All American tourists to Ethiopia are needed to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. Instead of waiting in long lines at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for a visa on arrival, US nationals can apply for and acquire an Ethiopia e-Visa or electronic visa online beginning in June 2017.
The information in this article covers the current rules for the Ethiopian visa for US citizens. Let's visit!
1. Types of Ethiopia e-Visa for US citizens
An Ethiopia e-Visa is a type of electronic travel permit that allows travelers to enter Ethiopia for a set period of time. This form of visa eliminates the need to physically visit an Ethiopian Consulate or Embassy or even wait in line for a visa at the airport or border. Even more convenient, you can apply for and receive an Ethiopian e-Visa while still in your country.
For US citizens, there are two types of Ethiopian e-tourist Visas.
- Tourist Visa - Single Entry for 30 days
- Tourist Visa - Single Entry for 90 days
A single-entry visa will expire once you depart Ethiopia, regardless of how many days of the 30 or 90 days you used. Tourists who wish to re-enter Ethiopia should apply for a new Ethiopia visa. If you overstay, you must pay a fee in full before leaving Ethiopia and may face incarceration.
If you are looking for a multiple-entry visa, then you have to go through the conventional method by going directly to the Ethiopian Embassy in the United States after having set up an appointment first.
Ethiopia visa requirements for American citizens are listed below.
Ethiopia visa requirements for US citizens
To apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa, you must fulfill all visa requirements. The following documents are required for an Ethiopian tourist visa for US citizens:
- Passport valid for at least six months from the day you intend to enter the country, with at least one blank page for the Immigration Officer to stamp.
- A recent passport-size digital color photo.
- A valid credit card or debit card for visa fee payment.
2. Ethiopian e-Visa application for US citizens
Because the online form is so straightforward, the Ethiopian visa application for Americans just takes a few minutes to complete. Personal information and passport information must be provided.
The following types of information are required:
- Personal information such as complete name, address, date of birth, and nationality.
- The passport number.
- Date of arrival in Ethiopia and departure date.
It is important to double-check all of the information on your application form, as any inconsistencies or omissions may result in the delay or rejection of your electronic tourist visa to Ethiopia. It is strongly advised that you carry a copy of your Ethiopian e-Visa with you at all times during your visit.
Applicants with dual citizenship must visit Ethiopia using the same passport they used to complete the electronic visa application form.
*Note: The validity of your e-Visa begins from the arrival date provided on the Ethiopia visa application form, not the date it is issued. To validate your e-Visa, you must present your passport to Ethiopian Customs.
Ethiopian e-Visa processing time from the USA
Following the submission of the essential documents and information, Ethiopian officials will review the application, paperwork, and fee payment. An e-visa is usually accepted within a few business days. You can also check the status of your e-visa processing online to keep track of your application.
In rare circumstances, application flaws or inaccuracies may cause the process to take longer.
It is best to apply at least 03 days before your trip to allow enough Ethiopia e-Visa processing time and/or necessary modifications.
When applying for an Ethiopian visa from the USA, you will receive the response/approval for your e-visa application via email. You will also be given an overview of the e-Visa terms and conditions. To gain access, you must bring a printed copy of your granted visa with you to the airport.
3. Ethiopia e-Visa fee for US citizens
To complete the application procedure, US nationals must pay two types of Ethiopian e-visa fees: the Government and Service fees.
Because the United States is not on the Ethiopian e-Visa exemption list, a government charge is required.
The more the number of applications you apply for, the lower the service fee. Alternatively, you can choose one of the following options to match your travel goals and budget:
- Normal: This standardized service is the most affordable choice. Applicants can apply for this visa if they have enough time to prepare their documents and wait for a response. The waiting period for this type of order is 03 business days.
- Urgent: If you use this advanced type of e-visa, you will have your e-visa to Ethiopia within 02 days.
- Super urgent: This type is used in high-priority situations where you need your e-visa in a matter of hours. If you use this service, you may expect to receive your e-visa in roughly 24 business hours.
Payment Method: you have the choice of electronic payment or wire transfer (Bank of Cyprus transactions). You should pick Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or PayPal if you choose electronic payment.
You can also pay a small fee for Ethiopia Travel Insurance to maintain your benefits while traveling overseas.
Thank for you watching this article. Hope this useful information helps you understand the Ethiopian visa requirements for US citizens. If you have any questions about this or want to book Ethiopia visa services, let's contact us now.
Ethiopia Visa Requirements
for United States of America Citizens FAQs
Do US citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
The United States is not in the exempt country list for Visa free of Ethiopia, so all US citizens must have a valid visa to enter Ethiopia. This country is capturing the attention of people from all around the world. Ethiopia is constantly at the top of Americans' lists of ideal travel destinations. Therefore, in order to enter Ethiopia, passengers from the US must have a valid visa. If they do not have a valid visa, they will be denied entry.
Thankfully, the Ethiopian government has made the online system for requesting an e-visa available so that every American visitor can quickly register to obtain an e-visa. In order to schedule an appointment with an embassy or consulate, all American people previously had to locate the Ethiopian Embassy in their nation. However, they will be required to wait in a long line before being interviewed.
