Ethiopia Visa Policy

You can realize your planned trip to Ethiopia by obtaining an Ethiopia visa. Foreign nationals can apply for Ethiopia short-term visas (e-visa, visa on arrival) for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term purposes). Except Djibouti and Kenya nationals all foreigners must obtain a visa for traveling to Ethiopia. If you want to stay in Ethiopia for a longer period for some reason (such as study, employment, etc.) you can apply for a visa at Ethiopia embassies/consulates, and when you arrive in Ethiopia, you can apply for a residence permit or visa extension.

Ethiopia visa types are followings:

1. Tourist visa
   • Tourist Visa online (E-visa)
   • Tourist Visa on Arrival
2. Business visa
   • Conference visa (CV)
   • Journalist visa (JV)
   • Investment visa (IV)
   • International Organizations Work visa (RI)
   • Foreign Business Firm Employment visa (WV)
   • Ethiopian Government Employment visa (GV)
   • Ethiopian Private Business Firm Work visa (PE)
   • Non-Governmental Organizations Work visa (NV)
   • Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task visa (GIV)

You can apply for all these visas both online (E-visa) and at the Ethiopia embassy/consulate. All nationals are eligible to obtain an online visa except Pakistan and Syria nationals.

Nationals of the following countries/territories (or holders of residence permits issued by these countries/territories) can get a visa on arrival to Ethiopia for tourism purposes:

*Tourist visas can be issued on arrival only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The duration of the visa will be 3 months in most cases. In any case, the Ethiopian government advises foreigners to obtain an e-Visa beforehand for avoiding some problems/misunderstandings on arrival.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Visa on Arrival

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3x4 size

3. Any Supporting Documents Proving Your Purpose of Travel

• Flight ticket (return) and hotel booking/apartment reservation/invitation letter for tourism purposes
• Invitation letter for business or private visit purposes
• Any additional supporting documents

Ethiopia Visa on Arrival Fee

Ethiopia Visa on Arrival fee is 52 USD for a 30-day single entry visa and 72 USD for 90-days multiple-entry visa (it can slightly vary depending on your country and nationality).

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Visa on Arrival Application?

You will get your visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

All nationals (except Syria and Pakistan nationals) can apply for Ethiopia Tourist e-Visa. Single-entry Tourist visa’s validity can be 30 days or 90 days. Foreigners can request an extension at the Head Office of the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) before the visa expires.

Once your e-visa is ready, it will be sent to your email address.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Tourist E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter (if any)

Processing Time for Ethiopia Tourist E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia Tourist e-Visa is 3-4 working days.

Ethiopia Tourist E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia Tourist e-Visa fee is 52 USD for a 30-day single entry visa and 72 USD for a 90-day single entry visa. 

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Tourist E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia Tourist e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia Business Visa (E-visa)

All nationals (except Syria and Pakistan nationals) can apply for Ethiopia Business e-Visa. Ethiopia Business Visa (e-Visa) has the following types:

• Conference visa (CV)
• Journalist visa (JV)
• Investment visa (IV)
• International Organizations Work visa (RI)
• Foreign Business Firm Employment visa (WV)
• Ethiopian Government Employment visa (GV)
• Ethiopian Private Business Firm Work visa (PE)
• Non-Governmental Organizations Work visa (NV)
• Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task visa (GIV)

Ethiopia Conference Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopia Conference visa is issued to foreigners who will visit Ethiopia for attending conferences and have an invitation letter to the conference, seminar, or workshop being organized in Ethiopia. Ethiopia Conference visa is not extendable.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Conference E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• If invited by a private company you must present the followings:
  • Application letter written by the company to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia
  • Inviting company’s business license
  • Inviting company’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate
• If invited by a governmental company you must present the followings:
  • Application letter written by the company to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia
• If invited by a non-governmental organization (NGO) you must present the followings:
  • Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia
  • Inviting organization’s registration license
• If invited by an international organization you must present followings:
  • Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia
  • Note Verbal (support letter) from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

4. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopia Conference E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia Conference e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopia Conference E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia Conference e-Visa fee is 32 USD for a 30-days single entry visa.

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Conference E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia Conference e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia Journalist Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopia Journalist visa is issued to foreigners who will visit Ethiopia for journalistic activities.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Journalist E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia

4. Support Letter

• Support letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Government Communications Office of Ethiopia

5. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopia Journalist E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia Journalist e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopia Journalist E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia Journalist e-Visa fee is 42 USD for a 30-days single entry visa.

