Most visitors need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Rules and fees change, so treat this page as a checklist of what to look into, and confirm every point with official sources before you book flights.
Get your visa in advance
Ethiopia has an official electronic visa (e-visa) system for many nationalities. Applying online before you travel is usually simpler than arranging a visa on arrival. Use only the official government portal, and be wary of look-alike websites that charge extra.
Passport and documents
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, and have blank pages.
- Keep a printed copy of your visa approval and your itinerary.
- If you are travelling with children, check whether you need extra documents.
Health entry requirements
You may be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from, or have recently transited through, a country where the disease occurs. Ask a travel-health clinic which vaccinations and precautions they recommend for your itinerary, and how far ahead to arrange them.
On arrival
- Immigration at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa can take a while at busy times; allow for it when planning connections.
- Declare any large amounts of cash as required.
- Photography of government and military buildings is restricted.
What we do
Once you book, we send a checklist for your trip, including reminders about your visa and health preparation. The responsibility for holding the right documents stays with the traveller, so please check current rules yourself.
