To visit Ethiopia, travelers need to obtain a visa, and Ethiopia offers an electronic visa (eVisa) system for tourism or business purposes. To obtain an Ethiopia eVisa, travelers need to:

• Visit the Ethiopian eVisa application form and select the type of visa you need.
• Provide basic personal and travel information, including their full name, passport details, and travel itinerary.
• Upload your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Ethiopia and provide a scanned copy of the passport’s bio page and a recent passport-size photograph.
• Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card, which may vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of their stay in Ethiopia.
• Depending on the type of visa needed, travelers may also need to provide additional documents such as proof of accommodation, a letter of invitation from a business partner, or proof of round-trip airline tickets.
• Track the status of the application on the eVisa website, and the processing time for an Ethiopia eVisa is typically three business days.

It is important to note that not all nationalities are eligible for an eVisa, so travelers should check the evisa eligible country list to confirm whether they are eligible before beginning the application process.

Document Requirements for the Ethiopia eVisa

Here are the necessary documents you need to apply for an Ethiopian visa online:

1. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Ethiopia.
2. Bio page of passport: You need to provide an image of the bio page of your passport containing your personal information.
3. Passport-Size photo: A recent color passport-style photo of yourself with a clear headshot on a white background, meeting the specifications outlined on the eVisa application website.
4. Debit or credit card: You need a debit or credit card to pay the eVisa fee, which depends on the type of visa and length of stay in Ethiopia. Note that the eVisa fees are non-refundable.

Passport Prerequisites for Ethiopia eVisa

Apply for an Ethiopia eVisa, you need to make sure your passport meets the following prerequisites:

1. Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Ethiopia. If it's not, your visa application may be rejected.
2. Blank Pages: Your passport should have at least one blank page that's free from any markings or stamps.
3. Condition: Your passport must be in good condition without any damages or missing pages.
4. Biographical Page Image: You need to upload a clear and legible image of your passport's biographical page when applying for an eVisa.

Mandatory Information for Completing Ethiopia eVisa Application

Here is the necessary information you must provide for the application process:

1. Personal Information: Full name and date of birth as they appear on your passport.
2. Nationality: You must match the nationality shown on your passport.
3. Passport Details: Provide passport number, issue date, and expiry date.
4. Contact Information: Email address and phone number.
5. Health and Security Information: Report any history of communicable diseases or criminal convictions.

It is essential to provide accurate information in your application to avoid any processing delays or even visa denial. Once you submit your application, you must pay the eVisa fee using a debit or credit card. The cost varies depending on the type of eVisa you require and your nationality.

Ethiopia's Vaccination Obligations

It is important to take precautions to protect your health. While not all vaccinations are compulsory, it is recommended that you receive vaccinations before traveling. Here are the recommended vaccinations for travelers to Ethiopia:

1. Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers to Ethiopia due to the risk of contaminated food and water.
2. Hepatitis B: Recommended for all travelers to Ethiopia, especially those who may have contact with bodily fluids, such as healthcare workers.
3. Typhoid: Recommended for travelers who may be exposed to contaminated food and water.
4. Cholera: Recommended for travelers who may be visiting areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
5. Yellow fever: Required for travelers coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is also recommended for all travelers who plan to visit rural areas.
6. Rabies: Recommended for travelers who may come into contact with animals, especially dogs.
7. Meningitis: Recommended for travelers who plan to visit the meningitis belt, which includes parts of Ethiopia.
8. Polio: Recommended for all travelers to Ethiopia.
9. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): Recommended for all travelers who were not previously vaccinated or who have not had the diseases.
10. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis): Recommended for all travelers who have not had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.
11. Chickenpox: Recommended for travelers who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine.
12. Shingles: Recommended for travelers over the age of 50 who have had chickenpox.
13. Pneumonia: Recommended for travelers over the age of 65 or those with certain medical conditions.
14. Influenza: Recommended for all travelers, especially during flu season.

It is important to consult a medical professional to determine which vaccinations are necessary for your trip to Ethiopia. Some vaccines require multiple doses given within specific time periods, so it's important to plan ahead. Travelers may also need to provide certificates of vaccinations, depending on the countries they have visited recently.

Required Documents for Travel to Ethiopia

You must present the following documents at the border control:

1. Printed copy of approved eVisa
2. Corresponding passport
• Use the passport that matches the information provided in your Ethiopia eVisa application if you have dual nationality.
• Using the wrong passport may cause complications and delays at the border.

It's important to note that although having the necessary documents can make passing through security checks and border control easier, the final decision regarding entry into Ethiopia is at the discretion of the immigration authorities. The eVisa and passport do not guarantee entry.

Frequently asked questions