Ethiopia eVisa Quick Facts 2026
The eVisa Ethiopia is an electronic single-entry travel authorisation for tourism, available to all nationalities except Syria. British travellers apply online via the government portal, paying $52 or $72 for 30 or 90 days. Processing takes 24 to 72 hours, and entry is permitted only via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Since universal eligibility opened in June 2018, no embassy visit is needed; passports must be valid at least six months after arrival.
Print the QR-code PDF and carry it on arrival; apply at least 2 weeks before departure to avoid airport delays and a mandatory $52 to $72 double payment for a visa on arrival.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. This guide is reviewed regularly against the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service portal (evisa.gov.et) to ensure accuracy of all fees, processing times, and entry requirements.
What is an eVisa Ethiopia?
The eVisa Ethiopia is a 100% online, single-entry electronic visa issued by the Immigration and Citizenship Service for tourism and business. The system launched on 12 June 2017 and opened to universal eligibility across all nationalities (except Syria) in June 2018.
Applicants submit their details entirely through the government portal at evisa.gov.et, with no embassy visit required. The platform operates in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines as the technology provider.
Once approved, the eVisa Ethiopia generates a digital PDF document containing a QR code. Travellers present this printed PDF alongside their passport at dedicated electronic travel authorisation counters on arrival. No physical visa sticker or label is placed in the passport.
For support, the Immigration and Citizenship Service can be reached at phone +251 (11) 1262635 or email [email protected]. The eVisa Ethiopia permits entry only through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and is valid for tourism or non-business purposes only.
Who Can Apply for the Ethiopia eVisa in 2026?
All nationalities except Syria are eligible for the eVisa Ethiopia, with no restricted country list since universal eligibility opened in June 2018. UK citizens are fully eligible. African Union members may enter Ethiopia visa-free under separate agreements and do not require an eVisa Ethiopia. The full eligibility list is available on the government portal at evisa.gov.et.
eVisa Ethiopia for UK Residents in 2026
UK citizens and residents of any nationality apply via the portal with UK-issued Visa/Mastercard; fees are $52 or $72 USD.
| Visa Type | Government Fee (Direct Portal) | UK Agency Fee (VisaSmart Total) |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Tourist | $52 USD | £115 GBP |
| 90-Day Tourist | $72 USD | £215 GBP |
Applying directly at evisa.gov.et costs only $52 to $72 USD; UK agencies add £40 to £175 markup (e.g., VisaSmart charges £115 total for 30-day). The table includes a comparison with a third-party agency for transparency; we are not affiliated with VisaSmart.
Types of Ethiopia eVisas Available
The Ethiopia eVisa in 2026 offers two tourist categories: a 30-day single-entry authorisation at $52 USD and a 90-day single-entry authorisation at $72 USD, alongside a 90-day business eVisa priced at $32 USD. All three are issued entirely online by the Immigration and Citizenship Service.
| Visa Type | Duration | Entries | Government Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | 30 days | Single entry | $52 |
| Tourist eVisa | 90 days | Single entry | $72 |
| Business eVisa | 90 days | Single entry | $32 |
No multiple-entry tourist eVisa is available electronically; every tourist category permits single entry only, meaning a traveller who leaves Ethiopia must submit a new application and fee to re-enter. Choose the option that matches your itinerary length.
Ethiopia eVisa Requirements 2026
The Ethiopia eVisa requires applicants to submit a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date, a digital passport photo, a scanned bio-page, accommodation proof, and a return flight booking.
- Passport with validity of at least six months from the intended entry date and at least 1 blank visa page.
- Digital passport photo meeting ICAO-style requirements: white background, taken within the last 6 months.
- Scanned passport bio-page uploaded as a digital copy during the application.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter).
- Return flight booking or confirmed travel itinerary.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting through endemic zones.
The eVisa Ethiopia application data must match passport details exactly; name spelling and passport number errors can trigger rejection by the Immigration and Citizenship Service.
