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Visitor & short-stay visas

Ethiopian Airport Transit

Short airside transit through Addis Ababa without leaving the transit area may not require a visa, for travellers connecting between international flights.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The maximum permitted transit window (commonly reported as about 12 hours) is not officially confirmed here; verify the current transit-hours rule with ICS before relying on it.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ethiopia government website before you apply.
On this page
Route type
Transit (airside)
Where
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport transit area
Condition
Remain airside and depart by air within the permitted time
A short transit-hours limit applies — confirm the current figure with ICS
e-Visa needed to transit
No, if you stay airside
Official evisa.gov.et FAQ: no e-Visa is required for transit flights as long as you remain in the permitted transit area.
When a Transit Visa is required
Only to leave the transit area
Needed if you want to go out of the permitted transit area to visit Addis Ababa during your layover.
Where to apply
At Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
The Transit Visa is issued at the airport, not through the online e-Visa portal.
Who to ask
Ethiopian Airlines transit officers
Official guidance directs travellers to the Ethiopian Airlines transit officers at the airport for the procedure.
Cost / maximum stay / validity
Not published on the official portal
Confirm the fee, permitted stay and validity with the Ethiopian Airlines transit officers at the airport.

Who it is for

  • Passengers connecting between international flights through Addis Ababa
  • Travellers who will not pass through immigration or leave the transit area

What you can do

  • Wait airside for a connecting international flight without an entry visa
  • Leave the airport only if you hold a valid entry visa

How to apply

The Ethiopian government's official position on airport transit is set out in the Immigration and Citizenship Service e-Visa FAQ. There is no online transit visa: if a Transit Visa is needed at all, it is obtained in person at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

  • If you are only connecting between flights, remain in the permitted transit area of the airport - no e-Visa or visa is required.
  • If you want to leave the transit area to visit Addis Ababa during your layover, you must obtain a Transit Visa at the airport.
  • The Transit Visa is issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, not through the online e-Visa portal - do not apply online for this.
  • Contact the Ethiopian Airlines transit officers at the airport to obtain the Transit Visa and to confirm the current fee, permitted stay and any documents required.

Requirements

  • You must be a genuine transit passenger connecting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
  • A Transit Visa is only required if you leave the permitted transit (airside) area to enter Addis Ababa - passengers staying airside need no visa.
  • The specific documents, fee and permitted duration for the airport Transit Visa are not published on the official e-Visa portal; the Ethiopian Airlines transit officers at the airport confirm these on the day.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The official Ethiopian e-Visa FAQ confirms you don't need an e-Visa for transit flights, provided you stay within the permitted transit area of the airport.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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