Why is Your Ethiopian Visa Payment Refused?

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.