Visa requirements

Ethiopia

General visa requirements for travelling to Ethiopia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry (Kenya and Djibouti))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Fee
Free
Entry
Multiple entry

Citizens of Kenya and Djibouti can enter Ethiopia visa-free for short visits up to 90 days. Passport must have at least 6 months validity.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Only available to citizens of Kenya and Djibouti

    Eligible countries: Djibouti, Kenya

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Vaccination certificate

    Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages

  2. Document submission

    Present passport and yellow fever certificate (if applicable) at port of entry

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay
90 days
Fee
Varies by nationality
Entry
Single entry

Available to nationals of African Union member states and residents of tourist-generating countries. Can only be issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Passport validity must be at least 6 months from arrival date.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to all African Union member state nationals and permanent residents of tourist-generating countries

    Eligible countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, United Republic of, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Vaccination certificate

    Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever transmission risk; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages before travel

  2. Document submission

    Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, proceed to visa on arrival counter with passport and yellow fever certificate

  3. Fee payment

    Pay applicable visa fee at airport (amount varies by nationality)

  4. Visa collection

    Receive visa stamp in passport and proceed through immigration

Sign in to apply

Journalist visa (Journalist e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$152 USD
Entry
Single entry

For journalists, foreign correspondents, filmmakers, and media professionals working in or reporting from Ethiopia. Cannot be extended. Requires support letter from Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Government Communications Office.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Journalism, media reporting, filmmaking, documentary production

    Includes
    • Journalism
    • foreign correspondence
    • filming
    • media production
  • Employment

    Must be accredited journalist, correspondent, or filmmaker with valid press credentials

    Required status: Accredited journalist, media professional, filmmaker

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation from host company or media organization in Ethiopia, plus support letter from Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Government Communications Office

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Journalist Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $152 USD

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply for journalist visa at evisa.gov.et

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport copy, photo, press credentials, invitation letter, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs support letter

  3. Fee payment

    Pay journalist visa fee

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for approval

  5. Visa collection

    Print e-Visa and present at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$82 USD
Entry
Single entry

For business persons conducting business activities, attending meetings, contract negotiations, buying or selling goods/services. Must enter via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Business activities including meetings, negotiations, contracts, attending business events

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • contract negotiations
    • buying/selling goods or services
    • business conferences

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, recent

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation from Ethiopian business partner or organization describing purpose and duration of visit

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Ethiopian Business e-Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $82 USD

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online application at evisa.gov.et selecting business visa category

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport copy, photo, and invitation letter from Ethiopian business partner

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee online

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for email confirmation

  5. Visa collection

    Print e-Visa and present at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Investment Visa (3-5 Years))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$750-$1000 USD
Validity
3-5 years depending on role
Entry
Multiple entry

For foreign nationals engaged in investment activities in Ethiopia. 5-year visa ($1000) for executives and shareholders, 3-year visa ($750) for managers and board directors. Requires Ethiopian Investment Commission facilitation.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Investment activities, launching business operations, exploring investment opportunities

    Includes
    • Investment
    • business establishment
    • investment exploration
  • Employment

    Role determines visa duration: executives/shareholders get 5 years, managers/directors get 3 years

    Required status: Investor, executive, shareholder, manager, or board director

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background

  • Sponsorship letter

    Accepted sponsors: Support letter from Ethiopian Investment Commission showing facilitation or recognition

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Official application letter from inviting organization addressed to Immigration and Citizenship Service

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Investment Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $750 USD (3 years managers) or $1000 USD (5 years executives/shareholders)

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Business license of inviting company

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Submit online application through evisa.gov.et

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport copy, photo, Ethiopian Investment Commission support letter, company business license, and official application letter

  3. Fee payment

    Pay investment visa fee based on role (3 or 5 years)

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for approval

  5. Visa collection

    Print approval and enter through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Sign in to apply

Medical visa (Medical Treatment e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$82 USD
Entry
Single entry

For foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in Ethiopia. Medical care facilities are limited and primarily suitable for stabilization and emergency care. Must enter via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Seeking medical treatment at Ethiopian healthcare facility

    Includes
    • Medical treatment
    • medical consultation
  • Health

    Must have confirmed medical appointment and documentation of medical condition requiring treatment

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever if from endemic area

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from Ethiopian medical facility confirming appointment and treatment plan

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: Medical documentation from home country physician describing condition and need for treatment; Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Medical Treatment Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Vaccination certificate

    Required vaccines: Yellow fever if arriving from endemic area; Validity months: 120

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $82 USD

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online for medical treatment visa

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport copy, photo, medical certificate, and letter from Ethiopian medical facility

  3. Fee payment

    Pay medical visa fee

  4. Processing wait

    Await approval email

  5. Visa collection

    Print e-Visa and present at airport

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Transit Visa (12-72 hours))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay
3 days
Fee
Varies by duration
Entry
Single entry

Travelers in transit do not require a visa if they remain in the permitted transit area and depart within 12 hours. For stays longer than 12 hours, transit visas of 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours are available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For travelers transiting through Ethiopia to a third country destination

    Includes
    • Transit only

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare passport with 6 months validity, confirmed onward flight ticket, and destination country visa (if required)

  2. Document submission

    Present documents at visa on arrival counter at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

  3. Fee payment

    Pay transit visa fee based on duration required (12, 24, 48, or 72 hours)

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Tourist e-Visa (30 Days Single Entry))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$82 USD
Entry
Single entry

Must enter Ethiopia via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. e-Visa validity starts from intended arrival date specified on application. Processing typically takes 3 working days. Recent price reduction from $102 to $82 (some sources indicate $62).

