FAQs

No. A Schengen visa doesn't work as an entry pass to Ethiopia. Ethiopia has unique visa requirements that are quite different from those of most of the other countries around it. Ethiopia will not let any Schengen visas or third-country resident permits (such as US or UK) pass muster for entrance into its territory. Ethiopia Visa Requirements for Schengen Visa Holders If you have a valid Schengen visa or long-term resident permit in an EU country, you still need to provide a separate Ethiopian visa. No matter what the reason might be, your Schengen visa will not let you into Ethiopia. Is a Schengen Visa suitable for Ethiopia? No. A Schengen visa only authorizes travel within the Schengen Area. In Ethiopia, it has no force, and you must select from among: Ethiopian e-Visa (available online for eligible nationalities). Visa on arrival (available for a limited list of countries at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport). A visa from an Ethiopian embassy or consulate is required before your trip. How to Get an Ethiopian Visa for Ethiopia Most nationalities find arranging their Ethiopian visa a simple process for vacation purposes: Ethiopia eVisa (Highly Recommended): For most nationalities, the simplest and most convenient method is to apply for an Ethiopian eVisa through the official government portal. This allows you to receive your visa approval before traveling. This process is effective and allows you the opportunity to get your visa approval agents prior to partitioning. Visa on Arrival: If a visa on arrival is possible for some nationalities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), it is generally less work to apply for an eVisa in advance. This will save time and avoid potential confusion upon arrival. Embassy/Consulate: When particular circumstances call for it or if an eVisa is not possible, you may need to apply for a visa from an Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate. Final Answer Is a Schengen visa valid on arrival in Ethiopia? No. Before traveling, you must obtain a visa through a reliable Ethiopian source. Always check the latest entry requirements on the official Ethiopian immigration website or consult your nearest Ethiopian embassy.

Making a mistake on your Ethiopia e-Visa application can be stressful, but there are ways to address it effectively. If you discover that you made an error on your Ethiopia e-Visa application, or if you need to modify your submitted Ethiopia visa application details, then this is what you need to know. 1. Before Submission Remember to check your application thoroughly before you submit it. Once the form is submitted and payment is accepted, applicants are unable to edit information directly on the Ethiopian eVisa. Ensure that your personal details, passport information, and travel dates are correct. Typical Mistakes in the Ethiopian eVisa Application Wrong personal information related to name, passport number, and nationality. The incorrect travel date or type of visa that you selected. Missing or unmatching documents. Payment problems resulting in a failed submission. 2. If You See a Mistake After You Submit However, if you spot a mistake after you have already applied, you cannot make any changes to the Ethiopia eVisa application form online. Instead, you should immediately get in touch with the official Ethiopian e-Visa support through their official email (like [email protected]) or using the contact form on their website. Admit you were wrong, and request what you should do to fix it. Often, the advised course of action is to both cancel the wrong application and reapply using the proper details. This is to make certain that your visa reflects your travel documents accurately, which allows you to avoid any rejection at the border. 3. If Your Application is Denied for Errors You will normally receive a message if your e-Visa application is denied due to having made a mistake or providing incorrect data to the Ethiopian government. You'd then be able to reapply with corrected information. The government fee is usually non-refundable, but it also depends on the service provider whether the processing fee is refundable. Tips to Avoid Errors Enter details as per your passport. Check that your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return. Upload your Passport, Clear and Recent Photographs on your Dashboard. Have a rough idea of your travel plan on hand so you can input the arrival and departure dates with the correct details. Can I update the Wrong information on the Ethiopia e-Visa After Approval? No, once your e-Visa is approved and issued, you cannot change any details. If you find an error after approval, you must apply for a new visa with the correct information. While an error on your e-Visa is frustrating, acting quickly and precisely is key. Following these steps can help you fix an error on your Ethiopia e-Visa form and ensure a smooth entry for your traveling experience to Ethiopia.

