Our Ethiopia Visa Guide will teach you everything you need to know about Ethiopia’s visa policy for people from all over the world, including different types of visas, particular requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and more. It is critical to have a scheduled flight ticket in hand before applying for a visa to Ethiopia.
Who needs a visa to visit Ethiopia?
All travellers to Ethiopia are required to obtain a visa. The sole exceptions are citizens of Djibouti and Kenya, as well as passengers connecting at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.
The Embassy will only process Diplomatic and Service Visas by appointment until further notice.
Entry into Ethiopia
Since November 2020, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and the military forces of the Tigray Regional State have been in conflict. This can lead to road closures, disruptions in phone and internet networks, company closures, and in some circumstances, violence. Visitors should be prepared to alter their travel plans at short notice if uncertainty exists. It is urged that citizens monitor local media, exercise caution, and avoid big gatherings and demonstrations.
Midway through August 2022, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and Tigrayan forces started hostilities along portions of the Tigray region’s border with the Amhara and Afar regions. The confrontation has the potential to escalate rapidly and unexpectedly.
Visitors to Ethiopia must have travel insurance that includes international medical evacuation, as medical facilities may be inadequate. Before you leave, it is crucial that you thoroughly review the conditions of your travel insurance policy. You should be aware that if you travel to parts of the country where the Department of State advises against any travel, your travel insurance may be voided and the Embassy’s capacity to provide consular assistance may be limited.
Eligibility to apply for a Ethiopia visa
In order to obtain an Ethiopian visa, you must adhere to its strict criteria on travel documents. Failure to do so could result in your visa application being rejected. The criteria is simple and straight forward, and is listed for your benefit below. Copies of each of the following documents are mandatory to obtaining your visa.
Recent photograph of the applicant at passport size.
The visa applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months after the proposed date of entrance into Ethiopia.
Processing time for Ethiopian visas
To enter the nation, travellers and visitors are required to get an Ethiopian visa. The processing period for an Ethiopian visa varies according on the type of visa requested. The processing period for an Ethiopian visa varies, but is typically three days if the applicant applies online. Visa processing time refers to the time required to process any visa. Visitors and foreigners travelling to the country for vacations, business meetings, or employment are able to apply for an e-visa. The decision regarding the issuance and processing of Ethiopia’s e-Visa rests with the Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs. The Immigration Department reviews all of the applicant’s provided information and documentation. The Ethiopian e-Visa processing time is between 5 and 7 days.
Appointment waiting times
The appointment waiting times can be very different, depending on what visa it is you are applying for, and how long you intend to stay on your trip. A visitor visa could take anywhere up to 426 days from the first initial day of submitting the application. A student visa appointment could take up to 60 days, where as all other non-immigrant visas could take around 381 days. It is advisable for you to apply for your visa appointment, if needed well in advance.
Who can visit Ethiopia without a visa?
Visa-free entry is granted to those having valid Ethiopian Diplomatic ID Cards, Ethiopian Temporary Residents Permits, or Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Cards). To enter Ethiopia, you must have a valid visa and a valid travel document.
Before travelling, visitors must get a visa through the official Ethiopian e-visa platform or their nearest Ethiopian Embassy. The visa on arrival service is still unavailable. You must present a valid visa before to boarding your aircraft and upon arrival.
Ethiopia visa types
There are various different visas available in Ethiopia, the type of visa you will require will depend on what the purpose of your visit is. You must ensure you apply for the correct visa before trying to enter the Country. The different types of visas available are:
- Tourist visa (Online)
- Tourist visa (On Arrival)
- Journalist Visa (JV)
- International Organisations/Embassies Work Visa- RI
- Investment Visa (IV)
- Government Institutions Short Task Visa (GIV)
- NGO Work Visa (NV)
- Conference Visa (CV)
- Ethiopian Government Employment Visa (GV)
- Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa (WV)
- Ethiopian Private Business Firm Work Visa (PE)
What to do if your visa to Ethiopia is refused?
The main office of the Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs will tell you of the rejection, but not the reason for it, if your application is denied. If your e-Visa application was denied, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy. To reapply, you are required to submit a new application, pay the application cost, and schedule a new interview.
People also asked...
A tourist visa with a single entry is valid for up to 90 days beginning on the intended date of arrival in Ethiopia.
Visitors should not exceed the duration of their visa. Overstaying over the visa’s validity period has implications, and foreign nationals who overstay in Ethiopia are liable to fines and punitive penalties.
Agriculture, construction, manufacturing, services, tourism, and food processing are Ethiopia’s primary sectors. The majority of the population is self-employed. Typically, public sector employees make 14% more than private sector employees.