Ethiopia's tourist eVisa is the standard entry route for visiting the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the Simien Mountains or the Danakil Depression. It's a simple permit — but it has one rule that surprises travellers: the approved eVisa is intended for entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
What the eVisa covers
- Single entry
- Stay within the visa's 30-day validity
- Tourism and family visits
Land borders and regional airports generally aren't covered — if your itinerary enters Ethiopia overland (for example from Kenya or Djibouti), check the entry-point rules before relying on an eVisa.
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival, with a blank page
- A clear scan of the passport bio page
- A recent passport-style photo — the photo guide covers the spec
- Your arrival flight details and first accommodation
Processing time
Ethiopia typically decides within 3–5 days. Approvals arrive by email as a PDF — print it and carry it with your passport, as airline check-in staff often ask for it before boarding flights to Addis Ababa. Running late? Our urgent service prioritises your submission.
The 30-day clock
The 30 days run within the visa's validity window, not from whenever you arrive. Book your application dates around your actual arrival date: applying months early means the validity may start before you land. Apply 2–4 weeks before travel — early enough for processing, late enough that the validity matches your trip.
Applying
Use the official portal, or apply through Vuvgo and a human reviewer will check your application against your passport before it's submitted — the name-spelling and photo errors that cause most refusals get caught before the government sees them. Fees are always itemised: government fee and service fee, shown separately before you pay.
If something goes wrong at the airport despite an approved eVisa, the airport problems guide covers what to do in real time.