Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. This is an independent travel-information guide, not a government website. We tested the Ethiopia eVisa application flow on 3 September 2026 before publishing. UK travellers should also consult the FCDO travel advice for Ethiopia (retrieved 9 September 2026) for current entry, safety, and health notices.
UK travellers applying for an Ethiopia eVisa in 2026 must upload a flight itinerary showing a return or onward booking, proof of accommodation, and a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. The application is submitted online at evisa.gov.et, and processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
Ethiopia eVisa Document Checklist: Passport, Photo & Requirements
Ethiopia eVisa applicants must submit a valid passport, passport-size photo, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation during the online application.
- Passport – valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Ethiopia, containing one blank page for the entry stamp. The holder’s name must match the eVisa application data exactly.
- Passport-size photo – a recent biometric photograph uploaded digitally. Incorrect size, lighting, or background is the most common Ethiopia eVisa rejection reason.
- Flight itinerary – showing return or onward travel dates, booking reference (PNR), and passenger name matching the passport.
- Accommodation proof – hotel voucher, Airbnb confirmation, or formal host invitation letter with the applicant’s name and stay dates.
The Ethiopia eVisa is a single-entry visa valid for 30 or 90 days, counted from the date of entry, not the date of issuance. The Ethiopia eVisa cannot be used for employment; a tourist visa holder cannot take up work in Ethiopia. Extension is possible on reasonable grounds through the Immigration and Citizenship Service.
Flight Itinerary Requirements for Ethiopia eVisa
The Ethiopia eVisa flight itinerary requirement mandates a confirmed itinerary with PNR, travel dates, and passenger name matching the passport to prove intent to leave before the visa expires. A valid Ethiopia eVisa flight itinerary must contain: PNR code, flight numbers, travel dates, route, and passenger name matching the passport. Both round-trip tickets and one-way tickets with onward travel are accepted.
What Counts as a Valid Flight Itinerary?
The Ethiopia eVisa accepts an airline booking confirmation containing a PNR code, flight numbers, travel dates, route details, and the applicant’s full name. A travel agency voucher or booking platform confirmation also qualifies, provided all elements are visible.
Confirmed Ticket vs Dummy Flight Reservation
Using a dummy ticket (unconfirmed PNR) increases the chance of Ethiopia eVisa rejection and may lead to entry denial at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, as immigration officers verify bookings online. A confirmed booking is strongly recommended.
⚠ Tip: Do not confirm a non-refundable flight booking until your eVisa is approved. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days and can extend to 7 to 10 days during Ethiopian holidays. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to protect your booking.
How to Get a Flight Itinerary Without Finalising Your Booking
- Book a refundable fare directly with the airline.
- Use a verified itinerary service that generates a valid PNR.
- Reserve the cheapest cancellable flight and cancel after eVisa approval.
Accommodation Proof for Ethiopia eVisa
Ethiopia eVisa accommodation proof can be a hotel voucher, Airbnb confirmation, or formal host invitation letter. Each must show the applicant’s name and stay dates. All accommodation documents must include applicant name, stay dates, and property address. Both prepaid and pay-at-property bookings are accepted.
| Accommodation Type | Accepted? | Required Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel booking voucher | Yes | Applicant name, stay dates, property address |
| Airbnb / short-term rental | Yes | Applicant name, stay dates, property address |
| Guesthouse confirmation | Yes | Applicant name, stay dates, property address |
| Host invitation letter | Yes | Host’s full name, Ethiopian address, Kebele ID copy, dates of stay |
| Informal email invitation | No | Does not qualify as valid accommodation proof |
Hotel Reservation vs Host Invitation
Ethiopia eVisa accepts hotel vouchers (name, dates, address) and invitation letters (host name, address, Kebele ID, dates). Informal emails are rejected. A host invitation letter requires the host’s full name, Ethiopian address, a copy of the host’s Kebele ID, and the dates of stay.
Step-by-Step Ethiopia eVisa Application Process
Apply for your Ethiopia eVisa at evisa.gov.et by selecting a 30- or 90-day visa, entering passport data, uploading travel documents, and paying the fee online.
