British citizens need an Ethiopian tourist eVisa in 2026, available as a single-entry 30-day (USD 52) or 90-day (USD 72) permit. This guide details the specific ethiopia tourist evisa requirements, fees, and conditions for both categories. All fees and rules below were verified on 1 August 2026 against the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service portal at evisa.gov.et and UK FCDO travel guidance at gov.uk.
Ethiopia Tourist eVisa Requirements 2026: Fees & Eligibility
British citizens must obtain an Ethiopian tourist eVisa before departure; the 30-day category costs USD 52 (~£41) and the 90-day costs USD 72 (~£57). Applications are submitted through the government portal at evisa.gov.et. A visa on arrival is available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for eligible travellers, accepting card payments and cash in USD, EUR, GBP, or CAD; however, the eVisa remains the recommended channel. British dual nationals must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to the right of abode to re-enter the UK after their trip. Holders of an Ethiopian Diplomatic ID Card, Temporary Residents Permit, or Origin ID (Yellow Card) are exempt, as are citizens of Kenya and Djibouti.
| Category | Government Fee (USD) | Est. GBP* | Processing | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day tourist eVisa | USD 52 | ~£41 | 3-10 business days | Single |
| 90-day tourist eVisa | USD 72 | ~£57 | 3-10 business days | Single |
*GBP estimates fluctuate; verify the exchange rate at time of application. The Ethiopian tourist eVisa fee is non-refundable once the application is submitted. Portal support: phone +251 (11) 1262635, email [email protected], address Addis Ababa.
30-Day vs 90-Day Ethiopian Tourist eVisa Rules Compared
The 30-day and 90-day Ethiopian tourist eVisas are both single-entry permits differing in maximum stay and cost-per-day value.
| Category | Fee (USD) | Max Stay | Entries | Extension | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day | USD 52 | 30 days from entry | Single | 30 or 90 more days, in person | Short trips |
| 90-day | USD 72 | 90 days from entry | Single | 30 or 90 more days, in person | Longer stays |
The eVisa prohibits all employment, including voluntary work. Extensions require an in-person visit to the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before expiry. Weigh the 90-day upfront option against a 30-day visa plus extension.
When Does the 30-Day or 90-Day Validity Clock Start?
The Ethiopian tourist eVisa validity begins on the date of electronic issue, not the intended arrival date. If your 30-day visa is issued on 1 October and you arrive on 15 October, your stay window expires on 30 October.
Documents Required for the Ethiopian Tourist eVisa
Ethiopian tourist eVisa applicants need a passport valid for six months after arrival, a digital passport scan, and a passport-type photograph. Prepare the following:
- Passport: Machine-readable, valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with 2 consecutive blank pages.
- Digital scan: Colour copy of the passport information page in JPG or PNG format.
- Photograph: 35 mm x 45 mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months.
- Personal details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, travel dates, port of entry.
Common rejection reasons include blurry scans, expired passports, or incorrect photo dimensions.
Photo and Passport Scan Technical Specifications
The portal accepts JPG or PNG files. Photos must measure 35 mm x 45 mm with a white background, full frontal view, and neutral expression. No glasses or headwear (except religious) are permitted. The image must be taken within the last 6 months.
How to Apply for the Ethiopian Tourist eVisa & Processing Time
Apply exclusively at evisa.gov.et in five steps: select category, complete form, upload documents, pay, and await decision. Do not use www.ethiopiavisas.net; it is not affiliated with the government.
Select the category
Select the 30-day or 90-day Ethiopian tourist eVisa category.
Complete the form
Complete the form with personal and travel details.
Upload documents
Upload your passport scan and photograph.
Pay the fee
Pay the government fee by card.
Await the decision
Await the decision, delivered as a PDF by email within 3 to 10 business days.
Apply at least 10 business days before departure. Print the approved PDF and carry it at boarding. A payment receipt does not serve as visa approval; arriving without a secured eVisa means repaying the fee at Addis Ababa airport.
