Ethiopia visas
Whether you need a visa for Ethiopia, and which one, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip — tourism, business, work, study, joining family, investment or long-term settlement. Most short-stay visitors apply online through the government e-Visa portal, while work, residence and citizenship matters are handled by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS). Always confirm the current rules, fees and requirements on the official ICS and e-Visa websites before you travel or apply.
Ethiopian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Ethiopia — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Ethiopia to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Ethiopia — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Ethiopia.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Ethiopia as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Ethiopia long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Ethiopian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Ethiopia?
All travellers to Ethiopia are required to obtain a visa. The sole exceptions are citizens of Djibouti and Kenya, as well as passengers connecting at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.
The Embassy will only process Diplomatic and Service Visas by appointment until further notice.
Entry into Ethiopia
Visitors to Ethiopia must have travel insurance that includes international medical evacuation, as medical facilities may be inadequate. Before you leave, it is crucial that you thoroughly review the conditions of your travel insurance policy. You should be aware that if you travel to parts of the country where the Department of State advises against any travel, your travel insurance may be voided and the Embassy's capacity to provide consular assistance may be limited.
Eligibility to apply for a Ethiopia visa
- Recent photograph of the applicant at passport size.
- The visa applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months after the proposed date of entrance into Ethiopia.
Who can visit Ethiopia without a visa?
Visa-free entry is granted to those having valid Ethiopian Diplomatic ID Cards, Ethiopian Temporary Residents Permits, or Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Cards). To enter Ethiopia, you must have a valid visa and a valid travel document.
Before travelling, visitors must get a visa through the official Ethiopian e-visa platform or their nearest Ethiopian Embassy. The visa on arrival service is still unavailable. You must present a valid visa before to boarding your aircraft and upon arrival.
Ethiopia — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Ethiopian birr (ETB)
- Time zone
- East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3)
Ethiopian visas — people also ask
A tourist visa with a single entry is valid for up to 90 days beginning on the intended date of arrival in Ethiopia.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.