Last updated: September 2026. All fees and processing times were verified on evisa.gov.et.
UK citizens must obtain a visa to enter Ethiopia. The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens is available online via the government portal at evisa.gov.et, costs approximately $52 for a 30-day tourist visa, takes 3 to 5 business days to process, and is accepted only for air arrivals at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
A machine-readable passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival is mandatory. The eVisa is a single-entry electronic visa issued by the Ethiopian government strictly for tourism purposes.
Apply at least 7 to 10 business days before travel through the e-visa platform to avoid delays. Be aware of fraudulent websites, such as www.ethiopiavisas.net, which are not authorized by the Ethiopian government. Always apply directly through evisa.gov.et to ensure your application is valid.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Ethiopia?
All British passport holders must obtain a visa before entering Ethiopia. The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens is the recommended method, available via the government portal at evisa.gov.et. No UK citizen can enter Ethiopia visa-free. Visa exemptions apply only to holders of an Ethiopian Diplomatic ID Card, Ethiopian Temporary Residents Permit, or Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Cards) – none of which apply to standard British tourists.
Where to Apply for Your Ethiopia eVisa
The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens is processed exclusively through the Ethiopian government’s eVisa platform at evisa.gov.et. The system is operated by the Immigration and Citizenship Service (copyright 2017-2026), with Ethiopian Airlines as the technical provider. Payments to www.ethiopiavisas.net will not result in visa approval; the Ethiopian government is not liable for lost funds. For FAQs, see evisa.gov.et/faq.
For application support, contact the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa at +251 (11) 1262635 or [email protected]. See Passport & Document Requirements for what to prepare before applying.
Ethiopia eVisa Types for British Travellers
UK citizens can apply for a 30-day single-entry tourist eVisa, a business eVisa, or transit without a visa for layovers under 8 hours at Bole Airport. The tourist eVisa is for tourism only; other purposes require advance approval from the Immigration and Citizenship Service. Journalists require Media Arrival entry clearance via the Arrival Clearance Portal.
- Tourist eVisa: 30-day, single entry, tourism only
- Business eVisa: requires stated reason or evidence; urgent processing may be available for documented business needs
- Transit exemption: up to 8 hours airside at Bole Airport, no visa required
- Extensions: 30 or 90 additional days available in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service Head Office in Addis Ababa, before the current visa expires
30-Day vs 90-Day Tourist eVisa
The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens defaults to a 30-day single-entry tourist visa when applying online. Extensions of 30 or 90 additional days are granted in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service Head Office in Addis Ababa, not through embassies abroad. Whether a 90-day eVisa can be requested directly online should be verified at evisa.gov.et.
Transit Through Addis Ababa Without a Visa
UK passport holders transiting through Bole International Airport for under 8 hours who remain in the airside transit area do not need an eVisa or transit visa. Passengers leaving the airport or exceeding the 8-hour window must hold a valid visa. See Free Transit Hotel (STPC) Eligibility for long layovers.
Passport & Document Requirements for UK Citizens
Requirements for the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens: machine-readable passport valid 6 months from arrival, scanned colour copy of passport bio page, and colour passport-sized photo. Each family member, including children, needs a separate application.
- Passport validity: minimum 6 months from arrival date
- Passport must be machine-readable
- Scanned colour copy of passport bio page
- Colour passport-sized photo, taken within the last 6 months
- Each family member, including children, needs a separate application
Special Rules for British Passport Holders
British passport holders need a full “British citizen” passport valid for 6+ months. Dual nationals must carry a British passport or certificate of entitlement to return to the UK. Damaged documents are not eligible for the Ethiopia eVisa for British passport holders.
eVisa Photo Requirements
The Ethiopia eVisa application for UK citizens requires a digital passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months. The headshot can be added later if not ready at the time of initial application. See evisa.gov.et/faq for detailed specifications.
Applying as a Family or Group
Each UK passport holder must submit a separate individual application. There is no bundled or group submission option on the portal.
