UK citizens transiting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport need an Ethiopia transit visa only if leaving the airside zone. The standard Ethiopia transit visa fee is approximately $23 (~£18), valid for 72 hours. Ethiopian Airlines passengers with layovers of 24 hours or more may qualify for a free 2026 stopover permit valid for up to 7 days. Last updated: September 2026. Visa rules may change without notice; always verify with the complete guide to the Ethiopia eVisa or Embassy of Ethiopia before travelling.
Do You Need an Ethiopia Transit Visa?
Transit without a visa (TWOV) applies only to passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and a valid entry permit for their final destination. Leaving the airside zone voids this exemption. The Ethiopia transit visa is required for all nationalities exiting the transit zone at Bole International Airport.
| Scenario | Visa Required? | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Airside transit (staying in transit zone) | No | UK nationals and most nationalities exempt; onward ticket required |
| Landside transit (leaving airport) | Yes | Ethiopia transit visa required; max 72-hour stay |
| Ethiopian Airlines stopover (≥24-hour layover) | Free permit | Up to 7 days; Ethiopian Airlines only; Fast Track immigration |
Transit Without a Visa: Airside Rules Explained
UK nationals staying airside do not need an Ethiopia transit visa, provided they hold an onward ticket and destination visa if required. Bole International Airport processes over 15 million passengers per year; most connecting passengers remain airside without any visa. Leaving the transit zone for any length of time voids this TWOV exemption and requires an Ethiopia transit visa.
Transit Visa Rules by Nationality
UK passport holders need 6 months’ validity and a machine-readable passport, and are eligible for visa on arrival at Bole Airport. Nationals of Kenya and Djibouti are visa-exempt. Nigerian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry, though an eVisa is recommended. Holders of Ethiopian Diplomatic ID, Temporary Residents Permit, or Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Card) are exempt. All UK residents, regardless of nationality, may apply for the Ethiopia transit visa online or on arrival.
Ethiopia Transit Visa Fees in 2026
Standard Ethiopia transit visa: ~$23 (~£18), 72 hours, single-entry, non-extendable. 2026 stopover permit: $0, up to 7 days, Ethiopian Airlines only, min 24-hour layover. The stopover permit was approved by the Ethiopian Council of Ministers in April 2026. GBP conversions reflect rates as of September 2026. Hidden costs: third-party aggregator markups (e.g. VisaHQ) and currency conversion charges may apply; apply directly at evisa.gov.et to avoid extra fees.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (GBP) | Validity | Entry | Extendable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia transit visa (standard) | ~$23 | ~£18 | 72 hours | Single-entry | No |
| 2026 Stopover Permit | $0 | £0 | Up to 7 days | Single-entry | No |
| Tourist e-Visa (30 days) | $82 | ~£65 | 30 days | Single-entry | Yes (30/90 days) |
| Tourist e-Visa (90 days) | $202 | ~£160 | 90 days | Single-entry | Yes (30/90 days) |
Transit Visa vs. Tourist Visa
The Ethiopia transit visa permits 72 hours for ~$23 (~£18); tourist e-Visas cost $82 (~£65) for 30 days or $202 (~£160) for 90 days. Transit visa holders cannot work, study, or access public services. Tourist visa holders are similarly prohibited from paid or voluntary employment, with violations carrying potential imprisonment.
Can You Extend a Transit Visa? Overstay Penalties
The Ethiopia transit visa cannot be extended. Only tourist visas are extendable (30 or 90 days) in person at the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before expiry. Overstaying any visa incurs $30 per day with no grace period. Departure from Ethiopia is prohibited until the fine is paid in full.
How to Apply for an Ethiopia Transit Visa
eVisa: Visit evisa.gov.et and create account
Start your Ethiopia transit visa application online at evisa.gov.et.
Select transit category
Choose the Ethiopia transit visa option from the available categories.
Upload passport scan and photo
Passport scan (JPEG/PNG) and photo (white background, 2×2 inches / 35×45 mm).
