Last updated: September 2026. If you encounter an Ethiopia eVisa site down scenario, first check whether the outage is global using a status-checker tool, then try clearing your browser cache, disabling VPNs and ad-blockers, and switching to Google Chrome in incognito mode. If the portal remains inaccessible, you can still apply for a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole Airport or email [email protected] with your reference code and passport number for assistance.
The Ethiopia eVisa portal frequently experiences downtime and upload freezes due to Cloudflare blocks and strict PNG-only file requirements. Visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole Airport remains a backup for UK travellers, while support responses typically take 10 to 21 business days. Cloudflare’s WAF blocks non-residential IPs and browsers like Microsoft Edge, causing HTTP 403 errors or silent login failures. The 6-step form has no auto-save; a session crash forces a restart from Step 1. Beware of look-alike sites such as ethiopiavisas.net, ethiopiaevisa.com, ethiopiaimmigration.org, and ethiopiaonlinevisa.com, which are not affiliated with the Immigration and Citizenship Service.
Quick Troubleshooting: Is the Ethiopia eVisa Site Actually Down?
Check evisa.gov.et via downforeveryoneorjustme.com. A 502/503/504 error = server-side; a 403 Forbidden = Cloudflare block from your network/VPN.
Does the page load?
502, 503, or 504 errors indicate server-side downtime, not a local issue.
Can you log in?
If the Ethiopia eVisa website rejects your Application ID, switch to Chrome in incognito mode and disable ad-blockers.
Does the form advance past Step 6?
The Ethiopia eVisa portal has no auto-save, so a crash at any of the 6 application steps forces a restart from Step 1.
Does payment go through?
If funds are deducted without generating a reference code, screenshot your bank statement immediately for a refund request.
Check VPN, Cloudflare, and cache.
VPNs and data-centre IPs trigger HTTP 403 Forbidden blocks on the Ethiopia eVisa portal.
Peak application hours fall in mornings EAT (UTC+3), equal to late evening GMT/BST for UK users. Escalation ladder: retry in 30 to 60 minutes, check evisa.gov.et/status, prepare for visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole Airport, then email [email protected].
How to Log In to the Ethiopia eVisa Portal Without Errors
Ethiopia eVisa login errors commonly stem from Microsoft Edge incompatibility, ad-blocker extensions, or VPNs triggering Cloudflare 403 blocks.
Microsoft Edge rejects valid Application IDs and renders the page differently than Chrome, as reported by Trustpilot reviewer ruben bernhard (DK). Google Chrome delivers the highest compatibility for the Ethiopia eVisa portal.
| Browser | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Recommended | Highest compatibility |
| Microsoft Edge | Known issues | Application ID rejected; page renders differently |
| Safari | Unverified | Clear cache before use |
| Firefox | Unverified | Clear cache before use |
Extensions such as uBlock Origin, Brave Shields, and Privacy Badger cause the “Next” button to remain greyed out on the Ethiopia eVisa portal. Disable all extensions or use Chrome incognito mode.
VPNs, corporate proxies, and data-centre IPs trigger HTTP 403 Forbidden on evisa.gov.et. To resolve: disable VPN, clear cookies and cache, retry in Chrome, or switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data. A 403 error indicates a local or network block, whereas 502, 503, or 504 errors signal server-side downtime on the Ethiopia eVisa portal.
Ethiopia eVisa Document Upload Failures & Payment Freezes
The Ethiopia eVisa portal accepts only PNG files under 2 MB for photos and passport scans at Step 6. JPEG/JPG causes silent screen freezes with no error message displayed.
| Attachment | Format | Max Size | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant Photo | PNG | < 2 MB | Clean, not blurred |
| Passport Biodata Page | PNG | < 2 MB | N/A |
| Supplementary Documents | < 2 MB | N/A |
Pre-upload checklist for the Ethiopia eVisa portal:
- Convert JPEG/JPG to PNG before starting.
- Verify each file is under 2 MB.
- Ensure photo background is clean with no shadows or blur.
- Use PDF for all supplementary documents.
Double-Charge Resolution Protocol
If the Ethiopia eVisa portal freezes mid-payment and funds are deducted without generating an application reference, screenshot your bank statement immediately. Email [email protected] with the transaction ID, bank-statement screenshot, passport number, and date of birth. If no response arrives within 5 business days, initiate a chargeback with your bank citing “service not rendered.”
How to Contact Ethiopia eVisa Support in 2026
Email [email protected] with your reference code and passport number; the phone line +251 (11) 1262635 operates during EAT (UTC+3) business hours.
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Email | [email protected] |
| Telephone | +251 (11) 1262635 |
| Physical Address | Immigration and Citizenship Service, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Secondary Email (community-sourced) | [email protected] |
| Embassy London (last resort) | +44 20 7581 1281 |
Hours: 08:00-17:00 EAT (UTC+3). UK: GMT = EAT – 3h, BST = EAT – 2h. Trustpilot data for the Ethiopia eVisa portal shows a 2.3/5 TrustScore with 86% one-star reviews across 7 total reviews, and real email response times of 10-21 business days rather than the stated 3-day target. Phone calls frequently go unanswered or drop mid-conversation. Trustpilot reviewer “Plus Now SA” reported payment taken without application submission; reviewer “Adam Volcano” reported unanswered calls and emails.