How to Apply for an eVisa Ethiopia
Applying for the eVisa Ethiopia takes 10-15 minutes: register on the portal, fill the form, upload documents, pay by card, and download the PDF.
Go to evisa.gov.et
Start a new application session on the government portal.
Create an account
Use a valid email address and password to register.
Fill in personal and passport details
The data must match your passport exactly (name spelling, passport number).
Upload documents
Upload a digital copy of your passport bio-page and a passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months, meeting ICAO-style requirements on a white background.
Select your visa type
30-day single-entry tourist ($52 USD) or 90-day single-entry tourist ($72 USD).
Pay the visa processing fee
Pay via Visa or Mastercard on the portal’s payment gateway.
Receive confirmation and await processing
A confirmation email is sent; processing takes 24-72 hours.
Download and print the eVisa PDF
Download the approved eVisa PDF document and print a copy to carry with you to Ethiopia.
Wait for eVisa approval (24-72 h) before booking flights. Unapproved applications require a new $52 to $72 payment and application.
Ethiopia eVisa Fees in 2026
Statutory fees are $52 USD (30-day tourist), $72 USD (90-day tourist), and $32 USD (90-day business); no extra portal processing fee applies. For a complete breakdown, see our guide on the Ethiopia eVisa cost in 2026. UK agencies charge £115 to £215 total inclusive of VAT.
| Visa Type | Government Fee (USD) | UK Agency Total (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Tourist | $52 | £115 |
| 90-Day Tourist | $72 | £215 |
| 90-Day Business | $32 | N/A |
Fees are payable by Visa or Mastercard on the government portal at evisa.gov.et. All amounts are in USD; GBP equivalents fluctuate with exchange rates.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Ethiopia eVisa?
Standard eVisa Ethiopia processing takes 24 to 72 hours. During high-volume periods, processing may extend to 3 business days.
UK travellers should allow a 3 to 5 business day buffer for weekends, holidays, and verification delays, and are advised to apply at least 2 weeks before departure. Applications should be submitted no less than 7 days before the intended entry date. To check your application status, log in to your account at evisa.gov.et.
Ethiopia eVisa vs Visa on Arrival in 2026
Both options cost the same, but the eVisa Ethiopia avoids airport queues and eliminates the risk of double payment.
| Feature | eVisa Ethiopia | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee (30 days) | $52 USD | $52 USD |
| Government fee (90 days) | $72 USD | $72 USD |
| Application method | Online at evisa.gov.et | In person at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport |
| Processing time | 24-72 hours | Same day (subject to queue length) |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Accepted payment | Visa, Mastercard (online) | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD cash or card |
The Ethiopian government does not refund or credit unsecured online payments toward the airport fee. If your eVisa Ethiopia is not approved before arrival, you must repay the full visa fee at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Where Can I Enter Ethiopia with an eVisa?
The eVisa Ethiopia is valid exclusively for entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Dedicated counters for electronic travel authorisation travellers streamline the immigration process at this designated port. Land border crossings do not accept the eVisa Ethiopia; a separate embassy or consular visa is required for overland entry.
Arrival Procedures at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
On arrival, passengers undergo biometric data collection, including fingerprints and facial scans, before the digital visa is verified. Officers scan the printed eVisa PDF and passport; no physical sticker or visa label is placed in the document. Proof of accommodation and return flight may be requested at immigration. At least 1 blank passport page is required for the entry stamp.
Transit and Departure with an Ethiopia eVisa
Passengers with short airside layovers at Bole International Airport (under 8-12 hours) may transit without an eVisa Ethiopia. Confirm with your airline whether your connection qualifies. Leaving the airport, even briefly, requires a valid eVisa Ethiopia or visa on arrival.
eVisa holders may depart Ethiopia via land borders into Kenya, Djibouti, or Sudan, but because the tourist eVisa is single-entry only, re-entry on the same visa is not permitted. A new application must be submitted for any subsequent return to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia eVisa Extension and Overstay Rules
The eVisa Ethiopia requires extensions to be processed in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service HQ in Addis Ababa before the visa expires; overstaying incurs daily fines and potential deportation.
