 days before their arrival date. Once the application is approved via email, you should be able to go through the e-gates without any issues. As for parents travelling with young kids, do take note that your little ones will need to meet the minimum height requirement of above 120cm.
Which countries don’t need to submit the MDAC form?
MDAC registration is no longer necessary for Singaporean Citizens, so they can immediately exit through the e-gates in Malaysia. Others that are also exempt from this requirement include:
- Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
- Malaysia Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders
- General Certificate of Identity (GCI) Brunei Darussalam Holders
- Brunei Malaysia Frequent Traveler Facility Holders
- Thailand Border Pass Holders
- Indonesia Cross-Border Travel Document (PLB) Holders
Those who still need to fill out the MDAC form can go through our extensive step-by-step guide below for a smooth application process:
Where can you use the e-gate?
There are 2 places in Malaysia you can enter via the e-gate system: Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and the Johor Bahru Checkpoint.
How to apply for e-gate before your trip to Malaysia?
Ok, but how do you actually apply for the e-gate before travelling to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur? It’s simpler than you think. We’ve compiled a guide to help walk you through Malaysia’s e-gate registration procedure.
1. Fill up & submit the MDAC form
First, each traveller has to fill up their own Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). It’s a simple declaration form that requires your personal information and travel details.
Image adapted from: Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia
One thing to take note of is that you need to submit this form within 3 calendar days of your departure. Say your trip falls on 20th September, you can register for your MDAC on the 18th, 19th, or even on the day itself, the 20th. As long as you complete this step within the 3-day window, you’re good to go.
2. Verify your passport at the manual counters (first-timers)
After submitting your form, know that your passport has yet to be verified in the e-gate system. So the first time you enter Malaysia after filling up your MDAC, you’ll still have to queue at the counters to get a manual stamp.
Be sure to inform the immigration officer at the counter that you’ve submitted an MDAC so that you can use it for future trips.
3. Exit through the manual counters (first-timers)
Image credit: Must Share News
If your registration is successful, you should be able to use the e-gate when departing Malaysia. That said, it’s still generally recommended to exit the country the same way you entered: by queuing up at the manual counter and getting your passport stamped. This ensures that your entry and exit records match in Malaysia’s system, completing your registration properly.
Using the autogate on subsequent trips to Malaysia
Image credit: Saravana Rao via Facebook
The good news is, your passport’s now verified, so you can pass through the autogate in Malaysia the next time you visit.
At the Johor Bahru customs centre, head towards the e-gate queue that’s usually on the left side. All you need to do is scan your passport, wait for the e-gates to open, and tada, you’re officially in Malaysia. It’s almost as simple as tapping your EZ-link card when taking the MRT.
Similarly, if you’re flying into KLIA, head directly to the e-gates for travellers from Singapore and 63 other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Do remember that you must submit an MDAC every time you enter Malaysia. So, make sure you fill in the form at least a day prior.
Bookmark this guide to using the e-gate in Malaysia
Using the e-gates has made crossing the border into our neighbouring city much more convenient. You get to avoid queueing up at the manual counters, allowing you to reach your destination faster.
All that’s left to do is to share this guide with your friends and make that long-awaited JB trip happen.
More reads before you head to JB:
Cover image adapted from: Must Share News
Originally published on 26th September 2023. Last updated by Mae-Z Fam on 10th June 2025.