Ethiopia Visa Types for International Travelers

Citizens of the majority of the world's countries must get a visa to enter Ethiopia. If you wish to visit Ethiopia, you will most certainly need to get an Ethiopian visa first. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various Ethiopian visa types, their requirements, application processes, and other essential details to ensure you're well-prepared for your journey.

Learn the Ethiopia visa types for international travelers

How many types of Ethiopia visas I can apply for?

The Ethiopian government grants two main types of visas:

• Ethiopia tourist visas
• Ethiopia business visas

Any visitor or traveler wanting to enter Ethiopia must first get a tourist or business visa. Both Ethiopian visa kinds have distinct functions and criteria. All Ethiopian visa types, however, require recent passport-size photos and a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected date of arrival. Furthermore, complete the online Application Form with correct personal information, travel arrangements, and health and security information. Furthermore, the cost of visa services varies according to how long the visa is valid.

Besides these general requirements, each type of Ethiopian visa has its specific criteria and varying service fees. Therefore, it is important to understand the different visa categories before completing and submitting your online visa application form.

Ethiopia Tourist Visa

Applying for Ethiopia Tourist Visa to explore the beauty of the country

The Ethiopia Tourist Visa is an electronic travel authorization that permits entry into Ethiopia exclusively for tourism or non-business activities. Travelers can apply for this visa online or at the airport upon arrival. However, as of now, the visa-on-arrival option is not available. Therefore, we advise applying for a tourist visa online. All countries that meet the general conditions for Ethiopia visa types are eligible for tourist visas. Applicants must additionally pay a visa fee for a 30-day single-entry visa.

Ethiopia Business Visa

The Ethiopia Business Visa is designated for business-related activities and can be divided into several categories:

1. Conference visa (CV): issues for anyone wishing to visit Ethiopia for an international conference can do so if they have received an invitation to the event. Conferences, seminars, or workshops can be organized by Ethiopian legal entities, including the Ministry or Department of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Regional State Governments, Educational Institutions and Universities, the private sector, the United Nations or its specialized agencies, the African Union, or reputable NGOs, which will then send out the necessary invitations.
2. Investment visa (IV): This visa is issued to foreign nationals who make investments. Potential investors who wish to travel to Ethiopia and make investments can also receive it.
3. Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa (WV): Foreign nationals who come to Ethiopia to work for companies controlled by foreigners are granted a Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa by INVEA.
4. Ethiopian Government Employment Visa – (GV): Foreign nationals wishing to work for different ministries and institutions of the Ethiopian government may apply for government employment visas from INVEA. In addition, an official application letter needs to be written by the inviting group and submitted to Ethiopia's INVEA. Additionally, the applicant may ask for a visa extension.
5. Journalist Visa – (JV): Journalist visas are issued to foreign journalists, media workers, or filmmakers who come to cover events, report for media organizations, or produce various types of content, including films, television, or written pieces. Similar to other business visas, an invitation letter from the inviting firm addressed to the INVEA is required. Additionally, a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Government Communications Office of Ethiopia is necessary. However, extensions for this visa are not permitted.
6. Ethiopian Private Business Firm Work Visa – (PE): These visas are issued to foreigners who come to Ethiopia for work or short-term assignments with Ethiopian private businesses.
7. International Organization/Embassies Work Visa – (RI): International organizations and embassies based in Ethiopia can apply for International Organizations/Embassies Work Visas for foreigners holding ordinary passports. The inviting organizations or embassies must send a formal application letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia to request a support letter.
8. Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task Visa – (GIV): Foreign nationals who seek to enter Ethiopia to perform certain government or institute functions may apply for a Government Institutions Short Task Visa. It is also critical to include an invitation letter addressed to INVEA. 
9. NGO Work Visa – (NV): An NGO visa is issued to foreign nationals invited to Ethiopia by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for employment or short-term assignments. The inviting NGO must possess a valid registration license in Ethiopia, and the invitation letter must be addressed to the INVEA.

Notes: These are simply the most popular forms of visas. If you are traveling for reasons other than those listed above, you should contact an Ethiopian embassy or consulate.

Who can get an Ethiopia Visa Online (Ethiopia eVisa)?

Citizens of all nations can apply for an Ethiopia eVisa if they want to remain for up to 90 days and only enter the country once. Ethiopian eVisas are only provided for short-term visits, such as tourism or business. Applicants under the age of 18 cannot apply for an Ethiopia Business Visa.

The online application process is not available for long-term, multiple-entry Ethiopian visas.

Ethiopia Visa Requirements

Check out Ethiopia Visa requirements before planning your trip

When applying for an Ethiopia visa, you'll require the following documents:

1. A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date you want to travel and has at least two blank pages.
2. When applying online, you need a scanned image of the personal information page of your passport.
3. Passport-sized photos (35×45 mm with a white backdrop). If supplied electronically, the Ethiopia visa photo must be in JPEG, JPG, PNG, BMP, or GIF format with a maximum file size of 2 MB.

Additional documentation for an Ethiopian Business Visa

• An application letter from the inviting company addressed to the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs of Ethiopia.
• The business license of the inviting company.
• The inviting company’s TIN Certificate (Taxpayer Identification Number).
• A contract between the applicant and the inviting company.
• For international or inter-governmental organizations: a Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
• For journalists: a support letter from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Government Communications Office.

The documents you upload digitally can be in the following formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, or PDF, with a maximum size of 2 MB. However, please note that your photograph and the scanned image of your passport cannot be in PDF format.

As per the information provided on the website of Ethiopia’s Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs, you may also include clear and legible photographs of your passport and picture, provided they are in the supported formats.

Note: This is not a complete list of the needed documents. If you apply online, the specific papers required will be displayed when you are asked to upload them. If you want to apply at an Ethiopian embassy or upon arrival, you should contact them ahead of time to learn more about the specific criteria.

Ethiopia Tourist Visa Application Process

Ethiopia Tourist Visa processing for international applicants

Under normal circumstances, obtaining a tourist visa takes around three days. As a result, travelers should apply at least three days before their planned arrival date. A single-entry tourist visa is valid for 30 days from the anticipated date of entrance into Ethiopia.

Applying for an Ethiopian Visa online (Ethiopia eVisa) in Ethiopia Immigration Service

You may apply for an Ethiopia visa online using our website. You must:

1. Fill out the secure online application form, providing personal information including full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and details of your trip including date of arrival/departure, and accommodation.
2. Double-check all the information provided and pay for the Ethiopia e-visa fee online.
3. Wait for your eVisa to be processed. Ethiopia eVisas are normally processed within from one to three days.
4. If your Ethiopia eVisa application is granted, you will receive an email confirmation. Download and print out your e-visa. Upon arrival, have your visa stamped in your passport.

Ethiopian e-visa processing time

There are three types of processing time services to choose from:

• Standard: you will receive an e-visa to Ethiopia within 03 working days.
• Urgent visa: tourists can take Ethiopia e-visa in 02 working days.
• Super urgent visa: applicants who require an e-visa in 24 hours should apply for a Super Urgent visa.

Do travelers need an Ethiopia Transit Visa?

No, you do not need to apply for an Ethiopia Transit Visa if you are transiting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and do not leave the transit area.

However, if you wish to leave the airport and enter the country, you can apply for an Ethiopia Visa On Arrival at the visa-issuing counters at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Conclusion

Before applying for travel documents for Ethiopia, it is crucial to understand the various Ethiopia visa types available. By understanding the different Ethiopian visas, you can make an informed choice and apply for the appropriate travel document, ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to this fascinating country.