General Questions About the Ethiopia eVisa
What is the Ethiopia eVisa?
The Ethiopia eVisa is an electronic visa issued online by the Ethiopian Government’s Immigration and Citizenship Service. It allows foreign nationals to enter Ethiopia for tourism, business, conferences, and other purposes. Applications are submitted through evisa.gov.et — no embassy visit required.
Who can apply for the Ethiopia eVisa?
Citizens of all countries worldwide are eligible to apply for the Ethiopia Tourist eVisa. There are no nationality restrictions for the tourist visa. Some nationalities face payment restrictions due to international sanctions, but can still apply through alternative payment channels.
What is the official Ethiopia eVisa website?
The only official Ethiopia eVisa portal is evisa.gov.et. This is operated directly by the Ethiopian Government. Do not use websites such as ethiopiaevisa.com, evisaforethiopia.com, ethiopiaimmigration.org, or similar sites — these are unofficial and not recognized by the Ethiopian Government.
Is the Ethiopia eVisa the same as a tourist visa?
The Tourist eVisa (VT) is the tourist visa category within the broader eVisa system. Ethiopia also offers business, investment, conference, NGO, student, and other visa categories through the same online platform.
Application Process Questions
How do I apply for an Ethiopia eVisa?
Visit evisa.gov.et, select “Apply Visa,” choose Tourist Visa (VT), complete the form with your personal and passport details, upload a color passport scan and photo, pay the fee online, and wait 3 business days for your approved eVisa to arrive by email.
What documents do I need for the Ethiopia eVisa?
You need: (1) valid passport with 6+ months validity from your entry date, (2) color scan of your passport photo page, (3) recent color passport-size photo, (4) email address, and (5) international credit/debit card for payment.
Can I apply for an Ethiopia eVisa on my mobile phone?
Yes — the evisa.gov.et portal works on mobile devices. You can complete the entire application including document uploads and payment from a smartphone or tablet.
Can multiple people apply on one application?
No. Each traveler must submit an individual application. Family members, including children, each require a separate eVisa application.
What happens after I submit my application?
You receive a confirmation email with your application reference number. You can track your status at evisa.gov.et/status. Within 3 business days, you’ll receive either an approval (with your eVisa PDF) or a rejection notification.
Fees and Payment Questions
How much does the Ethiopia eVisa cost?
The official 2026 fee is $62 USD for a single-entry 30-day tourist visa and $152 USD for a single-entry 90-day tourist visa. These are the only official fees — any higher amounts on other websites represent third-party service charges or fraud.
Is the Ethiopia eVisa fee refundable?
No. The fee is non-refundable in all circumstances, including if your application is rejected, if you decide not to travel, or if you make an error in your application.
What payment methods are accepted?
The evisa.gov.et portal accepts Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards. Some additional card types may be accepted. PayPal is generally not accepted.
Visa Validity Questions
How long is the Ethiopia eVisa valid?
The eVisa document is valid for 90 days from issuance as an entry window. Once you enter Ethiopia, your stay period begins: 30 days or 90 days depending on which option you purchased. Importantly, your stay period starts from your specified arrival date, not the date you actually arrive or the date of issuance.
When does the eVisa validity period start?
The stay period (30 or 90 days) starts from the intended arrival date you specified in your application. If you arrive later than that date, your remaining stay is reduced accordingly.
Can I extend my Ethiopia eVisa?
Yes. If you need more time, extensions can be done online at evisa.gov.et within 15 days of your visa’s expiry. If your visa has expired more than 15 days ago, you must visit the Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa in person. Extension fee: $102 for 30 days, $302 for 90 days.
Can I re-enter Ethiopia with the same eVisa?
No. The Tourist eVisa is a single-entry visa. If you leave Ethiopia during your stay, you cannot re-enter on the same visa. You would need to apply for a new eVisa.
Entry and Travel Questions
Which airport do I enter Ethiopia through?
Most international travelers enter through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (IATA: ADD), which is Ethiopia’s main international hub and the hub of Ethiopian Airlines. Some eVisa holders may also enter through other designated ports of entry, but ADD is the primary and most common option.
Do I need to print my Ethiopia eVisa?
It is strongly recommended to print a physical copy of your eVisa to present alongside your passport at immigration. A digital copy on your phone may be accepted at some points of entry, but a printed copy is safer and avoids issues with phone battery or connectivity.
Can immigration deny entry even with a valid eVisa?
Yes. Ethiopian immigration officers reserve the right to deny entry to any traveler, including eVisa holders, at their discretion. This is standard practice in all countries. Ensure you have all required documents and can demonstrate the purpose of your visit.
What is Ethiopia visa on arrival, and how is it different from eVisa?
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) is obtained at Addis Ababa Airport upon landing and is available for citizens of specific countries. The eVisa is applied online before travel and is available to all nationalities. Both grant the same entry rights, but the eVisa is more convenient as it eliminates airport queues. See our full comparison: eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival.
Rejection and Problems
Why was my Ethiopia eVisa rejected?
Common rejection reasons include: incomplete or incorrect information in the application, poor quality document uploads (blurry or black-and-white), passport validity issues, inconsistency between documents, or security-related grounds. See our full guide on Ethiopia eVisa rejection reasons.
Can I reapply after an Ethiopia eVisa rejection?
Yes. You can reapply by submitting a new application and paying the fee again. The previous fee is not refunded. Address the reason for rejection before reapplying to avoid a second rejection.
