FAQs

No, you can't use an Ethiopian e-visa at land border crossings. The holders of the Ethiopian e-Visa can enter the country only through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. To gain entry at land borders, you must obtain an appropriate visa. Check Ethiopia e-Visa Valid Ports The Ethiopian e-Visa serves as a digital travel document to help eligible visitors easily access the country through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The e-Visa cannot serve as an entry document for land border checkpoints between Ethiopia and Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, or South Sudan. What Should I Do? The e-visa system is unavailable for use at Ethiopian land entry points. So, travelers who wish to cross into Ethiopia through land borders need to secure either a traditional visa from an Ethiopian embassy or a visa on arrival (if eligible). However, a visa on arrival is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and is not available at any land border checkpoints. Every visitor needs to check all necessary visa requirements and processing times with their local Ethiopian diplomatic mission before their trip, because these details vary by your nationality and entry point. Standard visa applications require applicants to submit their completed forms alongside their valid passports, passport pictures, required embassy documents, and payment for the visa fee. Contact the Ethiopian Main Department for Immigration & Nationality Affairs (MDINA) or the nearest Ethiopian embassy to verify any changes to immigration rules before your departure.

No, you are not required to enter Ethiopia on the exact date specified on your visa. The "entry date" indicated on your visa is the first day you are permitted to enter Ethiopia. You do not need to enter the exact date listed, but you must enter before the visa expires. Check the Ethiopia Visa Entry Date Rules Ethiopian e-visas are valid from the intended arrival date specified on the visa, not the date of issuance. You may enter Ethiopia on any date during the visa's validity period as long as it falls between the arrival and departure dates specified on your e-Visa. However, early entry prior to the given start date is not allowed. However, you must ensure that your entry meets the precise requirements of your visa type, such as single-entry limits or authorized entry points. - The Ethiopian e-Visa is valid for a single entry and requires that you arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. - The list of eligible countries may change, so please check the latest information. For example, if your e-Visa is valid from April 1st to April 30th, you can enter Ethiopia on any day within that timeframe. Even if the visa was issued earlier, it is valid as of April 1st, the intended entry date. Important note: You must enter Ethiopia before the expiration of your visa validity period; otherwise, you may be refused entry or required to apply for a new visa. You should verify your visa conditions with the issuing authority. Visa policies may vary depending on the type of visa you hold.

There are different terminologies about visa validity that you will come across while applying for an Ethiopian e-visa. This is the difference dates an Ethiopian e-visa's issue date and its expiry date: 1. What Is The Visa Issue Date Mean? It's when your visa is officially approved and actually issued to you by the Ethiopian Immigration Service. In the case of an e-visa, it is the date that you receive an approval email that contains your visa documentation. For instance: If you applied on 01-Apr-2025 and got your e-visa on 05-Apr-2025. Your issue date is 5-Apr-2025. 2. What Does the Visa Expiry Date Mean? This is the last date by which your visa remains valid for use. If you fail to arrive in Ethiopia before the expiry of this visa, it will become invalid, and you will need to apply for a new visa. You must enter Ethiopia during this time for an Ethiopian e-visa, which ends 30 or 90 days from your entry date that you selected. For example: If your intended entry date of June 5, 2025, through to a 30-day e-visa is issued on April 5, 2025, then the expiry date will minimum of July 4, 2025 (30 days from June 5). You have to return to the country of issue: If the visa was processed at the Ethiopian embassy in your home country, then you must enter Ethiopia on/before 4 July 2025 (otherwise the visa ceases to be valid). Key Notes A single-entry visa allows only one entry into Ethiopia. You must enter before the expiry date, and you may stay for 30 days from the date of entry. Overstay: If you stay longer than the 30 days allowed from your admission date, you may face fines or deportation.The  Entry port: The Ethiopian e-Visa is only valid for Addis Ababa Bole Airport.

