Ethiopia eVisa — apply online

Key details

Entry type

Single entry (standard eVisa)

Passport validity

At least 6 months from entry

Blank pages

1 required

Biometric data

Required

Printed eVisa

Recommended — carry a printed copy

Israeli stamp

Accepted

Travel insurance

Not required

Yellow fever certificate

Required if arriving from an endemic country

Photo specifications

Your applicant photo must meet these specifications, or the application may be rejected.

Dimensions

35 × 45 mm (600 × 750 px minimum)

Background

Plain white

File format

JPEG, max 1024 KB

Face size

Face fills 70–80% of the frame

Recency

Taken within the last 6 months

Tips & warnings

• Apply at least a week before travel — processing is usually about 3 business days.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
• A yellow fever certificate is required if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.

Practical notes

Country information

Capital

Addis Ababa

Currency

Ethiopian birr (ETB)

Calling code

+251

Time zone

GMT+3 (East Africa Time)

Population

≈127 million

Language

Amharic

Best time to visit

The dry season (Oct–Mar) is best for trekking and wildlife. Avoid the main rains, roughly Jun–Sep.

Related destinations

How to apply

1. 1

   Start your online application

   Begin the e-Visa application and select the visa type and validity that match your trip, such as the Tourist e-Visa (up to 30 or up to 90 days) or a Conference/Workshop visa.

2. 2

   Enter your details

   Provide your personal and passport information, your intended date of arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and your travel and accommodation details exactly as they appear on your passport.

3. 3

   Upload your documents

   Upload a clear color scan of your passport biographical page, a recent passport-style photo, and any extra documents required for your purpose, such as an invitation letter for conference or business visits.

4. 4

   Review your application

   Carefully check all information for accuracy, since errors in your name, passport number, or arrival date can delay or invalidate your visa.

5. 5

   Pay the fees

   Pay the government fee plus our service fee, which are shown clearly before you confirm payment, using a credit or debit card.

6. 6

   Receive your e-Visa

   Wait for processing (normally up to about 3 working days), receive your approved e-Visa by email, print a copy to carry, and present it on arrival to have your passport stamped at Bole International Airport.

After you apply & on arrival

• After you submit and pay, your application is sent to the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service for review, and under normal circumstances a decision on a tourist visa is reached within about three working days.
• The system sends email notifications at the key stages — confirming the application was received, that it is under review, and when a final decision is made — so monitor the email address you registered.
• If the authorities need more information or clarification, they may contact you by email to request that you re-upload or supply additional/corrected documents; respond promptly to avoid delays or rejection.
• You can check your application status at any time on the official portal (evisa.gov.et) using your application reference/confirmation number and passport number.
• STATUS — Pending / In Process / Under Review: your application has been received and is still being assessed, and no decision has been made yet.
• STATUS — Query / Awaiting information / Replied: the authorities have asked you for additional details or documents (or are reviewing your reply), and you must provide what is requested for the review to continue.
• STATUS — Approved / Granted: your e-Visa has been issued, and the approval notice (a PDF authorization) is sent to your registered email and can also be downloaded from the portal.
• STATUS — Rejected / Denied: your application was not approved; in many cases you can correct the issue (often a non-compliant photo or a data mismatch) and reapply.
• If your status shows approved but the PDF has not arrived, check your spam/junk folder, and if it is still missing after about 24 hours contact the e-Visa support service.
• Once approved, download and print a paper copy of the e-Visa approval/authorization (the PDF) on plain paper and carry it with you — do not rely only on a copy on your phone.
• Travel with the same passport you used in the application (it must still be valid for at least six months), because immigration will match the e-Visa against that passport.
• You must enter Ethiopia only through the designated port of entry for e-Visa holders — currently Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the sole authorized port of entry for e-Visa holders — as the e-Visa is not valid at land borders or other crossings.
• On arrival, go to the immigration counters designated for e-Visa holders and present your printed e-Visa approval together with your passport.
• Expect the standard arrival immigration checks at the counter, where the officer verifies your documents and stamps the entry visa into your passport (be prepared for routine biometric/photo or fingerprint capture if requested).
• The e-Visa is a travel authorization, not a guarantee of entry — the immigration officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether you are admitted, and travellers without a valid approved visa are refused entry.
• Have supporting details ready in case you are asked, such as proof of onward/return travel, accommodation, or a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• When leaving, depart on or before your visa expiry date; if you have overstayed or owe immigration fines you must settle them in full and obtain an exit visa before you are permitted to leave.

Before you apply

What everyone needs

• A passport valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Ethiopia, with at least one blank page.
• A clear, color scan or photograph of your passport biographical data page.
• A recent passport-style color photograph taken within the last six months against a plain white background, with a neutral expression and no facial gestures.
• A valid email address where your e-Visa approval document will be sent.
• A credit or debit card to pay the fees online during the application.
• Your travel details, including your intended arrival date and the address or accommodation where you will stay in Ethiopia.
• For children travelling on their own passport, a separate application and, if travelling without both parents, supporting documents such as a birth certificate or a notarised parental consent form may be needed.
• Apply at least 3 to 7 days before your intended date of travel to allow time for processing and for correcting any errors, as approval normally takes up to about 3 working days and often sooner.

Detailed information

Frequently asked questions