If you're transiting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you might be wondering: "Do I need a transit visa at Addis Ababa Airport?". The answer is: it depends on the duration of your layover and whether you plan to leave the airport. Do I Need a Transit Visa for Addis Ababa? You don’t need a transit visa if: You are still in the international transit area of Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa). You have a stopover of under 12 hours and have through tickets. But if you leave the airport — even for a day tour of the city or a night’s stay in a hotel — you will need a transit visa. What is an Addis Ababa Transit Visa? A transit visa is a temporary visa that allows travellers to depart from the airport, taking up residence in Ethiopia for 72 hours until their next connecting flight. It allows you to step out of the airport and spend a short while in the country without needing to obtain an entire tourist visa. Transit visa options include 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Ethiopian transit visa is ideally suited for travelers who: Have long layovers (12+ hours), Wish to explore Addis Ababa, or Have to change terminals or airlines and need to go through immigration. Can I Get Out of the Airport on an Ethiopian transit Visa? Yes, travelers holding a valid transit visa can leave the airport and experience the city, arrange to stay in a hotel, or go on a guided layover tour. Make sure your transit visa covers the full duration of your planned stay in Ethiopia. How to Apply for an Addis Ababa Transit Visa Online Option: Apply via the Ethiopian Visa portal (72h processing). On Arrival: Available at Bole Airport (have cash, passport copies, onward ticket). Ethiopia Transit Visa vs Tourist Visa Unlike the tourist visa, also valid for stays of 30 days, for tourism purposes or for business, the transit visa is intended only for brief stays for travelers on their way to somewhere else and is only valid for a few days. If your layover is a bit longer and you’re interested in exploring more than just the airport in Ethiopia, then a tourist visa may be more appropriate. Visa-Free Layovers in Addis Ababa If you’re just passing through Addis Ababa, not leaving the airport, and have a short stopover, you can enjoy visa-free transit. But this doesn't apply to everyone, so know where you stand before you go in. Conclusion In summary, if you are transiting via Ethiopia and have to leave the airport, you will need a transit visa for Addis Ababa. For brief, in-terminal layovers of less than 12 hours, you generally don’t need a visa. Plan your itinerary, check your visa requirements in advance, and make the most of your stopover in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian visa payment refusal is a common issue that can throw a wrench into your travel plans; however, knowing the causes and possible solutions gives you the best start for entering Ethiopia’s bustling capital, Addis Ababa, and beyond. Common Reasons for Ethiopian Visa Payment Failure Common reasons for Ethiopian visa payments being declined include: Card Details Not Valid: The card number, expiration date, or CVV is not correct. Check to make sure all the information matches up with your credit or debit card. Card Type Not Supported: The e-Visa website processes the  most popular cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, but not certain prepaid or virtual cards. Use a plain credit/debit card. Not Enough Money: You must have at least $20 plus any bank fees (processing fees) in your account at the time of the payment. Bank Limitations: There are banks that see international transactions as sketchy. Let your bank know that you are travelling to Ethiopia before you go. Technical Problems: The Ethiopian e-Visa site might be slow due to a high number of visits. Slowness or incompatibility with the internet (e.g., outdated browsers) can also be a cause. Not Eligible for e-Visa: Citizens of some countries are not eligible to apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa and must apply through the embassy, resulting in online application or payment failure. Resolutions to Resolve the Visa Payment Problem Cross-Check Card Information: Check that you have entered the card number, expiry date, CVV, and billing address accurately. Provide a card in your name to prevent any mismatches. Use a Different Card: If one card does not work, try another Visa or Mastercard that has enough money. Avoid prepaid cards. Call Your Bank: Make sure it’s okay to use your card for international purchases. Ask them to approve the transaction if it is stopped. Clear Browser Cache: Use the latest version of the browser (Chrome/Firefox) and clear cookies/cache to avoid technical errors. Make sure that you have an uninterrupted internet connection. Try Again Later: Should the e-Visa site be offline, give it a few hours and retry. Submit at least 3-5 days in advance of travel to prevent a delay. Embassy Application: Non-e-Visa-eligible travelers must apply through the nearest Ethiopian embassy. These practical tips help travelers overcome common Ethiopian visa payment issues and ensure a smoother application process.

Yes, you can apply for Ethiopia e-visas on behalf of families or groups. This makes the visa application process more convenient when traveling with multiple people. However, there are important details to keep in mind: The Ethiopian e-visa system, managed by the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs, requires that every traveler, including children, have their own e-visa. There is no specific group or family application form that covers multiple people in a single submission. This means you will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee for each member of the group, including children. When applying, make sure to provide accurate personal information and travel details for each family member or group participant. It is also advisable to use the same email address and travel itinerary when applying, to keep all applications organized and consistent. While the visa fee may be paid together, each person will receive their own e-visa. How to Ethiopian e-visa for multiple applicants? Here’s how to proceed for families or groups: - Individual Applications: Each family member or group member needs to complete their own online application on the official Ethiopian e-visa website (www.evisa.gov.et) or through authorized platforms like Ethiopia Immigration Services. You’ll need to provide personal details, travel information, a scanned copy of the passport bio page, and a passport-sized photo for each person. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the intended entry date. - Supporting Documents: For children, you may need to upload additional documents, such as a birth certificate or proof of guardianship, especially if traveling without both parents. Ensure all documents are clear and meet the requirements outlined on the e-visa platform. - Payment: The visa fee must be paid separately for each application using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the visa type and processing speed (standard, rush, or super rush). - Processing Time: Standard E-visa processing typically takes about 3 days, though it can be faster with expedited options. Each application is processed independently, but you can coordinate submissions to ensure approvals align for group travel. Once approved, each traveler receives their e-visa via email, which must be printed and presented upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. - Entry Requirements: All family or group members must enter Ethiopia through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, as e-visas are not valid for entry at land borders or other ports. Ensure everyone has a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a listed risk country. Practical Tips To streamline the process, prepare all documents for the group in advance and submit applications close together to avoid discrepancies in approval times. If traveling with children, verify with your airline or the Ethiopian Embassy about any additional requirements, such as unabridged birth certificates or parental consent letters. While the system doesn’t offer a single “group visa,” the online process is straightforward and allows families or groups to apply efficiently by managing individual applications concurrently. Always double-check requirements on the official e-visa website or consult the Ethiopian Embassy for specific cases, as policies can vary based on nationality or travel purpose.