Pay online
Complete the payment for your transit visa application.
Download and print eVisa Approval Letter
Processing: ~3 working days. Support: +251 (11) 1262635, [email protected].
Visa on Arrival: Obtain the Ethiopia transit visa at Bole Airport immigration desk with passport, photo, and onward ticket; payable by cash (USD/GBP) or card (UK Visa/Mastercard).
2026 Stopover Permit: Automatic for Ethiopian Airlines passengers with ≥24-hour layover; includes Fast Track immigration and specialised luggage handling. No separate application needed.
Visa-on-Arrival Conditions
Carry cash in USD or GBP; UK Visa and Mastercard may be accepted. Present your onward flight ticket, destination visa (if required), and a printed passport-size photograph at the immigration desk. Processing time depends on queue length, so the eVisa route remains faster for most passengers seeking an Ethiopia transit visa.
Documents Required for Transit Through Addis Ababa
All Ethiopia transit visa applicants must submit:
- Passport: machine-readable, valid 6+ months from entry date, at least 1 blank visa page.
- Onward flight ticket: confirmed booking to a third country.
- Destination visa: valid entry permit for the final country (if required).
- Passport-size photo: white background, 2×2 inches / 35×45 mm.
- eVisa Approval Letter: printed, for Ethiopia transit visa applicants who applied online (upload formats: JPEG, PNG).
- Hotel booking: required for landside transit or stopover.
- Proof of funds: recent bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds (some nationalities).
How Long Can You Stay on an Ethiopia Transit Visa?
The standard Ethiopia transit visa permits a maximum 72-hour stay; the 2026 Ethiopian Airlines stopover permit extends this to 7 days. Both are single-entry and non-extendable. Transit visa holders may leave the airport during validity but cannot work, study, or access public services.
| Feature | Standard Transit Visa | 2026 Stopover Permit | Tourist e-Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | ~$23 (~£18) | $0 | $82-$202 (~£65-£160) |
| Validity | 72 hours | Up to 7 days | 30 or 90 days |
| Entry type | Single-entry | Single-entry | Single-entry |
| Extendable | No | No | Yes (30/90 days) |
| Work permitted | No | No | No (imprisonment risk) |
Ethiopia Transit Visa for UK Citizens in 2026
The Ethiopia transit visa for UK citizens requires a machine-readable passport with 6 months’ validity from date of entry. UK passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival, eVisa, or the free 2026 Ethiopian Airlines stopover programme. Dual nationals must travel on a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to re-enter the UK. Currency declaration: amounts over $10,000 US (or equivalent) must be declared; Ethiopian birr cash limit is 3,000 ETB (up to 10,000 ETB if travelling to Djibouti). FCDO travel advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia.
Embassy of Ethiopia in London17 Princes Gate, London, SW7 1PZ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7589 7212
Embassy hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
Consular hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-15:00
ethioembassy.org.uk
Health & Safety Requirements for Transit Passengers
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (Yellow Card) is required if arriving from a transmission-risk country. An Mpox health survey may apply if arriving from select countries and leaving the airport. FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Ethiopia and against all but essential travel to other parts. The Ethiopia transit visa does not override these health requirements.
Transiting Through Bole Airport: What to Expect in 2026
Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa processes over 15 million passengers per year. Passengers face security re-screening between international arrival and departure gates. On single-ticket itineraries, luggage is through-checked; on split tickets, you must collect and re-check bags. Ethiopian Airlines offers complimentary airport transfers for shorter layovers (ethiopianairlines.com/uk). The Ethiopia transit visa is not required for airside passengers at Bole Airport.
Bole Airport Facilities During Your Layover
Wi-Fi is complimentary but requires SMS registration. Airside transit hotel: Bole Airport Transit Hotel. Landside: Ethiopian Skylight Hotel (linked from evisa.gov.et). Lounges include Sheba Lounge and Plaza Premium, with walk-in fees available and Priority Pass accepted. Duty-free shopping is available in the international departures zone.
