Visa applications may be obtained at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions overseas. However, nationals of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia at the regular charges.
Ethiopia’s popularity as a holiday destination continues to grow. It is a truly breathtaking country and ideal for safari and wildlife-lovers. Thankfully getting there has never been easier. There are 2 types of visas for tourists which are also very easy to obtain: the visa on arrival and the eVisa. Many nationalities are eligible for the visas on arrival which can only be secured at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
What is the Ethiopian Visa on Arrival?
The visa on arrival is a type of travel authorization which can be obtained at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport after visitors arrive in Ethiopia. There’s no need to go to an embassy or consulate to complete a visa application beforehand.
The visas on arrival are valid for up to 3 months and allow one entry into the country. This means they cannot be used to leave and reenter Ethiopia.
Many travelers prefer to apply for an Ethiopia eVisa before their trip to save the hassle of queueing at the border after a long flight. The application only takes a few minutes to complete so it saves time in the long run.
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival for Ethiopia?
There are a large number of nationalities who are eligible for the Ethiopia visa on arrival (see list below). Citizens of Kenya and Djibouti can enter visa-free.
Ethiopia Visa on Arrival for African Countries
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Ethiopia Visa on Arrival for Asian Countries
China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Ethiopia Visa on Arrival for European Countries
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Ethiopia Visa on Arrival for North American Countries
Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Ethiopia Visa on Arrival for South American Countries
Argentina and Brazil.
Ethiopia Visa on Arrival for Oceanic Countries
Australia and New Zealand.
How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival?
To obtain a visa on arrival from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport visitors need to queue at one of the kiosks at the airport to complete the application. Applicants need to bring 2 passport photos with them.
It’s also necessary to pay a fee for the visa. In some cases, evidence of sufficient funds to cover the trip may be required. A bank statement is adequate proof of this.
Visas on arrival can also be issued to visitors with a letter of invitation for a meeting, seminar, or workshop organized by the African Union participants of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is necessary to provide the letter as verification.
The Ethiopia eVisa: the Alternative to the Visa on Arrival
To save the hassle of queuing and applying for a visa on arrival at the border, you can apply online for an Ethiopia eVisa in advance. All nationalities are eligible for the eVisa and the application only takes a few minutes.
You also have the choice between a 30-day or a 90-day visa if you wish to stay longer. Like the visa on arrival, the eVisas can only be used at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to gain entry.
To apply for the eVisa, you just need to enter information such as your name, address, date of birth, passport details, and travel plans. You also need to pay a fee using a credit or debit card.