Most nationalities can visit Ethiopia with an e-visa obtained online in minutes — no embassy visit required. The process is straightforward and costs $52 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Here is everything you need to know before you travel.
Ethiopia significantly expanded its e-visa system in 2022–2023. The vast majority of nationalities now qualify for an e-visa or visa on arrival at Bole International Airport. The information below reflects requirements as of October 2024.
Always verify current requirements with the official Ethiopian e-visa portal or your nearest Ethiopian embassy before travel, as policies can change.
Your Three Options
How to Apply for an Ethiopia e-Visa
The Ethiopian e-visa is applied for entirely online through the official government portal. The process takes around 10–15 minutes to complete, and approval typically arrives within 3–5 business days by email.
Go to evisa.gov.et — the official Ethiopian immigration e-visa portal. Beware of third-party sites that charge additional processing fees for the same service.
Register with your email address. You'll use this account to track your application and download your visa when approved.
Fill in your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and purpose of visit (Tourism). Ensure all details exactly match your passport.
You'll need: a clear scan of your passport bio page (valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date), a recent passport-sized photo (white background), and your travel itinerary or hotel booking confirmation.
$52 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, payable by Visa or Mastercard. The fee is non-refundable. Double-entry visas ($72) are also available if you plan to cross into a neighbouring country and return.
You'll receive an approval email within 3–5 business days. Download and print the PDF — you must present a printed copy at immigration. A screenshot on your phone is not accepted.
Requirements by Nationality
The following table covers the most common nationalities visiting Ethiopia. Use this as a starting point — always confirm with the official Ethiopian immigration portal or embassy for the most current requirements.
| Country | Visa Type | Cost | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| United Kingdom | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Canada | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Australia | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Germany | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| France | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Netherlands | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Sweden | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Japan | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| India | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| China | Visa on Arrival | $50 | 30 days |
| Brazil | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Kenya | Visa-Free | Free | 90 days |
| South Africa | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| Nigeria | Visa on Arrival | $50 | 30 days |
| Pakistan | Embassy Required | Varies | 30 days |
| Russia | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
| New Zealand | e-Visa | $52 | 30 days |
Extending Your Visa
The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days but can be extended for up to 90 days total at the Ethiopian Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency office in Addis Ababa.
- Location: Immigration office, Bole Road, Addis Ababa (near Bole Airport)
- Extension fee: Approximately $40 USD per 30-day extension
- Required documents: Passport, original visa, completed extension form, 2 passport photos
- Processing time: Same day to 2 business days
- Apply early: Start the process at least 5–7 days before your visa expires
Entry Requirements
In addition to a valid visa, you'll need to meet the following entry requirements when arriving in Ethiopia:
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Ethiopia
- Return or onward ticket: Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel, particularly at Bole Airport
- Sufficient funds: No strict minimum, but be prepared to show you can support yourself during your stay
- Yellow fever vaccination: Required if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America)
- Printed e-visa: Your e-visa approval must be printed. Screenshots are not accepted at immigration
If you are travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic country (including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Brazil, and many others), you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing valid yellow fever vaccination.
Entry may be refused without it. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival to be valid for entry purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa at Addis Ababa airport?
Yes — visa on arrival is available at Bole International Airport for eligible nationalities. However, we strongly recommend applying for the e-visa in advance. The visa on arrival queue can be very long, and the process requires USD $50 in cash. An e-visa means you walk straight through to immigration.
How long does the e-visa take to process?
Officially 3–5 business days, though many applicants receive approval within 24–48 hours. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe, and never leave it until the last minute — processing times can occasionally stretch to 7–10 days during peak periods.
Can I extend my visa if I want to stay longer?
Yes. Extensions are processed at the Immigration office in Addis Ababa. You can extend for up to 60 additional days (making a maximum of 90 days total). The cost is approximately $40 USD per 30-day extension block.
Is it safe to use third-party visa application sites?
Be cautious. Many third-party sites charge $80–$120 for exactly the same visa available for $52 at the official portal (evisa.gov.et). Some are legitimate convenience services; others are outright scams. Always use the official government portal where possible.
Do children need a visa?
Yes — all travellers, including minors, require a valid visa. Children travelling with one parent should also carry a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent, though this is not always checked.