Citizens of Guinea planning to explore the magnificent landscapes of Ethiopia, from the Blue Nile Falls to the ancient structures of Lalibela, now have a more efficient way to secure their travel permits. The Ethiopian government has digitised the visa process, allowing Guinean passport holders to apply for a tourist eVisa from the comfort of their homes in Conakry or elsewhere. This electronic system replaces the need for physical visits to an embassy, making the "Land of Origins" more accessible than ever for West African travellers. As of 2026, the digital visa remains the primary method for short-term tourism and family visits.
Visa Types and Arrival Conditions
The electronic visa for Guinea citizens is specifically categorised as a "Tourist Visa." It is intended for non-business purposes such as sightseeing, visiting relatives, or attending cultural festivals. It is vital to note that the eVisa is only valid for entry via **Addis Ababa Bole International Airport**. Those intending to enter via land borders or other regional airports must seek alternative visa arrangements. To better understand the specific limitations, you can review the Ethiopia visa types and entry requirements before starting your application.
Can Guinea citizens get a visa on arrival in 2026?
While some African nationals are eligible for visa-on-arrival, the digital eVisa is the recommended and more reliable method. It ensures your documentation is vetted before you board your flight, reducing the risk of entry denial.
Application Best Practices
Success in obtaining an Ethiopia eVisa depends heavily on the accuracy of the data provided. Guinea applicants should ensure that their name is spelled exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone of their passport. Common errors, such as transposing day and month in the birth date or entering an incorrect passport expiry date, can lead to immediate rejection. We recommend having a high-quality digital scan of your passport information page and a recent passport-sized photograph ready before you begin. The photo should have a plain, light-coloured background and show your full face clearly.
How long does the processing take for a Guinea citizen?
Under standard conditions, most applications are processed within 1 to 3 business days. However, it is advisable to apply at least a week before your intended departure to account for any public holidays or technical reviews.
Visa Validity and Stay Limits
The Ethiopia eVisa for Guinea citizens is typically issued for either 30 days or 90 days. It is a single-entry permit, meaning it expires as soon as you exit the country, regardless of how many days remain on the visa. The validity period of the visa starts from the **intended date of entry** you provide on the form, not the date of approval. Therefore, if your travel plans change and you arrive significantly later than planned, your visa might expire before you complete your stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration office in Addis Ababa before your current visa lapses.
| Duration | Entry Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Days | Single Entry | Tourism / Family Visit |
| 90 Days | Single Entry | Tourism / Long Vacation |
Important Reminder: Your Guinea passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Ethiopia. If your passport expires sooner, you must renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Arrival Protocol at Bole International Airport
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you should proceed to the designated "e-Visa" counters. You will need to present your Guinea passport and a **printed copy** of your eVisa approval. While digital copies on a smartphone are useful as backups, the immigration officers often require the physical paper for their records. After a brief verification and fingerprinting process, your passport will be stamped, and you will be free to begin your journey.
To keep track of your request after submission, you can easily Check Ethiopia eVisa application status through our portal. Having your reference number and passport details ready will make this check quick and easy.
Travelling with Minors
Families travelling from Guinea must be aware that every individual requires their own visa. There are no "joint" visas for parents and children. When filling out the application for a child, the parent or legal guardian should provide the child's own passport details. It is also recommended to carry the child's birth certificate and, if only one parent is travelling, a notarised letter of consent from the other parent to facilitate smooth processing at both the Guinea and Ethiopian borders.
What happens if I stay past my visa expiry?
Overstaying is a serious offence in Ethiopia. You will be required to pay a fine (calculated per day) at the airport before departure. Persistent overstaying can lead to a ban on future entry.
Financial Considerations
The total cost of the visa includes the mandatory government fee and a service fee for the online platform support. These fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied or not used. For a transparent breakdown of the current costs for Guinean citizens, please visit the Ethiopia eVisa fees and processing time page. It is also important to ensure you have prepared all the necessary documents needed for Ethiopia eVisa to avoid having to restart the process.
Do I need to show proof of funds at the airport?
While not always requested, immigration officers have the right to ask for proof that you can support yourself during your stay. A recent bank statement or a valid credit card is usually sufficient.