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For tourism purposes only - sightseeing, leisure travel, visiting friends and family

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • leisure
    • sightseeing

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm), color, plain white background, taken within last 6 months, neutral expression, no glasses glare

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Ethiopian e-Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Vaccination certificate

    Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever transmission risk; Validity months: 120

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $82 USD

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online application at evisa.gov.et with personal details, passport information, and travel dates

  2. Document gathering

    Upload scanned color copy of passport bio page and digital passport photo meeting specifications

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee online using credit or debit card

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for email confirmation of visa approval

  5. Visa collection

    Print e-Visa approval email and present at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for passport stamping

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (NGO Short-Term Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$82 USD
Entry
Single entry

For foreigners entering Ethiopia to work for a registered and active NGO on a permanent or short-term project. Can be extended before expiry. Must enter via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Working on NGO projects in Ethiopia

    Includes
    • NGO work
    • humanitarian projects
    • development work
  • Employment

    Employed or volunteering with registered and active Ethiopian NGO

    Required status: NGO worker, volunteer, project coordinator

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background

  • Sponsorship letter

    Accepted sponsors: Registered and active NGO in Ethiopia

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from NGO describing project, duration, and applicant's role

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: NGO Work Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $82 USD

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online for NGO work visa

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport copy, photo, NGO registration documents, and sponsorship letter

  3. Fee payment

    Pay NGO visa fee

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for approval

  5. Visa collection

    Print e-Visa and enter through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (Government/Private/NGO/International Organizations))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
Varies by embassy
Fee
Varies
Entry
Multiple entry

Multiple work visa types available: Government Employment Visa, Private Business Firm Work Visa, International Organizations/Embassies Work Visa, Government Institutions Short Task Visa, NGO Visa. Employer must sponsor and prove employee has requisite skills. Ratio of 1 foreign employee per 10 Ethiopian employees required. After entry, work and residence permits must be obtained through Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have requisite skills for the position and be crucial to operations. Employer must prove no qualified Ethiopian available.

    Required status: Skilled worker with specialized expertise

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Sponsorship letter

    Accepted sponsors: Ethiopian employer, government ministry, international organization, or registered NGO

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Professional license

    Accepted licenses: Professional qualifications and licenses relevant to job position; Must be translated: Yes

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Employer gathers work contract, proof of specialized skills, professional licenses, and sponsorship documentation

  2. Document submission

    Submit application through nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate with all required documents

  3. Processing wait

    Wait for embassy to process work visa application

  4. Visa collection

    Collect work visa from embassy and enter Ethiopia

Sign in to apply

Student visa (Student e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$82 USD
Entry
Single entry

Initial student e-Visa for 30 days. After arrival, must obtain student residence permit from immigration authorities for duration of studies. Must enter via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Enrolled in recognized Ethiopian educational institution for full-time studies

    Includes
    • Full-time study at Ethiopian university or educational institution

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Student Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $82 USD

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete student visa application at evisa.gov.et

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport copy, photo, and admission letter from Ethiopian educational institution

  3. Fee payment

    Pay student visa fee

  4. Processing wait

    Receive confirmation email within 3 days

  5. Visa collection

    Print e-Visa and present at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Conference/Workshop e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3 business days
Fee
$57 USD
Entry
Single entry

For attending international conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by government ministries, educational institutions, private sector organizations, UN agencies, African Union, or NGOs. Cannot be extended.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Attending conferences, seminars, workshops, or training events

    Includes
    • International conferences
    • workshops
    • seminars organized by government
    • educational institutions
    • UN
    • African Union
    • or reputable NGOs

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation from organizing entity describing conference name, dates, venue, and participant details

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Conference Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $57 USD

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online at evisa.gov.et selecting conference/workshop visa

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport copy, photo, and official invitation letter with conference details

  3. Fee payment

    Pay conference visa fee

  4. Processing wait

    Receive decision within 3 days

  5. Visa collection

    Print approval and present at airport

Sign in to apply

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic/Service Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Fee
Free
Entry
Multiple entry

Holders of diplomatic or service passports from any country except Pakistan and Somalia can enter visa-free for up to 3 months. Ethiopian embassies and consulates currently only process Diplomatic and Service Visas through embassy applications.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Diplomatic or service passport holders from all countries except Pakistan and Somalia

  • Employment

    Government officials on official business or diplomatic missions

    Required status: Diplomat, government official on official duty

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure diplomatic or service passport is valid for at least 6 months

  2. Document submission

    For visa-exempt travelers, present diplomatic/service passport at port of entry. For others, apply at Ethiopian embassy

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.