How Much Are The Overstay Fines In Ethiopia?

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.