The Ethiopia Residence eVisa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to enter Ethiopia to stay in the country for a specific duration and obtain legal permanent residency after a period of time.
Who Can Apply for an Ethiopia Residence eVisa?
If you are from an eligible country for an Ethiopian Residence eVisa and hold a valid Foreign Investor Employee eVisa, including one that has been recently extended.
Validity & Stay Duration
Entry Type
Multiple Entries
Validity
90 Days from Issuance
Stay Duration
Up to 30 Days
Required Documents for Ethiopia Residence eVisa
Passport bio page scan
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
Recent digital photo
A clear photo of the applicant with a plain white background.
Foreign Investor Employee eVisa Copy
A clear copy of the valid Foreign Investor Employee eVisa
Depending on your case, you may be asked to submit additional documents. It is recommended to carefully review the required documents for Ethiopia eVisa before applying.
Application Process for Ethiopia Residence eVisa
1
Step 1: Begin the Application Process
Open the Ethiopia eVisa application to start the application process.
2
Step 2: Submit Your Application
After you fill in your details, upload the required documents, and pay the eVisa fee, your application is ready for processing.
3
Step 3: Receive Your eVisa
Allow time for processing. After approval, you will receive your eVisa by email.
Processing Time and Fees
The Ethiopia eVisa fee depends on the processing option you choose at the time of application. You can select a processing speed based on your travel needs:
- Normal Processing: 5 - 8 Working Days
- Rush Processing: 2 - 5 Working Days
- Super Rush Processing: 1 - 3 Working Days
Residence eVisa vs Residence Permit (Key Difference)
It is important to understand the distinction between these 2 documents:
- Residence eVisa: It is issued to foreign nationals to enter Ethiopia for residence purposes, subject to approval.
- Residence Permit: Required for residence-related stay authorisation and related services in Ethiopia, managed by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS)
Both are essential for anyone planning an extended stay, and understanding their roles ensures a smooth and compliant relocation process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can. Just make sure you apply for the extension before your eVisa expires by visiting the ICS Head Office in Addis Ababa.
Overstaying your Ethiopian residence eVisa can lead to fines or other legal penalties, so it’s best to keep track of your eVisa dates.
It’s a good idea to carry a printed copy of your passport with you when you travel.
Yes. If additional documents are needed, you’ll be informed by your registered email address.
No. You should wait until the eVisa is issued before entering Ethiopia. Travelling without the correct eVisa may result in denial of entry.
You must review the reason for the denial and submit a new application without repeating the same mistake.
Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in April 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