Travelling to Ethiopia with Children
Children with their own UK passport require a separate Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens. Parents should carry a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a consent letter if travelling with only one parent.
How to Apply for an Ethiopia eVisa Online
British passport holders must complete the following steps on evisa.gov.et before departure.
Visit evisa.gov.et
Visit evisa.gov.et and select the 30-day tourist visa type
Fill the application form
Fill the application form with personal and passport details
Upload documents
Upload a scanned colour copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo
Pay the fee
Pay the fee using a UK-issued Visa or Mastercard
Submit and receive
Submit and receive the approved eVisa by email
Processing Time
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least 7-10 business days before travel. Government processing time is not guaranteed. Business visas may have urgent processing options (requires reason/evidence). Contact [email protected] or +251 (11) 1262635.
Payment Methods for UK Cards
UK-issued Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted on the portal. American Express may not be accepted. Have a backup card ready in case of payment failure.
When Does Your eVisa Start?
The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens begins its 30-day validity window on the date of issuance, not the intended arrival date. If you don’t enter within the validity period, the eVisa expires.
Do You Need a Printed Copy?
Carry both a printed PDF and a digital copy on your phone. Airlines at UK departure may require a printed version at check-in. Ethiopian immigration at Bole Airport may accept a digital display, but a printed copy is recommended.
What If Your eVisa Application Is Rejected?
If your Ethiopia eVisa application for UK citizens is rejected, government fees are generally non-refundable. Applicants can correct errors and submit a new application. Contact [email protected] or +251 (11) 1262635 for assistance.
Ethiopia eVisa Fees for UK Citizens in 2026
The 30-day tourist eVisa costs ~$52 USD (~£41 GBP) via evisa.gov.et. Overstay penalty is $30/day, and departure is blocked until paid.
This article is not affiliated with any third-party visa agency. The agency fee of $131 is provided for comparison only.
| Fee Component | USD | GBP (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government eVisa fee (30-day tourist) | ~$52 | ~£41 |
| Third-party agency total (e.g., Sherpa) | $131 | ~£103 |
| Overstay fine (per day) | $30 | ~£24 |
| Extension fee (30 or 90 days) | Verify at office | – |
Visa on Arrival Cost Comparison
Visa on arrival is available at Bole Airport for eligible countries, but the eVisa is recommended to avoid double payment. An eVisa payment receipt will not serve as approval for an arrival visa.
Overstaying Your Ethiopia Visa
The overstay penalty is $30 USD (~£24 GBP) per day, and Ethiopian immigration will not allow departure until the full amount is settled. For example, overstaying by 5 days results in a $150 (~£120) fine. Extension fees for 30 or 90 additional days are charged at the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa – the exact amount varies and must be verified on site. See Extending Your Ethiopia Visa for details.
Where Can You Use the Ethiopia eVisa?
The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens is accepted only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for air arrivals. The eVisa is not accepted at land borders from Kenya, Djibouti, or Sudan, nor is it valid at any other Ethiopian airport.
| Entry Point | eVisa Accepted? | Visa on Arrival? | Transit Visa Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) | Yes | Yes | No (if under 8 hours airside) |
| Land border crossings | No | Yes (if eligible) | Yes |
| Other Ethiopian airports | No | Yes (if eligible) | Yes |
Entry Points for eVisa Holders
A transit exemption applies at Bole Airport for layovers under 8 hours within the airside transit area, no visa required.
Free Transit Hotel (STPC) Eligibility
For Ethiopian Airlines passengers with layovers between 8 and 24 hours, a free transit hotel (STPC) may be available. Contact Ethiopian Airlines directly for eligibility.
Arriving in Ethiopia: Border, Health & Extension Rules
What to Have Ready at the Ethiopian Immigration Desk
The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens must be presented alongside a valid British passport at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport immigration desk.