To apply for an Ethiopian eVisa, the passport requirements are straightforward but must be strictly followed to ensure a successful application. Passport Requirements for the Ethiopian eVisa To be eligible for an Ethiopian eVisa, your passport must meet the following requirements: 1. Passport Validity Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Ethiopia. Passports with less than six months of validity will result in the rejection of the eVisa application. 2. Blank Passport Pages Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Ethiopian immigration authorities require sufficient space for these stamps upon arrival and departure. If your passport is nearing its expiry date or lacks blank pages, renew it before applying for the eVisa to avoid complications. 3. Type of Passport The passport must be a machine-readable passport (with a machine-readable zone on the bio-data page) issued by an eligible country. Most standard passports meet this requirement. Temporary, emergency, or non-machine-readable passports may not be accepted for eVisa applications. Contact the Ethiopian Embassy if you hold such a document. 4. Scanned Bio Page During the eVisa application, you must upload a clear, colored scan of the passport’s biographical information page. The scanned copy must be legible, showing all details (full name, passport number, date of birth, issue/expiry dates, etc.) without glare, shadows, or cropping. Blurry or cropped images may result in delays or rejection. The file should be in JPEG or JPG format and typically under 2MB in size. 5. Eligibility by Nationality Ensure your nationality is eligible for the Ethiopian eVisa. Check your nationality HERE. 6. Consistency The passport used for the application must be the same one you carry when entering Ethiopia. If your passport is replaced or renewed after applying, the eVisa will no longer be valid, and you will need to apply again. Additional Notes Children’s Passports: Children, including infants, must have their own passports meeting the above requirements. They cannot be included on a parent’s passport for eVisa purposes. Damaged Passports: Ethiopia may deny entry if your passport is damaged (e.g., torn pages, missing cover, unreadable data). Replace a damaged passport before applying. Dual Nationals & Multiple Passports: If you hold multiple passports, you must apply for the eVisa using the same passport you will travel with, as the visa cannot be transferred to a different passport. Verify Passport Details: Ensure that all passport details entered in the eVisa application (e.g., full name as it appears on the bio-data page, including any middle names, passport number, expiry date) match the passport exactly. Even minor errors can lead to delays or entry denial. Entry Point: The eVisa is valid only for entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Ensure your passport is presented with the printed eVisa upon arrival. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Ethiopian eVisa portal before applying.

The Ethiopian visa on arrival is available for eligible travelers, but it is restricted to a specific entry point: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (IATA: ADD) This is the only airport in Ethiopia where travelers can obtain a visa on arrival. You must arrive by air to be eligible. The visa on arrival is not available at other airports (e.g., Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Mekele), land borders (e.g., Moyale from Kenya, Metema from Sudan, Togochale from Djibouti), or other ports of entry. Travelers attempting to enter via other entry points must have a valid visa obtained in advance from an Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate or an e-Visa (for air entry via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport). Is the Ethiopia visa on arrival available at land borders? No, the visa on arrival is not available at any land border crossings. Travelers entering by land (e.g., from Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan) must obtain a visa in advance from an Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate. Important Notes: - An e-Visa is valid only for air entry via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and cannot be used at land borders or other airports. - For the latest updates on entry point policies, check the official Ethiopia e-Visa website or contact an Ethiopian Embassy.

No, currently, the Ethiopian e-Visa system does not offer a multiple-entry e-Visa option for tourists or other standard travelers. The e-Visa, managed by the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs, is available only as a single-entry visa for eligible purposes, such as tourism, business, or conferences. Multiple-Entry Visa Options If you require several entries, you have to apply for a traditional visa in an Ethiopian embassy or consulate. Types of multiple-entry visas Business Visa (often issued for 3–12 months, multiple entries) Investor/Work Visa (for long-term stays) Diplomatic/Official Visa Alternatives for Frequent Travelers If you initially enter with an eVisa but later need multiple entries, you can: Exit and apply for a new eVisa or embassy visa before returning. If you need to enter Ethiopia multiple times,  contact the nearest Ethiopian Embassy to inquire about a multiple-entry visa tailored to your purpose (e.g., business or family visits). Be prepared to provide detailed justification and supporting documents. In Summary Multiple-entry visas are not available through Ethiopia's e-visa system. For travelers requiring multiple entries, applying for a multiple-entry visa through an Ethiopian Embassy is the best option. Always verify the latest policies on the official e-Visa website or with an Ethiopian Embassy, as visa regulations can change.

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.