Ethiopia strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule, requiring your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date. If your passport is due to expire in less than 6 months to travel to Ethiopia, the following is what you can expect. What happens if the passport expires in less than 6 months Denied Boarding by Airlines Airlines (e.g., Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines) flying to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport will check your passport’s validity before boarding. If it expires in less than 6 months from your entry date, they’ll refuse boarding to avoid liability for your potential rejection at the border. Refused Entry at the Border If you manage to board your flight (e.g., if the airline overlooks the rule), Ethiopian immigration officers at Bole International Airport—the only entry point for e-visas and visas-on-arrival—will deny you entry. They’ll check your passport’s validity, and one with less than 6 months remaining won’t be accepted, even with a valid e-visa or visa-on-arrival eligibility. Rejection of Visa Application To apply e-visa online at Ethiopian Immigration Services, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entrance date. If it expires sooner, your application may be detected or rejected during processing (usually 1-3 days), or you will be denied entry at the border, notwithstanding approval. Visa on arrival: Before issuing a visa on arrival, immigration agents will inspect your passport if you are of an eligible nationality (e.g., Australian, US, or UK). If it expires in less than six months, they will not issue the visa, and entrance would be barred. Let’s check Ethiopia's visa requirements for your nationality here. Why Ethiopia Imposes This Regulation Ethiopia implements the 6-month passport validity restriction to ensure that visitors have a valid passport during their stay and can depart without incident. This helps to prevent overstays and complications with passport expiration. Ethiopia's immigration policy includes a 6-month validity limit to ensure tourists have a valid passport during their stay and upon departure, reducing overstays and issues with expired passports. It is consistent with worldwide principles and strengthens Ethiopia's position as a travel hub (via Ethiopian Airlines), where compliance improves border security and efficiency. What Can You Do? If your passport is to expire in less than 6 months and you have to travel to Ethiopia: Renew Your Passport If you’re planning to travel soon and your passport has less than six months’ validity, renew it before departure. Ethiopia enforces this rule strictly. Check Airline Regulations Airlines may also have specific requirements for passport validity. Check with your airline so that you won't be refused boarding. Consult the Embassy For the most current and accurate information, consult the Ethiopian embassy or consulate before leaving. Schedule alternative travel: If renewing your passport is not possible before departure, consider postponing your trip until your passport matches the validity requirement. Conclusion If your passport expires in less than six months, you will encounter serious difficulties traveling to Ethiopia. The best option is to renew your passport before departing.

Yes, if your nationality is eligible for both an Ethiopia visa-on-arrival and an e-visa, you can choose either option based on your preference. The Ethiopian government offers both to facilitate travel, with no restriction preventing you from opting for an e-visa even if you qualify for a visa-on-arrival. Ethiopian authorities often encourage travelers to apply for an e-visa in advance to streamline entry and avoid potential delays at the border. Why Prefer an E-Visa Over a Visa-on-Arrival? If you are eligible for a visa-on-arrival (VOA) in Ethiopia but prefer to obtain an e-visa, here are some points to consider: Convenience The online application for Ethiopia e-visas allows quick completion before your arrival, which eliminates the need for extra work at the border. Application processing typically takes 1-3 days. Upon completion of the application, the e-visa will arrive through email, so you can bypass airport queues when entering the country. Pre-Approval The pre-approved e-visa status allows you to bypass border entry complications that might occur from immigration officers' discretionary powers. Flexibility The single-entry feature of E-visas allows travelers to stay in the country for 30 days, depending on their planned itinerary. Time Savings Visa-on-arrival at Bole International Airport features queues at visa counters that become longer during busy times and can extend from 30 minutes up to one hour or more. This waiting process becomes exhausting after a lengthy flight. E-visa holders avoid visa application lines by moving straight to immigration check-in, but they should expect varying wait times at this stage. Visa-on-arrival and e-visa holders need to access Ethiopia through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, since land borders have no capability to process e-visa applications. All visitors must present proof of yellow fever vaccination through a certificate when arriving from any risk country, regardless of their entry method. Conclusion The eligibility for a visa-on-arrival in Ethiopia does not prevent you from applying for an e-visa instead. The e-visa system delivers a more efficient entry procedure that reduces the amount of time passengers need to wait, along with decreasing their uncertainty during airport procedures. An e-visa serves as a suitable entry option for Ethiopia when you arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. More details and the official application portal are available at evisa.gov.et.