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Journalist E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia Journalist e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia Investment Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopia Investment visa is issued to foreigners who are engaged in investment activities or who are potential investors. Foreigners can request an extension of the Investment visa at Head Office of the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) before the visa expires. Investment visa can be both single-entry and multiple-entry.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Investment E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter (if you are invited by a company that has been involved in investment activities):

• Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia
• Inviting company’s business license
• Support letter from Investment Commission of Ethiopia

4. Support Letter (if you are invited by a company to invest or analyze investment opportunities in Ethiopia for the first time):

• Support letter from the nearest Ethiopia embassy

5. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopia Investment E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia Investment e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopia Investment E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia Investment e-Visa fee is:

• 32 USD for a 30-days single-entry visa
• 42 USD for a 90-days multiple-entry visa
• 62 USD for a 6 months multiple-entry visa
• 122 USD for a 12 months multiple-entry visa

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Investment E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia Investment e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia International Organizations Work Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopia International Organizations Work visa is issued to foreigners who are invited by international organizations or embassies of Ethiopia for different work purposes.

Required Documents for Ethiopia International Organizations Work E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• Application letter by the organizations/embassies to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

4. Note Verbal or Support Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

5. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopia International Organizations Work E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia International Organizations Work e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopia International Organizations Work E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia International Organizations Work e-Visa fee is 52 USD for a 30-days single entry visa.

Where to Apply for Ethiopia International Organizations Work E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia International Organizations Work e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment visa is issued to foreigners who are traveling Ethiopia to be employed by business firms owned/operated by foreigners. Foreigners can request an extension of Foreign Business Firm Employment visa at the Head Office of the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) before the visa expires.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia

4. Inviting Company’s Business License

5. Inviting Company’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate

6. Agreement (Contract) between Company and Applicant

7. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment e-Visa fee is 42 USD for a 30-days single entry visa.

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia Government Employment Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopia Government Employment visa is issued to foreigners who are traveling to Ethiopia to be employed by Ethiopian Government institutions/agencies. Foreigners can request an extension of the Government Employment visa at Head Office of the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) before the visa expires.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Government Employment E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia

4. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopia Government Employment E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia Government Employment e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopia Government Employment E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia Government Employment e-Visa fee is 32 USD for a 30-days single entry visa.

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Government Employment E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia Government Employment e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopian Private Business Firm Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopian Private Business Firm visa is issued to foreigners who are traveling Ethiopia to be employed by Ethiopian private business firms. Foreigners can request an extension of the Ethiopian Private Business Firm visa at Head Office of the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) before the visa expires.

Required Documents for Ethiopian Private Business Firm E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia

4. Inviting Company’s Business License

5. Inviting Company’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate

6. Agreement (Contract) between Company and Applicant

7. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopian Private Business Firm E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopian Private Business Firm e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopian Private Business Firm E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopian Private Business Firm e-Visa fee is 32 USD for a 30-days single entry visa.

Where to Apply for Ethiopian Private Business Firm E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopian Private Business Firm e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work visa is issued to foreigners who are invited to Ethiopia by non-governmental organizations in Ethiopia. Non-governmental Organizations Work visa is not extendable.

Required Documents for Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia

4. Registration License of the Inviting Organization

5. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work e-Visa fee is 62 USD for a 30-days single entry visa.

Where to Apply for Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work E-visa Application?

You will apply to Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Work e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task Visa (E-visa)

Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task visa is issued to foreigners who are invited to Ethiopia by government institutions to accomplish certain tasks for a short period of time. Foreigners can request for an extension of Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task visa at Head Office of the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) before the visa expires.

Required Documents for Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ethiopia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• A uniform and white background
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame
• 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter

• Application letter written by the organization to the Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency of Ethiopia

4. When You Arrive in Ethiopia, You must Present also:

• Printed Ethiopia e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • Invitation letter

Processing Time for Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task E-visa

The average processing time for Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task e-Visa is 1-5 working days.

Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task E-visa Application Fee

Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task e-Visa fee is:

• 22 USD for a 30-days single-entry visa
• 82 USD for a 90-days multiple-entry visa
• 122 USD for a 6 months multiple-entry visa

Where to Apply for Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task E-visa Application?

You will apply to the Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task e-Visa online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Ethiopia doesn’t have any Long-term visas in general. If you intend to stay in Ethiopia for a long period, you can extend your visa or apply for a residence permit in Ethiopia in most cases. However, it is advisable to contact the nearest Ethiopia embassies/consulates for the exact information for Ethiopia long-term visas. In some cases, they can issue long-term visas for you or they can issue a short-term visa for you, so you can enter Ethiopia with that visa and apply for an extension or residence permit in Ethiopia.