Ethiopia Tourist Visa: E-Visa Application and Entry
Apply for your Ethiopia e-visa online before visiting Addis Ababa, Lalibela, or the Omo Valley. Covers e-visa process, required documents, yellow fever rules, visa fees, and tips for first-time visitors.
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Visa Types and Eligibility
Apply for the e-visa online before travel
Most nationalities must obtain a visa before entering Ethiopia. The e-visa is the easiest option, available at evisa.immigration.gov.et. Single-entry tourist visas cost 82 USD for 30 days or 102 USD for 90 days. Processing takes 1-3 business days. Citizens of Kenya and Djibouti are visa-exempt.
Get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Visa on arrival is available exclusively at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for nationalities eligible for the e-visa. The same fees apply. Processing takes 30-60 minutes during peak arrivals. The e-visa saves time and is strongly recommended over visa on arrival. Visa on arrival is not available at land borders.
Get a yellow fever vaccination if arriving from an endemic country
Ethiopia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. If flying directly from the US, UK, or EU, the certificate is not required. However, the WHO recommends the vaccination for travel to Ethiopia's lowland areas. The certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.
E-Visa Application
Apply online at the official Ethiopian e-visa portal
The official portal is evisa.immigration.gov.et. Beware of unofficial third-party sites charging higher fees. Create an account, fill out the form, upload documents, and pay online. The application takes 10-15 minutes. Have your passport, digital photo, accommodation details, and credit card ready.
Upload a passport photo and passport bio page scan
The passport photo must be recent, white or light-colored background, JPEG format, under 500 KB. The passport bio page scan must be clear with all text legible, JPEG or PDF, under 500 KB. The passport needs at least 6 months validity from the entry date and 2 blank pages.
Pay the visa fee online and receive approval within 1-3 business days
The 30-day single-entry tourist visa costs 82 USD. The 90-day single-entry costs 102 USD. Multiple-entry and transit visas are also available. Payment is by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. The approved e-visa is emailed as a PDF. Print two copies.
Arrival in Ethiopia
Present your e-visa printout and passport at immigration
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is Ethiopia's main international gateway and a major African transit hub. Immigration with an approved e-visa takes 10-20 minutes. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) are collected. Have your hotel booking and return flight information accessible.
Exchange money at the airport bank or ATM
The Ethiopian birr (ETB) is the local currency. As of 2026, 1 USD equals approximately 130-140 ETB. Airport bank counters offer fair rates. ATMs at the airport dispense birr. Foreign currency is not widely accepted outside of international hotels. Exchange enough birr at the airport for your first few days. Black market currency exchange is illegal.
Clear customs and declare electronics and valuables
Ethiopia requires declaration of electronics (laptops, cameras, drones) at customs entry. The declared items are noted in your passport and checked at departure. If you leave Ethiopia without a declared item, customs may assume you sold it locally and charge import duty. Drones require a separate permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority obtained before travel.
During Your Stay
Register at your hotel within 48 hours of arrival
Ethiopian immigration law requires all foreign visitors to register their accommodation within 48 hours. Hotels automatically register guests. If staying in a private residence, register at the nearest immigration office. This registration requirement is enforced at departure. Unregistered travelers may face questioning or fines when leaving.
Carry your passport when traveling between regions
Ethiopia has internal checkpoints between some regions, particularly near the northern historical circuit and border areas. Police and military checkpoints verify passports and visas. Carry your original passport when traveling outside of Addis Ababa. A photocopy is not accepted at regional checkpoints.
Extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Addis Ababa
Visit the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa. Extensions cost approximately 50 USD and grant additional time matching your original visa duration. Bring your passport, 2 photos, and proof of funds. Apply at least 1 week before your visa expires. Processing takes 2-5 business days.
Practical Tips
Note that Ethiopia uses a different calendar and clock
The Ethiopian calendar is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia also uses a 12-hour clock starting at sunrise (6 AM Gregorian = 12:00 Ethiopian time). When locals say a bus leaves at 2, they may mean 8 AM Gregorian time. Confirm whether times are given in Ethiopian or international time to avoid confusion.
Get a local SIM card from Ethio Telecom
Ethio Telecom is the sole carrier. Tourist SIM cards with data cost 200-500 ETB (1.50-3.80 USD) for 1-4 GB for 30 days. Purchase at Ethio Telecom shops with your passport. Data speeds are improving but remain slower than other East African countries. Wi-Fi at hotels and cafes in Addis Ababa is generally reliable.
Book domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines for the historical circuit
The northern historical circuit covering Lalibela, Gondar, Axum, and the Simien Mountains is best connected by domestic flights. Ethiopian Airlines offers a discounted domestic pass for international passengers. Book domestic flights early as popular routes sell out during peak season from October through March. Flights are significantly faster than the bus alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ethiopia e-visa take to process?
Most e-visa applications are approved within 24 hours. Some take up to 3 business days. Apply at least 1 week before your travel date as a buffer. The approved visa is emailed as a PDF. Visa on arrival is available at Addis Ababa airport as a backup but involves longer processing queues.
Can I get an Ethiopia visa at land borders?
No. Ethiopia does not issue visas at land border crossings. You must obtain an e-visa or embassy visa before arriving at a land border. The only visa on arrival option is at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Plan ahead if entering Ethiopia overland from Kenya, Djibouti, or Sudan.
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas including Addis Ababa, the northern historical circuit (Lalibela, Gondar, Axum), and the southern Omo Valley are generally safe for tourists. The Tigray region and some border areas have experienced conflict. Check current government travel advisories before planning your route. Hire local guides for trips outside major cities.
What are the main attractions in Ethiopia?
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage), Gondar's castles, the obelisks of Axum, Simien Mountains National Park (trekking and wildlife), Danakil Depression (one of Earth's most extreme landscapes), the Omo Valley tribes, and Addis Ababa's National Museum (home of the Lucy skeleton). Ethiopia's historical and natural diversity rivals any country on the continent.