If you stay in Ethiopia beyond your visa’s expiration date without securing an extension, you’ll encounter fines and other consequences. Update information on the overstay fine in Ethiopia in a clear, detailed guide below. Learn about how much fines, what could happen, and the steps you can take if your Ethiopia visa has already expired. 1. Overstaying Fines and Penalties in Ethiopia Fines for Overstaying Daily Fine: For the first 15 days of overstaying, the fine is set at $50. After that, it increases to $5 per day. If your overstay exceeds 15 days, the rate rises to $10 per day. Penalties for Extended Overstays: Up to 3 years: You could face a fine of up to $3,000 in addition to the daily penalties. Beyond 3 years: The fine jumps to $5,000. Maximum Fine: There may be an upper limit to the total fine, but this varies depending on the duration of your overstay and the discretion of immigration officials. Payment Process All fines must be paid in cash (U.S. dollars) before you can obtain an exit visa and depart Ethiopia. It’s a prerequisite to leaving, so plan accordingly. 2. Consequences of Overstaying You won’t be permitted to leave Ethiopia until the fines are settled. Attempting to depart without resolving this could result in immigration officers detaining you at the airport and requiring immediate payment. For longer overstays, additional repercussions may include: Criminal charges, Deportation, or A ban on future entry into Ethiopia. 3. What to Do If You Overstay in Ethiopia Contact Immigration Authorities Visit the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) office in Addis Ababa or the nearest regional office to resolve your overstay status. Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service information: Address: Abebech building,  2Q88+QH5 beside Zemen Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Phone: +251 11 157 1899 Email: [email protected] Apply for a Visa Extension (If Possible) If your visa hasn't already expired, request an extension before it does. If your visa has already expired, you can still obtain an extension, but you will be required to pay both the fine and the extension fee. Extensions are processed at Addis Abeba's Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs and are often finished in a few hours. 4. How to Avoid Overstay in Ethiopia? Check Your Dates: Keep an eye on when your visa expires. Apply Early: Need more time? Get that extension request in before it’s too late. Set a Reminder: Pop it on your phone or on a calendar so you don’t lose track. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, it’s recommended to contact the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service or your country’s embassy in Ethiopia for guidance.

The Ethiopia visa extension process depends on the type of visa you hold and how much time remains before it expires. Below is everything you need to know about extending your visa in Ethiopia, including the requirements, steps, cost, and tips. Let read! Can I Extend My Visa in Ethiopia? Yes, Ethiopia offers a visa extension process for tourists and other visitors. Visa extensions are typically granted for a maximum of 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of visa and the reason for the extension. Visas Eligible for Extension The following visa types are generally eligible for extension: Tourist Visa Business Visa Transit Visa Non-extendable visas Certain visa types include NGO (NV), Conference (CV), Student, and Journalist visas. You'd have to check with the immigration office or the Ethiopian embassy for alternatives. Step-by-Step Guide to the Ethiopia Visa Extension Process For Tourist eVisas The Ethiopian tourist eVisa, typically valid for 30 or 90 days (single entry), can be extended under certain conditions. Online Extension (1-15 days before expiration): If your visa is about to expire within 1 to 15 days, you can extend it online through the official e-Visa portal.  In-Person Extension (more than 15 days before expiration): If your visa expires in more than 15 days or has already expired, you must apply for an extension in person. You need to visit the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa to request an extension. Located: Abebech building Address: 2Q88+QH5 beside Zemen Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Phone: +251 11 157 1899 For Other Types of Visas Other types of visas, such as multiple-entry visas, may require you to visit the Main Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs in Addis Ababa to prolong your stay. Required Documents Passport (valid for at least 6 months) Original Ethiopia visa (eVisa printout). A copy of your passport bio page and visa page Application form (available at the Immigration Office) Payment receipt for visa extension fee Note: If your visa has already expired, you’ll face additional fines. Fees The cost for a 30-day extension is $102, and for a 90-day extension, it is $302. Fees may vary slightly, so confirm the exact amount at the immigration office or online. Alternative Option for Extending Ethiopia Visa: Exit and Reapply If an in-person extension is not possible, you can depart Ethiopia (e.g., to a neighboring country such as Kenya or Djibouti), apply for a new eVisa online, and then return. At Ethiopia Immigration Services, a new eVisa application takes around 24-72 hours to process, depending on the type of visa requested. Process fast and safely. Don’t wait in long lines or deal with paperwork hassles. Ethiopia’s eVisa process is quick, easy, and entirely online. Contact us for help if you have any questions, or click here to apply for your Ethiopia eVisa now!

