Published: 3 July 2026 | Last updated: 9 September 2026. This guide is reviewed by our editorial team against the evisa.gov.et terms (data verified July 2026).
The Ethiopian e-Visa application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. All payments are final once processed. If you face a duplicate charge or technical error, contact the e-Visa support team at [email protected] with proof of payment to request a resolution.
The Ethiopian e-Visa is a single-entry visa issued via evisa.gov.et; all government fees are non-refundable. British travellers should review the ethiopia evisa refund policy before applying. This guide details refund rules, non-refundable fees, duplicate payment resolution, chargeback risks, and fee waiver eligibility.
Fee estimates are based on competitor research (July 2026). Always verify the exact amount at the evisa.gov.et payment page before submitting your application.
Are Ethiopian e-Visa Application Fees Refundable?
All Ethiopian e-Visa payments, including the approximately $52 government fee, are non-refundable per the terms at evisa.gov.et. The Ethiopia e-Visa refund policy states that “all payments are NOT REFUNDABLE”, and additional payment transactions are equally non-refundable. The fee covers application processing, not visa issuance.
| Fee Type | Approximate Cost | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Government processing fee (Tourist) | ~$52 | No |
| Government processing fee (Business) | ~$72 | No |
| Additional payment transactions | Varies | No |
| Third-party agency service fee | $79-$252+ | Subject to agency terms |
Fee figures are approximate; verify current pricing at evisa.gov.et.
What Happens to Your Fee If Your Ethiopia eVisa Application Is Rejected
Rejected applicants forfeit the fee; reapplying requires a new full payment. The Ethiopia e-Visa refund policy makes the processing fee non-refundable regardless of the decision. Normal processing time is 3 business days; if no decision is received after this period, check your application status on the portal.
Common rejection reasons include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate application data
- Unlegible passport photo
- Invalid passport (e.g. insufficient validity period)
- Form errors or mismatched information
- Prior visa violations
No formal appeal process exists on the e-Visa portal. Applicants may submit a new application with corrected documents, including a scanned color copy of passport, or visit the Ethiopian Embassy. UK passport holders can also obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, though this requires repaying the visa fee in full.
How to Request a Refund or Resolve a Payment Issue
Only refund-eligible scenario for the Ethiopian e-Visa: verified duplicate payment or technical error. Contact [email protected] with proof. If your payment status shows “pending” or “order canceled”, contact support immediately.
Check application status
Check your application status at evisa.gov.et.
Note transaction ID
Note your transaction ID from your bank statement.
Email support
Email [email protected] with your application ID, transaction ID, and bank statement screenshot.
Call if no response
If no response in 5 working days, call +251 (11) 1262635.
Avoid premature chargeback
Do not initiate a chargeback before completing steps 1 to 4.
Approved resolutions return funds to the original payment method only. UK Consumer Rights Act Section 75 covers credit purchases over £100; disputing a denial risks fraud flag on future Ethiopia e-Visa applications.
Fee Waivers, Fraudulent Websites & Post-Rejection Options
Diplomatic passport holders may qualify for fee waivers, but the Ethiopia e-Visa refund policy does not publish any public exemption criteria on the evisa.gov.et portal. Diplomatic and service passport holders, UN mission staff, and transit passengers under 24 hours may qualify, but British travellers must contact the Ethiopian Embassy to confirm eligibility before applying.
The Ethiopian Government holds no agreement with look-alike websites. Payments and applications submitted through unauthorised domains are not acceptable and will not be refunded. The identified fraudulent domain www.ethiopiavisas.net should be avoided. Always use evisa.gov.et directly.
Overstay beyond the validity period incurs fines and legal penalties, which are separate non-refundable charges. The Ethiopian e-Visa is a single-entry visa eligible for extension on reasonable grounds, but extension fees are also non-refundable.
FAQ: Ethiopia eVisa Refund Policy
Can I get a refund if my Ethiopia e-Visa application is rejected?
No. All fees are non-refundable. If rejected, you forfeit the fee and must reapply with a new payment.
Is the Ethiopia e-Visa fee refundable if I cancel my application?
No. Once your payment is processed, the fee is final. There is no documented cancellation window that allows for a partial or full refund.
How long does a refund take from the Ethiopian e-Visa?
No published timeframe. Duplicate payments typically resolve in 7 to 14 working days (bank-dependent). Contact [email protected].
What should I do if I was charged twice for my e-Visa?
Contact [email protected] immediately with both transaction IDs, your application ID, and bank evidence. Do not initiate a bank chargeback before contacting support. If you do not receive a response within 5 working days, call +251 (11) 1262635.
Can I appeal a rejected Ethiopia e-Visa application?
No formal appeal process exists on the e-Visa portal. You must reapply with corrected documents and a new fee, or visit the Ethiopian Embassy.
Are there any fee waivers for the Ethiopia e-Visa?
Diplomatic passport holders and transit passengers under 24 hours may qualify, but no public policy is published. Contact the embassy to verify eligibility.
What is the difference between the government fee and the service fee?
The government fee (approximately $52 for tourist or $72 for business) is always non-refundable. Agency service fees ($79 to $252 or more) are subject to the specific agency’s own refund terms.
Can I apply for a visa on arrival if my e-Visa is rejected?
Yes, UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. You will need to repay the visa fee upon arrival. This does not guarantee entry, as the decision rests with immigration officers at the border.
How do I contact the Ethiopia e-Visa support team?
Email: [email protected]. Phone: +251 (11) 1262635. Address: Immigration and Citizenship Service, Addis Ababa.
Is it safe to request a bank chargeback?
It is justified for verified duplicate payments but risky if done solely because the visa was denied. See Section 4 for details.