But now, American travelers just fill out the application form online at Ethiopian Immigration Services to have an e-visa. Within a few minutes, US citizens can submit requests from the comfort of their homes without going to the Embassy. All they need is just an electronic device with internet access. American travelers will have their own e-visa to enter Ethiopia.
How long can American citizens stay in Ethiopia with an eVisa?
If American citizens are questioning how long they can stay in Ethiopia with e-visa. This is depending on which type of e-visa that American nationals request. The Ethiopian government only approved e-Tourist visas for travelers who want to come to visit this beautiful country. Ethiopia is a home for more than 200 tribes which have a combination of meaningful and significant culture. This makes Ethiopia become unique and attract more American travelers to explore this country.
The Ethiopian only accepted tourist e-visa which is available for 30 days and 90 days from the date of arrival. American citizens will use this e-visa to enter Ethiopia with the purpose of tourism only. If they want to come to Ethiopia for other purposes, they should go to the Ethiopia Embassy to apply for a visa.
- Ethiopian tourist e-visa for 30 days: As the name implies, this type of visa is valid for 30 days and allows American travelers to stay in Ethiopia for 30 days with a single entry.
- Ethiopian tourist e-visa for 90 days: With the help of this visa, American visitors can spend more time to witness the beauty of this country for 90 days after being approved with a single entry.
How will I receive my Ethiopian eVisa from the United States?
Many US citizens wish to have the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia, which is a popular tourist destination. As a result, in order to enter Ethiopia, all visitors from America must obtain a valid visa. The United States is regrettably not included in the list of exempt nations, so its people must obtain a visa. Americans greend cards will not be allowed admission if they lack a valid visa.
The registration process for an e-visa is fairly quick. Travelers from America can obtain their own Ethiopian e-visa with any electronic devices from home in less than 30 minutes without visiting the nearest Embassy. American travelers can finish the application form in only 15 minutes if the internet connection is steady.
After applying, your e-visa will be processed within 1 or 3 working days. And then your e-visa will be sent to your email address that you gave us in the first place when filling the form. The electronic visa will be in PDF format so American citizens must print it out before going to the airport for entry stamping.
If you have any questions about how to apply for an e-visa and how to receive it? Please feel free to contact us at Ethiopian Immigration Services. We are here to help US citizens with advisory to the progress and prepare extra documents for travelers to meet the e-visa requirements.
How many entries can US citizens to Ethiopia with an online visa?
American people who wish to travel to Ethiopia are granted an e-visa, which enables them to visit friends who already reside there and explore the country's contemporary and unique towns, which are surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a variety of species. The sort of American-bound travelers who apply will determine how long they stay in Ethiopia:
- Ethiopia e-Tourist visa for 30 days: This visa allows American travelers to enter Ethiopia one time only and stay in Ethiopia for 30 days from the date of entry.
- Ethiopia e-Tourist visa for 90 days: This visa gives American visitors a single entry for Ethiopia and stay here for a longer period of time than the 30-day validity visa, allowing them to stay for a maximum of 90 days from the date of approval.
The two types of visas stated above cannot be extended, which is a crucial point. US nationals who overstay their visa in Ethiopia will be penalized heavily if they do so. For an e-visa to enter Ethiopia, visitors from America can visit the website of Ethiopia Immigration Services. If you have any queries regarding the procedure or the information on e-visas, our staff are always here to assist you.
How can US candidates track Ethiopia eVisa status?
If American citizens want to check whether their e-visa is processed or not, please fill out the online form to Check the Status. First, US citizens have to fill the form with personal information such as full name, passport numbers, and email address that you use to apply for an Ethiopia e-visa. After submitting the form, US green cards can check at which stage the e-visa is being processed. This is the form for customers who are applying for an e-visa on the Ethiopian Immigration Services website. Others that do not apply can not check. The result will be sent to the applicant's email address within 30 minutes.
In order to process in a quick and smooth way, all American citizens must have a better understanding of Ethiopia e-visa requirements for US citizens. Below are the requirements that US nationals should know to help you prepare the best for your e-visa:
- Check your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. If your passport will expire when you are in Ethiopia, you must consider renewing your passport immediately.
- Make sure your passport has more than 2 blank pages for stamping.
- A recent color photograph in any format which shows the entire face.
- Scan a copy of your biographical page of your passport.
- Working email for receiving your e-visa.
Do US children need an e-visa for Ethiopia?
American citizens who plan to bring their children to go on an Ethiopia short-term trip with them, must have a valid visa. They can not use the same with their parents, if they do not have a valid visa, they will be denied entry to enter Ethiopia. In order to apply for an Ethiopia e-visa for American children, parents must first make sure they all have a passport which is still valid 6 months remaining from the intended date of entry into Ethiopia. The passport must have 2 blank pages for exit and entry stampings. All the visa requirements for minors are the same as adults.
To register an e-visa for American children, parents must on behalf of their child to complete the form on Ethiopian Immigration Services website. The number of children that travelers have is corresponding to the number of forms that they have to fill.
American parents will fill out the form with their children’s full name, passport number and nationalities. Make sure that there is no missing information, missing words or typos because this information will be written on your child’s e-visa. Moreover, every child must have their own passport and visa, they can not share the same ones to enter Ethiopia.