- Printed eVisa PDF (recommended) plus a digital copy on your phone
- Valid British passport – machine-readable, valid at least 6 months from arrival
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds (recommended, not always checked)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a transmission-risk country
Health & Vaccination Requirements
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk, and may also be needed for onward travel to other countries. Mpox screening required from certain countries; testing if symptomatic. The Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens does not replace these health requirements – consult TravelHealthPro’s Ethiopia guide via gov.uk for current guidance.
Extending Your Ethiopia Visa
Extensions of 30 or 90 additional days are available. UK citizens must apply in person at the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before the current eVisa expires. The overstay penalty is $30 USD per day, and departure is blocked until the fine is paid in full. Contact: [email protected] | +251 (11) 1262635.
UK Embassy, FCDO Advice & Travel Insurance for Ethiopia
Check FCDO travel advice and obtain insurance covering Ethiopia. British nationals in Ethiopia can contact the UK government for emergency consular support.
UK Embassy in Ethiopia
British nationals should check gov.uk for current UK Embassy / British High Commission contact details in Addis Ababa. Emergency consular support is available for lost passports, legal issues, and emergencies.
FCDO Travel Advisory
The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Ethiopia and against all but essential travel to other parts. Check the FCDO Ethiopia page at gov.uk before booking and before departure, as advisory levels can change.
Customs Rules for UK Travellers
Travellers may carry up to 3,000 Ethiopian birr on entry or exit (10,000 if travelling to Djibouti). Declare foreign currency exceeding $10,000 USD (general), $4,000 USD for residents, or $500 USD at land borders. Khat is legal in Ethiopia but illegal to export. Ivory is illegal to buy or possess; fines reach up to 25,000 birr (~£220). Drones, satellite phones, and binoculars require prior approval from the Customs and Information Network and Security Agency. Antiques require an export certificate.
Travel Insurance
The FCDO recommends comprehensive travel insurance that covers Ethiopia specifically and includes medical evacuation. Holding the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens does not replace insurance; ensure your policy is valid for all regions you plan to visit.
Ethiopia eVisa for UK Citizens: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take?
Standard processing time for the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens typically takes 3 to 5 business days. However, the government processing guarantee is not provided. It is recommended to apply at least 7 to 10 business days before your planned travel to ensure you receive approval in time.
How much does it cost?
The government fee for a 30-day tourist Ethiopia eVisa for British passport holders is approximately $52 USD, which is around £41 GBP. Third-party agencies may charge up to $131 USD, including surcharges. Applying directly at evisa.gov.et avoids these extra agency fees.
Visa on arrival instead?
Yes, UK citizens can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for tourism, limited to eligible countries. However, securing the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens online beforehand is recommended to avoid delays. An eVisa payment receipt will not serve as approval for a visa on arrival.
What if my application is rejected?
If your Ethiopia eVisa application for UK citizens is rejected, government fees are generally non-refundable. Applicants can correct any errors and submit a new application. For direct assistance with your application status, you can contact support at [email protected] or call +251 (11) 1262635.
Printed or digital copy?
Best practice for the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens is to carry both a printed PDF and a digital copy on your phone. Airlines at UK departure check-in may require a printed copy, and while Ethiopian immigration may accept a digital display, a printed copy is strongly recommended.
Can I extend my eVisa?
Yes, you can extend your Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens while in the country. You must apply in person at the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before your current visa expires. Extensions of 30 or 90 additional days are available.
Valid at land borders?
No, the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens is not valid at land border crossings or other airports in Ethiopia. It is accepted only for air arrivals at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. UK travellers entering overland from neighbouring countries cannot use the eVisa.
Do children need a separate eVisa?
Yes, children need a separate Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens. Each child holding a UK passport must submit an individual application, as there is no bundled group submission functionality on the portal. Parents should also carry the child’s passport and a birth certificate copy.
What vaccinations do I need?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. Additionally, an mpox screening survey must be completed before arrival if travelling from certain countries, with potential mandatory testing if symptomatic.
Can dual nationals apply with a non-British passport?
UK dual nationals can apply for the Ethiopia eVisa for UK citizens using a non-British passport, but they must carry a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to return to the UK. A full British citizen passport is required for entry and return travel.