Go to evisa.gov.et
Avoid www.ethiopiavisas.net, a fraud site with no agreement with the Ethiopian government. This warning is based on the advisory published on evisa.gov.et; check the portal’s notices page before using any third-party service.
Choose visa type
Select a 30-day or 90-day single-entry tourist visa.
Enter passport data
Ensure all details match your passport exactly.
Upload passport scan and photo
The Ethiopia eVisa portal accepts PDF or JPG format.
Upload flight itinerary and accommodation proof
Attach within the portal’s attachment fields.
Pay the visa fee
Pay by credit or debit card. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. For support, contact +251 (11) 1262635 or [email protected]. The portal is operated by the Immigration and Citizenship Service, with Ethiopian Airlines as technical provider (copyright 2017 to 2026).
Arriving in Ethiopia: Airport Documents, Entry Points & What to Expect
Ethiopia eVisa is valid only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (not land borders). Present physical documents at immigration beyond online uploads. Failure to present printed documents may result in secondary inspection or denial of entry.
| Upload Online (evisa.gov.et) | Show at Airport (Immigration Desk) |
|---|---|
| Passport scan (PDF or JPG) | Original passport (valid 6 months from entry, 1 blank page) |
| Passport-size photo | Printed eVisa approval |
| Flight itinerary (PDF or JPG) | Printed return flight ticket or itinerary |
| Accommodation proof (PDF or JPG) | Printed hotel reservation or invitation letter |
| Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from an endemic country; vaccination at least 10 days before travel) | |
| Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, credit card, or cash) |
At the airport, immigration officers check printed copies of your Ethiopia eVisa approval, passport, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and, if applicable, a yellow fever certificate vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, credit card, or cash) may also be requested.
FAQ: Ethiopia eVisa Flight Itinerary, Documents & Entry Requirements
Do I need to carry printed copies of my flight and hotel documents when entering Ethiopia?
Yes. At Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, immigration officers expect printed copies of the Ethiopia eVisa, passport, flight itinerary showing return or onward travel, and proof of accommodation. A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a WHO endemic country.
Can I get a visa on arrival instead of an Ethiopia eVisa?
Visa on arrival costs approximately $50 USD and is available at Addis Ababa Bole Airport only. Queues can exceed 2 hours. The Ethiopia eVisa remains the recommended route for UK passport holders, processed online within 3 to 5 business days.
What happens if I don’t have a confirmed hotel booking for my Ethiopia eVisa application?
Ethiopia eVisa accepts Airbnb confirmations showing your name and stay dates, or a formal invitation letter from a host including the host’s full name, Ethiopian address, a copy of their Kebele ID, and the dates of your stay. Informal email invitations do not qualify.
Is my passport’s 6-month validity calculated from my return date or entry date?
According to evisa.gov.et (retrieved 9 September 2026), Ethiopia eVisa passport validity is calculated from the date of entry into Ethiopia, not the return date. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive and contain at least one blank page.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ethiopia from the UK?
A yellow fever certificate is required only if arriving from WHO endemic countries; not needed for direct UK travel unless your route includes a stopover in an endemic area. Vaccinate at least 10 days before travel.
Can I use an Airbnb booking as proof of accommodation for an Ethiopia eVisa?
Yes. An Airbnb or short-term rental confirmation is accepted as Ethiopia eVisa accommodation proof, provided it displays the applicant’s name, stay dates, and property address. Both prepaid and pay-at-property bookings are accepted.
How long is an Ethiopia eVisa valid after it is issued?
The Ethiopia eVisa is valid for 30 or 90 days, counted from the date of entry, not the date of issuance. A 30-day eVisa issued on 1 January and used to enter on 15 January expires on 14 February.
Do I need a transit visa for a connecting flight in Addis Ababa?
If transiting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport without leaving the airport transit area, a transit visa is not required. If you plan to leave the airport, you need an Ethiopia eVisa or visa on arrival.
What should I do if my Ethiopia eVisa application is denied?
If denied, you may reapply after 30 days. There is no formal appeal process on evisa.gov.et. Do not confirm non-refundable flights or hotel bookings until your Ethiopia eVisa is approved. Review your documents for common errors such as photo format issues or name mismatches before reapplying.
