What Are the Passport Requirements for an Ethiopian e-Visa?

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.