For tourists, the most common and convenient way to get a visa for Ethiopia is through the official electronic visa (e-Visa) system. This process is managed by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service.
The Official e-Visa Process
- Check Eligibility: Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply for a tourist e-Visa. However, the e-Visa is for a single-entry tourist visa only. For other types of visas (like business or multiple-entry), you will need to contact an Ethiopian embassy or consulate.
- Required Documents: You’ll typically need to have the following ready to upload during the online application:
- A recent passport-sized photo of the applicant.
- A copy of your passport’s information page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Ethiopia.
- Application Process:
- Visit the official Ethiopian e-Visa website: www.evisa.gov.et. Be careful to use only this official site, as there are many third-party websites that look official but are not.
- Fill out the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee online. The fees can vary depending on the duration of your stay (e.g., 30 days or 90 days).
- Processing and Approval:
- The standard processing time is typically around 3 days. It is highly recommended to apply at least a week before your planned travel date to account for any potential delays.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter via email.
- You must print this letter and bring it with you. Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, an immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa.
Visa on Arrival
For citizens of certain countries (including all African Union member states), there is an option to obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. While this is an option, it is generally recommended to get the e-Visa in advance to save time and avoid potential issues upon arrival. The visa on arrival process is often slower and may have longer queues.
Important Reminders
- Official Website: Only use the official government website: www.evisa.gov.et. Unofficial sites may charge extra fees and are not guaranteed to provide a valid visa.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date you intend to enter Ethiopia.
- Purpose of Visit: The e-Visa is strictly for tourism. If your purpose is for business, a conference, or other non-tourist activities, you must apply for the appropriate visa type through an embassy.