Entry Points, Stay Conditions & Visa Extensions
The Ethiopian tourist eVisa permits entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport; extensions must be arranged in person, while overstays cost USD 30 per day. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, meaning re-entry requires a new visa.
| Entry Method | Permitted Entry Points |
|---|---|
| Air | Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) |
| Land border | Contact the Ethiopian Embassy in the UK for guidance |
Extend your stay for 30 or 90 days by applying in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before expiry. Overstays incur a daily penalty from the first day after expiry, and exit is prohibited until the fine is paid in full.
Health Requirements & Customs Rules for UK Travellers
Health and customs controls apply to all eVisa holders. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers arriving from countries listed as transmission risk areas. An mpox screening survey must be completed before arrival via the Ethiopian Ministry of Health portal; arrivals from select countries with symptoms face mandatory testing or treatment.
Customs rules apply regardless of Ethiopian tourist eVisa category. Cash limits are set at 3,000 Ethiopian birr for entry and exit (10,000 birr when travelling to Djibouti); exceeding these limits risks cash seizure and potential prison sentence. Foreign currency exceeding 10,000 USD (or equivalent) must be declared; for residents of Ethiopia the threshold is 4,000 USD, and for land border entry 500 USD. Khat is legal within Ethiopia but illegal to export. Antiques require an export certificate; uncertified export risks confiscation and prosecution. Ivory possession carries fines up to 25,000 birr (about £220). Satellite phones, binoculars, and drones require prior approval from Customs and the Information Network and Security Agency.
Ethiopia Tourist eVisa Requirements FAQ
How much does the 30-day Ethiopian tourist eVisa cost in 2026?
The 30-day Ethiopian tourist eVisa costs USD 52 (approximately £41) in government fees for 2026. Pay on the evisa.gov.et portal using an international credit or debit card.
How much does the 90-day Ethiopian tourist eVisa cost in 2026?
The 90-day Ethiopian tourist eVisa costs USD 72 (approximately £57) in government fees for 2026. Pay directly on the evisa.gov.et portal. Fees are generally non-refundable once submitted.
Can I extend my Ethiopian tourist eVisa while in Ethiopia?
Yes, tourist eVisas can be extended for 30 or 90 additional days. Apply in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Service Head Office in Addis Ababa before your visa expires.
What happens if I overstay my Ethiopian tourist eVisa?
Overstaying incurs a penalty of USD 30 per day. Exit is prohibited until the fine is paid in full. No grace period is documented; the penalty applies from the first day after expiry.
Can I use my Ethiopian eVisa to cross a land border?
The eVisa is confirmed for entry at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. For land border crossings from Kenya, Djibouti, or Sudan, contact the Ethiopian Embassy in the UK for current guidance.
I hold dual nationality – which passport should I use for the eVisa?
Apply using the passport you will travel on. British dual nationals must also carry a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode to re-enter the UK.
Do I need a printed copy of my approved Ethiopian eVisa?
Yes, print the PDF approval email and carry it alongside your passport at boarding and immigration. A payment receipt alone is not accepted as proof of visa approval.
What payment methods are accepted on the Ethiopian eVisa portal?
The evisa.gov.et portal accepts international credit and debit card payments. The fee is denominated in USD; your bank may apply a foreign transaction fee.
How long before my trip should I apply for the Ethiopian tourist eVisa?
Apply at least 10 business days before departure. No explicit earliest window is documented, but applying more than 3 months ahead risks validity expiry before arrival, as the clock starts on the issue date.
Can I get a refund if my Ethiopian eVisa application is rejected?
The Ethiopian government does not advertise a refund policy. Once submitted, the fee is generally non-refundable. Ensure your documents meet all technical specifications to avoid rejection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules are subject to change without notice. Always verify your eligibility and requirements with the Ethiopian eVisa portal (evisa.gov.et) or the nearest Ethiopian embassy before travel. For current UK travel advice, consult the FCDO guidance at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia.