Travelling with Children: Transit Visa Requirements
Each traveller, including infants, requires their own Ethiopia transit visa or stopover permit. Children’s biometric photos must meet the same specifications as adults (white background, 2×2 inches / 35×45 mm). Family group applications are possible. Lap infants require separate documentation.
What Happens If Your Flight Is Delayed Overnight?
Contact Ethiopian Airlines immediately; they are obligated to provide accommodation for extended delays. A temporary entry permit may be arranged at the Bole Airport immigration desk. Emergency accommodation options include the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel. Check passenger rights under Ethiopian civil aviation regulations.
Customs Alert for Transit Passengers
Items prohibited or requiring approval even for transit passengers: khat (legal in Ethiopia, illegal to export, inspected at Bole Airport), ivory (illegal, fines up to 25,000 birr (~£220)), antiques (export certificate required; confiscation and prosecution without one), satellite phones, drones, and binoculars (illegal without prior approval from Customs and Information Network and Security Agency). Ethiopian customs may inspect transit luggage even for passengers who never leave the airport.
Ethiopia Transit Visa FAQ (Last updated: September 2026)
Do I need a transit visa if I stay airside at Addis Ababa Bole Airport?
No. If you remain within the airport transit zone with a confirmed onward ticket, you do not need an Ethiopia transit visa. This applies to UK citizens and most nationalities.
How much does an Ethiopia transit visa cost in 2026?
The standard Ethiopia transit visa fee is approximately $23 (~£18). Ethiopian Airlines passengers with a 24-hour-plus layover qualify for the free 2026 stopover permit. Tourist e-Visas cost $82 (~£65) for 30 days or $202 (~£160) for 90 days.
Can UK citizens get an Ethiopia transit visa on arrival?
Yes. UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Bole International Airport. Present your passport, passport-size photo, and onward ticket. Pay by cash (USD/GBP) or card.
How long is the Ethiopia transit visa valid?
Standard: 72 hours, single-entry, non-extendable. 2026 stopover permit: up to 7 days for Ethiopian Airlines passengers with a minimum 24-hour layover.
What documents are required for the Ethiopia transit visa?
Passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), passport-size photo (white background, 2×2 inches), confirmed onward ticket, destination visa if required, printed eVisa Approval Letter, and hotel booking for landside transit.
What is the 2026 free stopover permit for Addis Ababa?
Approved by the Ethiopian Council of Ministers in April 2026, this permit allows Ethiopian Airlines passengers with a minimum 24-hour layover to stay in Ethiopia for up to 7 days for free, with Fast Track immigration and specialised luggage handling at Bole Airport.
What happens if I overstay my Ethiopia transit visa?
Overstaying incurs a penalty of $30 US per day with no grace period. Departure is prohibited until the fine is paid in full. Transit visas cannot be extended.
Can I extend my Ethiopia transit visa?
No. Only tourist visas can be extended (30 or 90 days) in person at the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before the current visa expires.
Do children and infants need separate transit visas?
Yes. Each traveller, including infants, requires their own Ethiopia transit visa or stopover permit. Children’s biometric photos must meet the same specifications as adults.
What items are prohibited when transiting through Addis Ababa?
Khat (illegal to export), ivory (fines up to 25,000 birr), antiques (export certificate required), and satellite phones, drones, and binoculars (require prior approval). Ethiopian customs may inspect transit luggage.
Can I leave the airport during a transit in Ethiopia?
Yes, but you need an Ethiopia transit visa. The standard visa allows up to 72 hours; the 2026 stopover permit allows up to 7 days for Ethiopian Airlines passengers with a 24-hour-plus layover.
How do I apply for an Ethiopia transit visa from the UK?
Apply online at evisa.gov.et (processing ~3 working days), obtain a visa on arrival at Bole Airport, or visit the Embassy of Ethiopia in London at 17 Princes Gate, SW7 1PZ. eVisa support: +251 (11) 1262635, [email protected].