Include in your email: reference code in the subject line, passport number, date of birth, transaction ID (if applicable), browser and OS details, and a screenshot of the error. Ready-to-send template:
Subject: eVisa Application - Reference [YOUR_REF_CODE] - [Brief Error Description] Dear eVisa Support, I am writing regarding my Ethiopia eVisa application (Reference Code: [REF]). My passport number is [PASSPORT], date of birth: [DOB]. [Describe the issue - e.g., "The portal freezes at Step 6 when I upload my photo" / "I was charged USD 62 but received no application reference"] Transaction ID: [if applicable] Browser: [Chrome/Edge/Safari, version] Operating System: [Windows 11 / macOS / etc.] Kind regards, [Name]
Ethiopia eVisa Alternatives & Application Status Check
UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole Airport. Visa on arrival requires a passport valid for 6+ months from the intended entry date, two passport photos, and payment in USD cash. On-arrival pricing may differ from the Ethiopia eVisa fees of USD 62 (30-day, single entry) and USD 152 (90-day, single entry) – confirm current rates at the airport.
Land-border acceptance of the Ethiopia eVisa is not guaranteed. The Ethiopia eVisa portal confirms validity at ADD, but overland travellers should verify with the Immigration and Citizenship Service before departure.
To track a submitted application, visit evisa.gov.et/status and enter your Reference Code and passport number. A status of “Replied” means a decision was emailed – check your inbox and spam folder. A blank field means the application is still processing. “Rejected” indicates denial, typically without a stated reason.
After 15+ days without approval: check portal backlog, payment status, and passport validity (must be 6+ months). Email [email protected] after 7 business days of silence, or reapply if your departure is imminent.
How to Report a Bug or System Error to the eVisa Helpdesk
The Ethiopia eVisa website may display server-side errors (500, 502, 503) that require escalation to the technical team. Report these persistent issues to [email protected] with structured diagnostic data to help the helpdesk reproduce the fault.
URL of the error page
e.g., evisa.gov.et or evisa.gov.et/status
Timestamp including your timezone
UK callers should convert to EAT / UTC+3.
Browser name and version
e.g., Chrome 130, Edge 129
Operating system
e.g., Windows 11, macOS Sonoma
Screenshot of the error screen
Capture the full error message visible on screen.
Specific step in the 6-step form
Category, Arrival, Personal, Passport, Review, or Attachments
Description of expected versus actual behaviour
Explain what should have happened and what went wrong.
Request a tracking reference number in your email so you can follow up. The Ethiopia eVisa website lacks an in-portal ticketing system, so all bug reports go through the same [email protected] address.
Advanced tip: Include a browser console log (press F12, open the Console tab, screenshot any red errors) or export a HAR file. This gives the technical team server-response details invisible on the screen and can shorten diagnosis time significantly.
Ethiopia eVisa Troubleshooting FAQ
How do I know if the Ethiopia eVisa website is down for everyone?
Open evisa.gov.et in an incognito window and cross-check with downforeveryoneorjustme.com. A 502, 503, or 504 error indicates a server-side problem, while a 403 Forbidden page points to a Cloudflare block triggered by your network or VPN.
What should I do if the eVisa site goes down while I am filling in the form?
The Ethiopia eVisa portal has no auto-save. Complete the 6-step form in one sitting using a stable wired connection. If the site goes down, wait 30 to 60 minutes, then retry from Step 1.
What file formats does the Ethiopia eVisa portal accept for uploads?
The portal accepts PNG format only for applicant photos and passport biodata page scans, with a maximum file size of 2 MB. Supplementary documents must be PDF. JPEG and JPG cause silent screen freezes at Step 6 without any error message.
Is there a visa on arrival option if the eVisa site is down?
Yes. UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Requirements: passport valid 6+ months, two passport photos, and USD cash. On-arrival pricing may differ from eVisa fees of USD 62 (30 days) or USD 152 (90 days).
How do I contact Ethiopia eVisa support about a technical issue?
Email [email protected] with your reference code in the subject line, passport number, date of birth, transaction ID if applicable, a screenshot of the error, and your browser and OS details. The phone line +251 (11) 1262635 operates during EAT business hours (UTC+3, 08:00 to 17:00). Expect a response within 5 to 14 business days, not the claimed 3-day target.
Why does the eVisa login page reject my Application ID?
Microsoft Edge is known to reject Application IDs and render the portal differently than Google Chrome, based on Trustpilot user reports. Ad-blocking extensions such as uBlock Origin, Brave Shields, and Privacy Badger also break the portal’s JavaScript validation. Switch to Google Chrome in incognito mode to resolve the issue.
Can I get a refund if the Ethiopia eVisa portal charged me twice?
Email [email protected] with the transaction ID, bank-statement screenshot, passport number, and date of birth. If no response arrives within 5 business days, initiate a chargeback with your bank citing service not rendered.
How long does the Ethiopia eVisa take to process in 2026?
The stated processing time is 3 business days. However, user reports from Trustpilot and TripAdvisor show frequent administrative backlogs extending real-world processing to 10 to 21 days. The 30-day single-entry tourist visa costs USD 62 and the 90-day single-entry visa costs USD 152. Apply at least 4 weeks before your estimated arrival date.
