Find answers to common questions about applying for and traveling with an Ethiopia eVisa
Or browse by category below
Select a category to find specific answers
An Ethiopia eVisa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to apply online for authorization to enter Ethiopia for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It eliminates the need to visit an Ethiopian embassy or consulate in person to apply for a traditional visa.
The eVisa is linked electronically to your passport and sent to you via email after approval. You must print this document and present it along with your passport when entering Ethiopia.
Ethiopia eVisas are available as:
All Ethiopia eVisas are single-entry visas, meaning you can enter Ethiopia only once during the visa's validity period.
Most foreign nationals traveling to Ethiopia for tourism, business, or transit purposes need to obtain an eVisa before their trip. However, there are some exceptions:
It is always advisable to check the specific requirements for your nationality before planning your trip to Ethiopia. When in doubt, applying for an eVisa is the safest approach to ensure smooth entry into the country.
The main differences between an Ethiopia eVisa and a traditional visa are:
| Feature | eVisa | Traditional Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Online application from anywhere | In-person visit to embassy or consulate |
| Processing Time | 24-72 hours typically | Several days to weeks |
| Documentation | Digital uploads | Physical documents |
| Visa Format | Electronic document (printable) | Physical sticker or stamp in passport |
| Convenience | Apply 24/7 from anywhere | Limited to embassy business hours and locations |
Both visa types serve the same purpose of granting permission to enter Ethiopia, but the eVisa offers a more convenient and efficient application process.
The validity of an Ethiopia eVisa depends on the type of visa you obtain:
Important points to remember:
For more detailed information, please visit our Validity and Extension page.
Ethiopia has largely phased out its visa-on-arrival system in favor of the eVisa system. While visa on arrival may still be available in some limited circumstances, it is not recommended for several reasons:
The eVisa system provides a more secure and convenient way to obtain permission to enter Ethiopia before your trip. By applying online in advance, you can avoid uncertainty and potential issues upon arrival.
For the most reliable and stress-free travel experience, it is strongly recommended to obtain an eVisa before traveling to Ethiopia.
Applying for an Ethiopia eVisa involves a straightforward online process:
For a more detailed guide on the application process, please visit our Application Process page.
It is recommended to apply for your Ethiopia eVisa at least 7-10 days before your planned travel date. While the standard processing time is 24-72 hours, this allows for:
Remember that your eVisa must be used within 30 days of its issue date. Applying too far in advance (more than 30 days before travel) is not recommended, as the visa may expire before you can use it.
If you have urgent travel needs, expedited processing options are available for an additional fee, with processing times as quick as 6-12 hours.
Yes, you can apply for an Ethiopia eVisa on behalf of someone else, such as family members, friends, or colleagues. However, you must ensure that:
When applying for multiple travelers:
This service is particularly useful for families traveling together or companies arranging business travel for their employees.
If you discover a mistake on your Ethiopia eVisa application, the course of action depends on when you notice the error:
Yes, you can apply for an Ethiopia eVisa if you have dual citizenship. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind:
When deciding which passport to use:
Remember that attempting to enter Ethiopia with a different passport than the one linked to your eVisa may result in entry denial, even if both passports belong to you.
For a standard Ethiopia eVisa application, you will need the following documents:
For more detailed information about document requirements, please visit our Requirements page.
Your photograph for an Ethiopia eVisa application must meet the following specifications:
Yellow fever vaccination requirements for Ethiopia depend on your travel history:
Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission include many parts of Africa and South America. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains a complete list of these countries.
Even if not strictly required, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Ethiopia, as the disease is present in parts of the country.
The cost of an Ethiopia eVisa varies depending on the type of visa and processing time you select:
| Visa Type | Standard Processing (24-72 hours) | Expedited Processing (12-24 hours) | Rush Processing (6-12 hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (30 days) | $52 USD | $82 USD | $120 USD |
| Tourist eVisa (90 days) | $72 USD | $102 USD | $150 USD |
| Business eVisa | $82 USD | $112 USD | $170 USD |
| Transit eVisa | $42 USD | $72 USD | $100 USD |
For more detailed information about fees, please visit our Fees page.
The Ethiopia eVisa application system accepts the following payment methods:
Payment considerations:
Yes, all payment transactions for Ethiopia eVisa applications are secured with industry-standard security measures:
Additional security measures include:
Your financial and personal information security is a top priority in the Ethiopia eVisa application process.
The Ethiopia eVisa fee is generally non-refundable once the application is submitted. However, refunds may be considered in the following limited circumstances:
To request a refund in eligible situations, contact customer support at support@evisa.express within 30 days of payment with your application reference number and transaction details.
Yes, after completing your payment for an Ethiopia eVisa application, you will receive:
The payment receipt includes:
When you arrive in Ethiopia with your eVisa, follow these steps for a smooth entry process:
Ethiopia eVisa holders can enter the country through the following ports of entry:
While eVisas are primarily designed for air travel entry, some major land border crossings may accept eVisa holders. However, entry through land borders with an eVisa may be subject to additional verification and is not guaranteed at all border points.
While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining an Ethiopia eVisa, it is strongly recommended for all travelers for several important reasons:
When selecting travel insurance for Ethiopia, consider coverage for:
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in Ethiopia beyond your initial eVisa validity period. Extensions must be applied for before your current visa expires.
For more detailed information about visa extensions, please visit our Validity and Extension page.
The local currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Here's what you need to know about money matters when traveling to Ethiopia:
To ensure a smooth Ethiopia eVisa application process, your device should meet the following system requirements:
You can check the status of your Ethiopia eVisa application through the following methods:
You will receive email updates at key stages of your application:
If you haven't received your approved Ethiopia eVisa by email, follow these steps:
If you've taken these steps and still haven't received your eVisa, contact customer support with the following information:
Uploading documents for your Ethiopia eVisa application is a straightforward process:
Yes, the Ethiopia eVisa application website is designed to be mobile-responsive, allowing you to apply using smartphones and tablets. However, there are some considerations when using mobile devices:
If you still have questions about Ethiopia eVisa, our customer support team is here to help.