My Ethiopian name has no family name. How do I fill in the MDAC form?

Enter your given name in the 'Given name' field and your father's name (patronymic) in the 'Surname' field. For example, if your name is Abebe Kebede, Abebe is your given name and Kebede is your father's name.

What if my name is spelled differently on different documents?

Ethiopian passports show both Amharic script (Fidel) and Latin transliteration. Spellings can vary. Use the exact Latin spelling from your passport on both the eVisa and MDAC.

Is MDAC needed when in transit through KLIA?

Not if you stay in the transit area and do not clear immigration. If you exit the transit zone, you need MDAC. Ethiopian citizens are not eligible for the 120-hour transit without visa facility.

For Ethiopian passport holders entering Malaysia

Malaysia MDAC for Ethiopian Citizens

Q: Is there a direct flight from Addis Ababa to Kuala Lumpur?

Yes. Ethiopian Airlines operates a daily direct flight from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Flight time is approximately 9 to 10 hours.

Q: Do children need their own MDAC?

Yes, each traveler needs their own MDAC, including children with their own passport.

Flying from Addis Ababa? Good news: Ethiopian Airlines has a direct daily flight to KL. The tricky part is the name format. Ethiopian naming uses a given name plus your father's name. There is no family name. So when the MDAC form asks for a surname, put your father's name there. It confuses many Ethiopian travelers, but once you know the pattern, it is straightforward.

Quick facts

Ethiopia is not visa-free for Malaysia, you need an eVisa
Direct daily flight from Addis Ababa (ADD) to KL (Ethiopian Airlines)
No family name in Ethiopian naming, father's name goes in surname field
Submit MDAC within 72 hours before arrival

How to use this page

Set Ethiopia as departure country, even on the direct ADD to KUL flight.
Enter your given name in Given name field and your father's name in Surname field.
Use the Latin spelling exactly as shown on your passport for all documents.

What matters for Ethiopia

eVisa first, then MDAC

Ethiopia is not on the visa-free list for Malaysia. You need an eVisa before you travel. The eVisa gives single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days. The MDAC sits on top of the visa requirement.

Direct flight from Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to KL daily. Flight ET 638 departs around 00:40 and arrives around 14:45. Flight time is about 9 to 10 hours. No other airline offers this direct connection.

Ethiopian naming explained

Ethiopian names follow a patronymic system: your given name followed by your father's name. There is no family name. Example: Abebe Kebede means Abebe is your name and Kebede is your father's name. On the MDAC, Abebe goes in given name, Kebede in surname.

Peak travel from Ethiopia

July to September is the main summer travel season. Ethiopian Christmas (Ganna) on January 7 and Timkat (Epiphany) on January 19 see high travel volume. Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) on September 11 or 12 is another peak.

Spelling consistency

Ethiopian passports show names in both Amharic script (Fidel) and Latin letters. The Latin transliteration can vary between documents. Pick the spelling from your passport and use it exactly the same on both your eVisa and MDAC.

Popular spots in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is the top destination, with its Islamic heritage, Masjid Negara, and halal food. Penang is popular for street food. Langkawi for beach resorts. Genting Highlands for the cool climate. Cameron Highlands for tea plantations and cooler weather.

Country details

Get the name format right and the rest follows. Here is what to check before you submit.

Direct route ADD to KUL

Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 638 departs Addis Ababa around midnight and arrives in KL early afternoon. Keep Ethiopia as departure country on your MDAC. You are flying direct, so no transit complications.

Full name format example

If your passport shows Selam Haile, then Selam is the given name and Haile is your father's name. On the MDAC: Selam in given name, Haile in surname. This is the field that trips up most Ethiopian travelers.

Holiday travel peaks

Ganna (Ethiopian Christmas, January 7) and Timkat (January 19) are major holidays. Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year, September 11/12) and Meskel (September 27) also see increased travel. Apply early during these periods.

Transit rule

If you stay airside during a layover and do not pass through immigration, you may not need MDAC for that stop. You always need it for entering Malaysia. Ethiopian citizens are not eligible for the 120-hour transit without visa facility.

eVisa validity

Malaysian eVisa for Ethiopian passports is single entry, valid for 3 months, with a maximum stay of 30 days. Apply at least a week before your trip. Standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days.

Before you submit

Double check that your father's name is in the surname field. Confirm the Latin spelling matches your passport exactly. Same spelling on eVisa and MDAC. Check your passport has 6+ months validity remaining.

FAQ

Short answers for common MDAC questions from Ethiopian travelers.

Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa and MDAC for Malaysia?

Yes, both. Ethiopia is not visa-free for Malaysia. You need an eVisa (single entry, 30 days) and an MDAC before you arrive.

How do I fill in the MDAC with my Ethiopian name?

Your given name goes in 'Given name' and your father's name goes in 'Surname'. For example, name Abebe Kebede: Abebe in given name, Kebede in surname. There is no family name in Ethiopian naming.

Is there a direct flight from Addis Ababa to Kuala Lumpur?

Yes. Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from ADD to KUL daily. Flight ET 638 departs around 00:40 and arrives around 14:45. Flight time is about 9 to 10 hours.

My name has Amharic script. What Latin spelling do I use?

Use the Latin spelling printed on your passport. Even if the Amharic version is what you are used to, the Latin transliteration is what matters for the online forms. Keep it consistent across eVisa and MDAC.

Do children need their own MDAC?

Yes, if they travel on their own passport. Each traveler needs a separate submission.

Do I need MDAC if I only transit through KL?

Not if you stay in the transit area and do not clear immigration. But if you exit the transit zone, you need MDAC. Ethiopians are not eligible for 120-hour transit without visa.

Ready to apply

Complete your MDAC before you travel

Your father's name goes in the surname field. Use the same Latin spelling from your passport. Keep everything consistent across eVisa and MDAC. That keeps your entry process smooth.

Apply now