No, you cannot contact just any Ethiopian embassy to check your Ethiopian e-Visa status. The Ethiopian e-Visa system is managed by the Main Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs in Ethiopia, not the embassies. How to Check Your Ethiopian e-Visa Status To track the status of your e-Visa, follow these steps: Visit the official Ethiopian e-Visa website where you applied. Log in using the email address provided during your application. Enter your reference number and passport details. Check your email for updates from Ethiopian immigration authorities. Fast & Free Visa Status Check at Ethiopia Immigration Services At Ethiopia Immigration Services, we offer a "Check status" option for your convenience. Our platform allows you to check your visa status by easily entering your passport number and reference number. You'll receive your visa status via email within 30 minutes. Note that this feature is available for customers who are using our Ethiopian e-visa application services. Is the Ethiopia visa status checker tool free? Yes, our Ethiopia visa status checker tool is totally free of charge. Pro Tip Apply for your e-Visa well in advance of your travel dates to avoid last-minute delays. If you need assistance or encounter any issues, contact Ethiopia’s e-Visa support team at [email protected].

No, you cannot check the status of your e-visa application at the Ethiopian embassy. The e-visa service is only available online through the official website you applied to. The embassy does not have access to the e-visa system or the approval letters. If you apply for an Ethiopia eVisa via our Ethiopia Immigration Services website, you can check the status of your Ethiopia eVisa application easily from anywhere. This particular feature was created with the express purpose of making the process easier for clients and giving them easy access to the status of their visa application. It is crucial to remember that this feature is only accessible to our customers.  Travelers just need to fill out an online form with the necessary details, like their email address, passport number, and application reference or full name, in order to check the status of their e-visa. They will be able to find out their visa status in less than thirty minutes. Additionally, Ethiopia Immigration Services offers round-the-clock assistance through our 24/7 support line to help anyone who might run into problems filling out the form or getting extra paperwork ready. Should you require any assistance, please contact us right away, and we will help you all the way through your visa application process.

Travelers can arrive in Ethiopia through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport since it is the sole authorized port of entry for those holding an eVisa. You will also need to present your visa-corresponding passport along with your eVisa. To enter Ethiopia, foreign visitors must have a valid travel authorization. Those who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online for an Ethiopian eVisa in order to visit the country for tourism. We are here to assist you in turning your travel dreams into reality if you consider visiting Ethiopia. To initiate the eVisa application process, you can access our website at Ethiopia Immigration Services. This hassle-free online process ensures a smooth entry into this fascinating nation. Additionally, in order to get an Ethiopian eVisa in time for your travel, you need to have the following documents ready: The national passport is valid six months from the arrival date in Ethiopia and has at least two blank pages to get a stamp. A scan of the passport's biographical page. A photograph that meets passport requirements (clear background and face). Credit/debit cards or PayPal accounts to make a payment. A current email address to transfer information and receive a visa online.