Last updated: 9 September 2026. This article reflects the rules published on evisa.gov.et as of that date.
Citizens of over 160 countries, including the UK, must meet specific Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements to obtain the single-entry tourist visa. The eVisa costs $62 USD for 30 days or $152 USD for 90 days, with standard processing in 3 business days. Entry is permitted exclusively through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended arrival date.
The Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements for 2026 require UK passport holders to hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended arrival date, provide a digital passport photo and colour passport scan, and apply online at evisa.gov.et. The 30-day tourist eVisa costs $62 USD and the 90-day option costs $152 USD, with processing typically completed within three business days. Entry is permitted exclusively through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Who Can Apply for the Ethiopia eVisa in 2026?
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements in 2026 extend eligibility to citizens of over 160 countries, including the United Kingdom. The Ethiopia eVisa (VT) is an electronic single-entry permit for tourism only, prohibiting any paid or voluntary employment – violations carry heavy fines or imprisonment. Applicants holding passports with validity under six months or damaged travel documents are ineligible for the Ethiopia eVisa programme.
Ethiopia eVisa for UK Citizens – Key Points
British citizens must obtain an Ethiopia eVisa for both tourism and business travel. A valid, machine-readable British passport is required, and dual nationals must apply using the passport intended for travel. For country-specific guidance, consult the UK government travel advice for Ethiopia or read our complete 2026 application guide for UK citizens.
Passport Requirements and Validity Rules for the Ethiopia eVisa
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements stipulate a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into Ethiopia. The passport must be machine-readable with at least one blank visa page. Damaged or fake travel documents render applicants ineligible for the Ethiopia eVisa programme. For a detailed breakdown of scan formats and validity rules, see our guide on Ethiopia eVisa passport validity and document scan requirements.
Documents Required for the Ethiopia eVisa Application
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements mandate a scanned colour copy of the passport identity page and a digital passport-sized photograph as mandatory uploads. A printed copy of the approved Ethiopia eVisa must be carried on departure – digital copies on phones are not accepted at the border. Dual nationals must select the citizenship matching the passport used for travel.
- Scanned colour copy of passport identity page (digital upload)
- Colour passport-sized photograph (digital upload, recent)
- Printed copy of the approved eVisa – print before you fly; digital copy on phone not accepted at border
- Dual nationals must select citizenship matching the passport used for travel
Passport Photo Requirements – Exact Upload Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| Background colour | White |
| Photo type | Colour, recent, passport-sized |
For exact dimensions, background rules and upload tips, consult our full Ethiopia visa photo requirements guide.
How to Apply for the Ethiopia eVisa – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements mandate that all applications be submitted exclusively through the evisa.gov.et portal via a seven-step process. For a more detailed walkthrough, see our complete step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Ethiopia eVisa.
Create an account on evisa.gov.et
Use a valid email address to register on the portal.
Complete the online application form
Provide your personal and travel details.
Upload your documents
Submit a scanned colour copy of your passport identity page and a digital passport-sized photograph.
Select your visa type
The tourist visa (VT) permits a 30-day or 90-day stay.
Pay the non-refundable fee
Payment accepted by Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, or American Express.
Wait for approval
Standard processing takes 3 business days.
Print the approved eVisa and carry it on departure
A printed copy is required at the border – digital copies on phones are not accepted.
I Made a Mistake on My Application – Can I Fix It?
Once the fee is paid, edits are not permitted. Submit a fresh application with corrected details and pay the fee again. Contact Ethiopia eVisa portal support at [email protected] or +251 (11) 1262635 for guidance.
Ethiopia eVisa Fraud Warning – How to Spot Fake Websites
Use only evisa.gov.et for Ethiopia eVisa applications. The Ethiopian government lists seven known fake domains: www.ethiopiavisas.net, www.ethiopiaevisa.com, www.ethiopiaimmigration.org, www.ethiopiaonlinevisa.com, www.evisaforethiopia.com, www.ethiopian-visa.com, and www.ethiopia-evisa.com. The government holds no agreement with these sites and is not responsible for financial losses through them. According to the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (evisa.gov.et): “The eVisa is valid for a single entry only and must be used within 90 days of the intended arrival date stated in the application.”
Ethiopia eVisa Fees, Payment Methods & Processing Times
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements set two non-refundable fee tiers for 2026: $62 USD for a 30-day tourist visa and $152 USD for a 90-day tourist visa, payable by Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, or American Express. Standard processing takes 3 business days. Apply at least 7-10 days before travel as a safety margin. For a full breakdown in GBP and USD, see our complete Ethiopia eVisa cost and fee guide.
| Visa type | Maximum stay | Fee (non-refundable) | Processing time | Accepted cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (VT) – 30 days | 30 days | $62 USD | 3 business days | Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Amex |
| Tourist eVisa (VT) – 90 days | 90 days | $152 USD | 3 business days | Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Amex |
Credit card payments from Cuba, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea, Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Crimea region of Ukraine, and Syrian Arab Republic are restricted (effective 18 November 2020). The Ethiopia eVisa validity period starts on the intended arrival date specified on the application, not the date of issuance.
Ethiopia eVisa Conditions of Entry – Rules, Stay Limits & Extensions
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements grant a single entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for a maximum stay of 30 or 90 days. Land border entry is not permitted with an eVisa. The validity period starts from the intended arrival date specified on the application.
