Ethiopia visas
Whether you need a visa for Ethiopia, and which one, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip — tourism, business, work, study, joining family, investment or long-term settlement. Most short-stay visitors apply online through the government e-Visa portal, while work, residence and citizenship matters are handled by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS). Always confirm the current rules, fees and requirements on the official ICS and e-Visa websites before you travel or apply.
Ethiopian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Ethiopia — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Ethiopia to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Ethiopia — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Ethiopia.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Ethiopia as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Ethiopia long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Ethiopian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Ethiopia — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Ethiopian birr (ETB)
- Time zone
- East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.