How to Get an Ethiopia Visa

Most travelers need a visa for Ethiopia, which you can get online (e-Visa) for $52 USD, on arrival for $50-70 USD, or at an embassy. The e-Visa is fastest, taking 3-5 business days, and is valid for 30 or 90 days depending on what you choose.

  1. Check if you need a visa. Citizens of Kenya and Djibouti don't need visas. Everyone else does, including Americans, Europeans, Canadians, and Australians. Check the Ethiopian immigration website to confirm your country's requirements.
  2. Choose your visa type. Tourist visa for 30 days ($52 USD) or 90 days ($72 USD). Business visa available for same durations at same prices. Transit visa for 3 days if you're just passing through.
  3. Apply for e-Visa online. Go to evisa.gov.et (the official site). Fill out the application with passport info, travel dates, and accommodation details. Upload a passport photo and copy of passport bio page. Pay with credit card.
  4. Wait for processing. E-Visa takes 3-5 business days normally, but can take up to 2 weeks during busy periods. You'll get an email when approved. Print the e-Visa approval letter.
  5. Enter Ethiopia. Present your passport, printed e-Visa approval, and return ticket at Addis Ababa airport. Immigration will stamp your passport. Keep the e-Visa paper with you during your trip.
Can I extend my Ethiopian visa?
Yes, you can extend tourist visas at the Main Immigration Office in Addis Ababa. Bring passport photos and pay around $20-30 USD. Extensions usually take 1-2 days.
What if my e-Visa application gets rejected?
Rejections are rare but happen if passport validity is less than 6 months or photos don't meet requirements. You can reapply immediately after fixing the issue, or try applying at an Ethiopian embassy.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for Ethiopia visa?
Yellow fever vaccination isn't required for the visa application itself, but you need the certificate to enter Ethiopia if you're coming from a yellow fever risk country. Check CDC guidelines for your travel route.