Extensions are available before the current Ethiopia eVisa expires: a 30-day extension costs $102 USD and a 90-day extension costs $302 USD. If the visa has been expired for more than 15 days, the extension application must be submitted in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service Head Office in Addis Ababa.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival in Ethiopia – Complete 2026 Comparison
UK citizens can choose either, but the Ethiopia eVisa guarantees pre-travel approval and avoids airport queues. Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements permit online submission with standard processing in 3 business days; the visa on arrival is issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport after landing. For a detailed comparison, read our Ethiopia eVisa vs visa on arrival cost and speed comparison.
| Feature | Ethiopia eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day fee | $62 USD (non-refundable) | Same, payable at airport |
| 90-day fee | $152 USD (non-refundable) | Same, payable at airport |
| Processing time | 3 business days (online) | Queue at immigration desk |
| Application channel | evisa.gov.et portal | In person at Addis Ababa airport |
| Entry port | Addis Ababa Bole International Airport | Same |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Visa category | Tourist (VT) | Tourist only |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Amex | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD; card accepted |
| Documents needed | Passport scan + digital photo (online upload) | Passport + photo at counter |
| Pre-travel approval | Yes: eVisa sent by email before departure | No: decision made at border |
| Printed copy required | Yes, must be carried | Visa stamped on arrival |
| Recommended for UK citizens | Yes | Not recommended |
Addis Ababa Airport Arrival & Ethiopia eVisa Overstay Penalties
At immigration: printed Ethiopia eVisa (no phone copy), passport with 6-month validity, return ticket, proof of funds, hotel booking. Border officials at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport verify documents, capture biometric data, and may deny entry without explanation if documents are incomplete.
Overstay penalty: $30 USD per day. Departure from Ethiopia is prohibited until the full amount is paid.
| Overstay duration | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 5 days | $150 USD |
| 10 days | $300 USD |
| 30 days | $900 USD |
Ethiopia eVisa Health Requirements, Vaccinations & Customs Declarations
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements include health screening and customs rules that apply regardless of visa type.
- Yellow fever certificate – mandatory if arriving from a WHO-listed transmission-risk country (gov.uk, evisa.gov.et).
- Mpox screening – Ministry of Health survey applies to select countries; symptomatic travellers face mandatory testing (gov.uk).
- Ethiopian birr cash limit – up to 3,000 birr on entry or exit; up to 10,000 birr when travelling to Djibouti (gov.uk).
- Foreign currency declaration – non-residents over $10,000 USD; residents over $4,000 USD; land-border entry over $500 USD (gov.uk).
- Restricted items – khat (illegal to export), ivory (fines up to 25,000 birr), antiques (export certificate required), drones, satellite phones, and binoculars require prior approval from the Customs and Information Network and Security Agency (gov.uk).
Ethiopia eVisa Rules, Restrictions & Special Cases
Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements in 2026 prohibit tourist visa holders from any employment, including voluntary work – penalties include heavy fines or imprisonment. The Ethiopia eVisa (VT) does not cover journalistic activities; media professionals require a separate Journalist Visa (JV) via the Arrival Clearance Portal.
Other Ethiopia eVisa categories include Business Visa (BRV), Investment Visa (IV), Government Institutions Short Task Visa (GIV), NGO Work Visa (NV), Workshop/Conference Visa (CV), Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa (WV), Student Visa (SV), Religion Visa (RV), Medical Treatment Visa (MDV), Entertainment Industry Visa (EIV), Residence Visa (IMV), and Sports Competition and Training Visa (SPV). Visa-exempt nationalities: citizens of Kenya and Djibouti do not need an Ethiopia eVisa.
Travelling with Children & Transit Rules for Ethiopia eVisa
Each travelling child needs a separate Ethiopia eVisa application and their own valid passport. Minors require a passport valid for at least 6 months, a birth certificate, and parental consent documentation. A tourist eVisa for minors is available for children of parents travelling on Ethiopian business visas.
Airside transit at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport may be visa-exempt for short layovers where travellers remain in the airport transit area.
FAQ: Ethiopia eVisa Entry Requirements 2026
What are the passport validity requirements for the Ethiopia eVisa in 2026?
Passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry, machine-readable, with at least one blank visa page. Damaged or fake documents render applicants ineligible for the Ethiopia eVisa.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia instead of applying for an eVisa?
Yes, at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for eligible countries, tourist category only. However, the Ethiopia eVisa guarantees pre-travel approval and avoids airport queues. Both options are available to UK citizens.
How much does the Ethiopia eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The Ethiopia eVisa fee is $62 USD for 30 days and $152 USD for 90 days (non-refundable). Payment via Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, or American Express.
How long does it take to get an Ethiopia eVisa approved?
Standard processing takes 3 business days. Apply at least 7 to 10 days before your estimated arrival as a safety buffer.
Which documents do I need to upload when applying for the Ethiopia eVisa?
A scanned colour copy of your passport identity page and a digital passport-sized colour photograph (JPEG/PNG, white background). Dual nationals must select the citizenship matching their travel passport.
What should I bring to the airport when entering Ethiopia with an eVisa?
Printed eVisa (no phone copies), passport with 6-month validity, return ticket, proof of funds, and hotel reservation. Border officials at Addis Ababa Bole may request any of these.
Can I extend my Ethiopia eVisa after arrival?
Yes, apply before expiry. 30-day extension costs $102 USD, 90-day costs $302 USD. If expired over 15 days, apply in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service Head Office in Addis Ababa.
What happens if I overstay my Ethiopia eVisa?
Penalty of $30 USD per day (e.g., 5-day overstay = $150 USD). Departure prohibited until paid in full. Apply for extensions before expiry to avoid fines.
Can I use my Ethiopia eVisa to enter Ethiopia through a land border?
No, the Ethiopia eVisa permits entry exclusively through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Land border entry requires an alternative visa, such as an embassy application.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Ethiopia with an eVisa?
Only if arriving from a WHO-listed transmission-risk country, including transit stops with movement outside the airport. Check the current WHO list before departure.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify the latest Ethiopia eVisa entry requirements on the evisa.gov.et portal before applying. For official guidance, consult the UK Foreign Travel Advice at gov.uk.
