Do I Need a Transit Visa for Addis Ababa Airport?

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.