Travellers must submit the extension request in person at the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, strictly before the current visa expires. Overstaying the authorised duration results in daily financial penalties, potential deportation, and a future entry ban to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia eVisa for Minors: Requirements and Parental Consent
The eVisa Ethiopia mandates that each minor holds an individual passport and a separate application. Every child requires a distinct fee payment and a certified unabridged birth certificate. If a child travels with only one parent or a guardian, a parental consent letter is also mandatory. Both parents’ details may be required during the application process. Apply for all family members at the same time to ensure concurrent processing.
Ethiopia eVisa Health Requirements: Yellow Fever and Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. UK travellers are typically exempt because the UK is non-endemic, but must carry the certificate if their route includes a stopover in an endemic zone. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and Typhoid, though these are advisory and not mandatory for the eVisa Ethiopia. Always check current NHS travel health guidance before departure.
Beware of Fraudulent Ethiopia eVisa Websites
Fraudulent sites charge inflated fees without issuing valid visas; apply only on the eVisa Ethiopia government portal to avoid losing money.
- Verify the URL ends in .gov.et. The legitimate portal is evisa.gov.et.
- Confirm the site uses a valid HTTPS certificate before entering payment details.
- Watch for red flags: upfront “processing fees” above the statutory $52 to $72 USD, non-.gov.et domains, and missing email confirmations from [email protected].
- The fraudulent domain www.ethiopiavisas.net has been flagged by the Ethiopian government. The government bears no responsibility for funds lost on such platforms.
- If you paid on a fake site, contact your bank immediately to request a chargeback.
For verification, contact the Immigration and Citizenship Service directly at +251 (11) 1262635 or [email protected]. The eVisa Ethiopia system processes applications exclusively through the government portal; no third-party site can issue or expedite a valid visa.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ethiopia eVisa
Do UK citizens need a visa for Ethiopia in 2026?
Yes. All UK passport holders must obtain either an eVisa Ethiopia or a visa on arrival before or upon entering Ethiopia.
How much does an eVisa Ethiopia cost in 2026?
The government fee is $52 USD for a 30-day tourist eVisa and $72 USD for a 90-day tourist eVisa, payable directly on the evisa.gov.et portal.
How long does it take to get an eVisa Ethiopia?
Standard processing takes 24 to 72 hours. Allow 3 to 5 business days during peak periods and apply at least two weeks before departure.
Can I enter Ethiopia at any airport with an eVisa?
No. The eVisa Ethiopia is only valid for entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Other ports require a different visa type.
What documents do I need for the eVisa Ethiopia application?
A passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport photo taken within the last 6 months, a scanned bio-page, proof of accommodation, and a return flight booking.
Is the eVisa Ethiopia single or multiple entry?
The tourist eVisa Ethiopia is strictly single-entry. To re-enter Ethiopia after leaving, you must apply and pay for a completely new visa.
What happens if I overstay my eVisa Ethiopia?
Overstaying results in daily financial penalties, potential deportation, and a possible ban on future entry to Ethiopia.
Are there fake eVisa Ethiopia websites to avoid?
Yes. Avoid www.ethiopiavisas.net. Always use the .gov.et domain at evisa.gov.et to ensure your payment and application are processed correctly.
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination for Ethiopia?
A Yellow Fever certificate is required only if you are arriving from or transiting through an endemic zone. UK travellers are typically exempt.
Can I extend my eVisa Ethiopia after arrival?
Yes, extensions must be applied for in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service HQ in Addis Ababa before your current visa expires.
This guide was last reviewed on 9 September 2026 against the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service portal (evisa.gov.et). We verify all fee, processing time, and requirement data against primary government sources before publishing. For the most current information, always consult evisa.gov.et or contact the Immigration and Citizenship Service at +251 (11) 1262635.
