Ethiopia Transit Visa Requirements for Terminal Changes

In most cases, no transit visa is required — as long as you stay airside and meet specific conditions. However, there are important exceptions.

Understanding Terminal Transfers at Addis Ababa Airport

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has two main terminals:
Terminal 2: Used primarily by Ethiopian Airlines international flights
Terminal 1: Handles some international flights by other airlines and domestic flights

Passengers may need to transfer between terminals depending on:

• Airline combinations
• Code-share flights
• Domestic connections within Ethiopia

The key factor is whether you remain in the international transit (airside) area.

When You Do NOT Need an Ethiopian Transit Visa

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Between Terminals
Arrival — Disembark and follow "International Transit" or "Connections/Transfers" signs (avoid "Arrivals" if not exiting).
Security Screening — Expect a secondary security check when moving between terminals or gates.
Terminal transfers — when required, are handled through designated transit corridors and staff guidance rather than free movement between terminals. Signage is in English and Amharic.
Boarding — Proceed to your gate. Have your boarding pass ready.
Time Needed — Allow at least 1–2 hours for connections involving terminal changes. Minimum connection times are usually 45–90 minutes, but longer is safer.

Pro Tip: If flying Ethiopian Airlines on a single ticket, transfers are seamless with staff assistance. For separate tickets (self-transfer), double-check baggage rules — through-checking may not be possible, potentially requiring immigration.

Important: If you are traveling on separate tickets and your baggage is not checked through, you may be required to clear immigration to re-check your bags, which would require a valid Ethiopian visa.

Special Notes for Transit Between Terminal 1 and 2

Terminal transfers are generally well organized
Ethiopian Airlines staff usually assist transit passengers
Security checks may be repeated, but immigration is not required unless you exit airside
Always confirm baggage transfer policies with your airline before departure

Conclusion

You generally do not need an Ethiopian transit visa when transferring airside between international flights, provided you do not clear immigration and your baggage is checked through — subject to airline and nationality-specific rules.

However, if your transfer requires clearing immigration for any reason, applying for an Ethiopian eVisa in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays or denied boarding.