For most nationalities, the simplest way into Ethiopia as a tourist is the e-Visa: you apply and pay online, receive an approval letter by email, and present it with your passport when you land in Addis Ababa.
Entry rules change from time to time, and they differ by nationality. Treat this guide as an overview, and always confirm the current requirements on the official portal or with your nearest Ethiopian embassy before you book flights.
Use the official website only
The government’s e-Visa portal is evisa.gov.et, run by the Ethiopian immigration authorities. Many look-alike websites offer to “process” your application for an extra fee. They are not illegal, but they add cost and delay, and you hand your passport details to a third party. Check the address in your browser before you pay.
What you need
- A passport valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, with free pages.
- A recent passport-style photo and a scan of your passport’s photo page, in the formats the portal asks for.
- Your travel dates and the address of your first night’s accommodation.
- A card to pay the visa fee online.
Tourist e-Visas are usually issued for single entry, for 30 or 90 days. Choose the one that covers your whole stay.
How far ahead to apply
Approval normally takes a few working days, but it can take longer at busy times. We recommend applying two to four weeks before you travel, once your flights are confirmed. Print the approval letter, and keep a copy on your phone.
On arrival
The e-Visa is valid for arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. At immigration, join the e-Visa queue, present your passport and your approval letter, and have your return or onward ticket ready in case you are asked.
Check the name on your application against your passport, letter by letter. A mismatch is the most common reason travellers are held up at the desk.
Other things to check before you fly
- Vaccinations: ask a travel clinic about yellow fever, especially if you are arriving from or travelling through a country with a risk of transmission.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.
- Government travel advice from your own country, which is updated far more often than any blog.
If you travel with us, we send a checklist with your booking confirmation and are happy to look over your application before you submit it.
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