Published: 15 March 2026. Last reviewed: 10 September 2026.
Learning how to apply Ethiopia eVisa online is straightforward: visit the external government portal at evisa.gov.et, create an account, complete the application form, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee of US$52 or US$72. You will receive your approved eVisa by email within 24 hours.
Quick answer: To apply for an Ethiopia eVisa, visit evisa.gov.et, create an account with your email, log in, select your visa type (30 or 90 days), complete the application form, upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee (US$52 or US$72), and submit. You will receive the approved eVisa by email, typically within 24 hours.
Eligibility covers UK citizens and UK residents of any nationality, with one explicit exclusion: Syria. This electronic travel authorization permits air entry via Bole International Airport only – it is not valid at land borders.
This is an independent informational guide. We are not affiliated with the Ethiopian government. Always verify details on the official portal at evisa.gov.et.
Who Can Apply for the Ethiopia eVisa?
Any UK resident, regardless of nationality, can apply for an Ethiopia eVisa if their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date. One explicit exclusion applies: Syria is not eligible for the eVisa.
Travellers may apply for several visa categories through the eVisa system: tourist (30 or 90 days, single entry), business, conference, investment, and NGO work visas. A residence permit may be required for long-term stays beyond eVisa categories. Select the correct type before entering personal data.
Entry under the eVisa is restricted to Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. The eVisa is not valid at land borders – overland travellers must consult the nearest Ethiopian embassy or check visa-on-arrival eligibility separately.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Should You Choose?
| Criterion | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Where to get it | Online before departure via evisa.gov.et | Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa |
| Processing time | 1 to 3 business days | On arrival (queue) |
| Cost (30-day tourist) | US$52 | US$52 |
| Cost (90-day tourist) | US$72 | US$72 |
| Visa types available | Tourist, business, conference, investment, NGO | Tourist only |
| Eligible countries | Most countries (excluding Syria) | 93 countries and territories |
| Entry point | Bole International Airport | Bole International Airport |
| Risk if not pre-approved | Must repay fee on arrival | N/A |
Documents & Requirements Before You Start
The Ethiopia eVisa application process requires a digital passport scan (photo page), a recent passport-sized photo, travel dates, accommodation details, and, where applicable, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. According to the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Department, your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date into Ethiopia.
- Passport scan: digital copy of the photo page, valid ≥ 6 months from entry
- Passport-style photo: taken within the last 6 months, plain white or off-white background, no glasses or head coverings
- Supporting documents: proof of accommodation and travel itinerary
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: required if arriving from at-risk countries
Passport Photo Requirements
The Ethiopia eVisa application process stipulates photo dimensions of 35 × 45 mm (or 2 × 2 inches) on a plain white or off-white background. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months, in sharp focus, with a neutral expression and no shadows on the face. Accepted file formats are JPG and PNG.
Document Upload Specifications
| Document | Accepted Formats | Max Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport scan | PDF, JPG, PNG | 2 MB | Must show photo page clearly |
| Passport photo | JPG, PNG | 2 MB | 35 × 45 mm or 2 × 2 in, white background |
| Supporting docs | PDF, JPG, PNG | 2 MB | Accommodation proof, itinerary (if requested) |
Creating Your eVisa Account – Registration Step by Step
Start by creating an account at evisa.gov.et with your email and password.
Navigate to the portal
Go to https://www.evisa.gov.et/ – an external Ethiopian government resource, not affiliated with this site.
Click “Apply” or “Register”
Complete the registration form with your email address and a password.
Verify your email
Click the activation link sent to your inbox; if it does not arrive within 10 minutes, check your spam or junk folder.
Log in using your credentials
The applicant dashboard appears, from which you can start a new application.
Save and resume
The official portal does not document a draft-save feature. Prepare your passport scan, photo, and accommodation details before starting, and submit the form in a single session to avoid losing entered data.
Step-by-Step eVisa Application Walkthrough
Select Visa Type
Choose tourist (30 or 90 days), business, conference, investment, or NGO.
Enter Personal Data
Provide full name exactly as on your passport, date of birth, nationality, country of residence, gender, passport number, and passport issue/expiry dates.
Enter Travel Details
Specify intended arrival date, port of entry (Bole International Airport), accommodation address in Ethiopia, and purpose of visit.
Upload Passport Scan
Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG; maximum file size 2 MB. In practice, compressing your scan to under 1.8 MB prevents upload timeouts on slower connections.
Upload Passport Photo
Same format and size rules as the passport scan.
Review & Confirm
Check for typos in name, passport number, and dates, then click “Confirm” to proceed to payment.
Applying for a Group or Family
The Ethiopia eVisa application process requires a separate application for each traveller. Fees are charged per person – US$52 (30-day) or US$72 (90-day) per applicant. Prepare all passport scans and photos before starting batch applications to save time.
Fees & Payment Methods for the Ethiopia eVisa
The Ethiopia eVisa application process sets government fees indexed in USD: US$52 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa and US$72 for a 90-day single-entry tourist visa. A 30-day single-entry business visa costs US$32. These fees are payable on the government portal at evisa.gov.et after completing the review step.
| Visa Type | Validity | Government Fee (USD) | Estimated GBP (Sep 2026)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa (VT) | 30 days, single entry | US$52 | ~£41 |
| Tourist e-Visa (VT) | 90 days, single entry | US$72 | ~£57 |
| Business Visa | 30 days, single entry | US$32 | ~£25 |
*GBP estimates are approximate and depend on the daily exchange rate applied by the applicant’s bank. A foreign-transaction fee of 1-3% may apply on UK-issued cards. The Ethiopia eVisa application process charges no additional service fee on the government portal – third-party agencies may add extra costs (e.g., netafri charges a €50 service fee).
