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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.