Payment Methods – Which Cards Are Accepted?
The Ethiopia eVisa application process accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. UK-issued debit and credit cards typically work; some prepaid cards may not. If payment fails, verify the card is enabled for international transactions, confirm sufficient funds, or try a different browser.
After You Submit: Processing, Tracking & Validity
The Ethiopia eVisa application process typically concludes within 24 hours, though standard processing may take up to 3 business days. The approved eVisa arrives as a PDF via confirmation email, accompanied by a unique reference number.
The Ethiopia eVisa application process issues your reference number immediately after payment. Log in to evisa.gov.et and navigate to the status-check page to track progress:
| Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pending / Submitted | Application received | Wait; check again in 24 hours |
| Processing | Under review | Wait; no action needed |
| Approved | eVisa issued | Download PDF, print on A4 |
| Rejected | Application denied | Review reason; reapply |
Submit at least 3 business days before departure; the optimal window is 1-2 weeks before your trip, since eVisa validity starts on the arrival date you select. If no response arrives after 3 business days, contact support via the portal or the Embassy of Ethiopia, 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 (phone: (202) 364-1200 or (202) 587-0195).
Validity begins from the intended arrival date on your application. The eVisa is single-entry only, and entry must occur at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, where separate counters serve eVisa holders. The eVisa is not valid at land borders; consult the nearest Ethiopian embassy for overland options. Extensions are available at the Immigration & Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa before expiry. Overstaying incurs fines and legal penalties.
Bring to the airport: your printed eVisa (A4), the passport used in the application, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an at-risk country.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Common errors include rejected photos, oversized files, wrong passport numbers, and payment issues.
| # | Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verification email not received | Spam filter, wrong email address | Check spam/promotions folders; resend from portal; add evisa.gov.et to contacts |
| 2 | Photo rejected | Wrong dimensions, background not white | Re-take photo: 35 × 45 mm, white background, no glasses, within 6 months |
| 3 | File upload error “Too large” | File exceeds 2 MB limit | Compress image or reduce scan resolution |
| 4 | Passport number error | Typo (O vs 0, I vs 1) | Copy number exactly as printed in passport |
| 5 | Payment declined | Card not enabled for international transactions | Contact bank to authorise; try Visa or Mastercard |
| 6 | Form freezes / session timeout | Browser cache issue, slow internet | Clear cache; use Chrome or Edge; ensure stable connection |
| 7 | Wrong travel date format | Date format mismatch (DD/MM/YYYY vs MM/DD/YYYY) | Enter date in the format shown on the portal |
| 8 | Application rejected | Incomplete documentation, ineligible nationality, passport under 6 months validity | Review rejection email; correct and reapply with fresh fee |
| 9 | Cannot log in after registration | Wrong password, account not verified | Reset password; re-check email for verification link |
| 10 | Third-party site charged extra fee | Used agency site instead of government portal | Always use evisa.gov.et – the government portal |
Warning: Always use the Ethiopian government portal at https://www.evisa.gov.et/. Third-party agency sites may charge additional service fees and are not affiliated with the Ethiopian government.
Travel Preparation: When to Apply & What to Bring
The Ethiopia eVisa application process requires you to carry a printed copy of the approved eVisa with your passport to Bole International Airport. Ensure your passport has blank pages for immigration stamps, and notify your bank of international card usage before travel to avoid payment blocks. Check UK government travel health advice for Ethiopia before departure.
FAQ
How do I apply for an Ethiopia eVisa step by step?
Go to evisa.gov.et, create an account, select visa type, fill details, upload documents, pay, and submit. You’ll get the eVisa by email within 24 hours.
What documents do I need for an Ethiopia eVisa?
You need a digital passport scan (valid ≥ 6 months from entry), a recent passport-sized photo (35 × 45 mm, white background), travel dates, accommodation proof, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an at-risk country.
How long does it take to get an Ethiopia eVisa?
Standard processing takes 1 to 3 business days, with most approved within 24 hours. Submit at least 3 business days before departure.
Can I apply for an Ethiopia eVisa from the UK?
Yes. UK citizens and UK residents of any nationality are eligible. The entire process is online at evisa.gov.et – no embassy visit required.
How much does an Ethiopia eVisa cost in 2026?
US$52 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, US$72 for a 90-day single-entry tourist visa. UK card payments are converted at the daily bank exchange rate; a foreign-transaction fee may apply.
How do I check the status of my Ethiopia eVisa application?
Log in to evisa.gov.et, navigate to the status-check section, and use the reference number issued after payment. Statuses include Pending, Processing, Approved, and Rejected.
Can I use the Ethiopia eVisa at land borders?
No. The eVisa is for air entry via Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa only. Overland travellers should consult the nearest Ethiopian embassy or check visa-on-arrival eligibility at their border crossing.
What happens if my Ethiopia eVisa application is rejected?
You will receive a notification with the rejection reason. Common causes include incorrect passport data, poor photo quality, or ineligibility. You may correct the issue and submit a new application with a fresh fee.
Is the Ethiopia eVisa website safe to use?
The official portal is evisa.gov.et, a .gov.et domain operated by the Ethiopian government. Avoid third-party sites that mimic the official portal or charge excessive service fees.
Can I extend my Ethiopia eVisa after arriving?
Yes. Travellers can request an extension at the Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa before the visa expires. Overstaying without an extension results in fines and legal penalties.
Can I save my Ethiopia eVisa application and finish it later?
The government portal does not document a save-and-resume option. Prepare all required files before starting and submit in a single session; a session timeout can otherwise erase entered data.
This guide was reviewed by our editorial team in September 2026, using data from the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Department and the official eVisa portal at evisa.gov.et.
