Overview of Ethiopia eVisa Categories in 2026
The Ethiopian eVisa system at evisa.gov.et offers multiple visa categories to accommodate different purposes of travel. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, attending a conference, working for an NGO, or making investments, there is a specific eVisa type for your situation. Understanding which category applies to you is essential — applying for the wrong visa type can lead to rejection.
Tourist Visa — VT
The Tourist Visa (VT) is the most common eVisa type and is suitable for:
- Leisure travel and sightseeing
- Visiting family and friends
- Cultural and adventure tourism
- Short medical visits for personal health (not professional treatment — use MDV for that)
- Language study or short informal courses not leading to a degree
Not suitable for: Business meetings, conferences, commercial activities, employment, or NGO work.
Fees: $62 (30-day single entry) | $152 (90-day single entry)
Eligibility: Citizens of all countries worldwide
For application details, see Ethiopia eVisa requirements.
Tourist Visa on Arrival (VT-OnArrival)
Functionally identical to the online tourist visa but obtained at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport upon landing. Available only to citizens of countries on the approved Visa on Arrival list (which includes the USA, UK, Germany, France, India, China, Australia, and many more). The same documents and fees apply. Compare options at eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival.
Conference/Workshop Visa — CV
The Conference Visa is for foreign nationals attending official international conferences, workshops, or seminars hosted in Ethiopia. Key requirements:
- The organizing institution must be registered on evisa.gov.et and have an approved reference code
- An official invitation letter from the Ethiopian organizing institution is required
- Single entry, 30-day duration
- Not for individuals attending events simply as audience members without formal invitation
Investment Visa — IV
For foreign investors, business people, and company representatives conducting legitimate investment and business activities in Ethiopia. Options include:
- Single entry, 30 days: $62
- Multiple entry, 90 days: $152
- Multiple entry, 6 months: $252
- Multiple entry, 1 year: $352
Requires registration of the investing entity on the evisa.gov.et portal with a reference code.
NGO Work Visa — NV
For employees, volunteers, and consultants working for Non-Governmental Organizations registered and operating in Ethiopia. The NGO must be officially registered on the evisa.gov.et system with an approved reference code. Individuals working for unregistered NGOs cannot use this visa type.
Government Institutions Short Task Visa — GIV
For foreign government officials and representatives performing short official duties or missions in coordination with Ethiopian government institutions. Requires official supporting documentation from both the foreign government entity and the Ethiopian counterpart institution.
Journalist Visa — JV
For accredited journalists, reporters, and media professionals covering events in Ethiopia. Requires credentials from a recognized media organization. Not available for bloggers or social media content creators without formal media accreditation.
Student Visa — SV
For foreign nationals enrolled in Ethiopian academic institutions for degree programs or formal long-term study. Requires admission letters and documentation from the Ethiopian educational institution.
Medical Treatment Visa — MDV
For foreign nationals traveling to Ethiopia specifically to receive medical treatment at Ethiopian healthcare facilities. Requires documentation from the Ethiopian medical institution providing treatment.
Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa — WV
For employees of foreign companies registered and operating in Ethiopia. The employing company must be registered on evisa.gov.et with an active reference code.
Religion Visa — RV
For foreign nationals traveling to Ethiopia for religious purposes, including missionary work, religious study, or pilgrimage (particularly relevant for Orthodox Christian and Muslim religious travelers).
Residence Visa — IMV
For foreign nationals intending to establish long-term residence in Ethiopia, typically in connection with investment or employment.
Which Visa Type Should I Choose?
For most international travelers, the answer is simple:
- Tourism, sightseeing, vacation → Tourist Visa (VT)
- Conference or workshop → Conference Visa (CV) — with invitation from registered institution
- Business investment meetings → Investment Visa (IV)
- NGO work → NGO Work Visa (NV)
- Study → Student Visa (SV)
Important: The Tourist Visa cannot be used for commercial or employment activities. If immigration officers determine you entered on a tourist visa while conducting business activities, you may face penalties. When in doubt, consult the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of eVisa does Ethiopia offer?
Ethiopia offers Tourist (VT), Conference (CV), Investment (IV), NGO Work (NV), Government Institution (GIV), Journalist (JV), Student (SV), Medical (MDV), Business Employment (WV), Religion (RV), and Residence (IMV) visas through evisa.gov.et.
Can I use a tourist visa to attend a business conference in Ethiopia?
No — attending an official international conference requires the Conference Visa (CV). Using a tourist visa for conference attendance could lead to entry denial or legal issues.
What is the cheapest Ethiopia eVisa?
The Tourist Visa (VT) at $62 USD (30-day single entry) and the Investment/Conference visas at the same 30-day rate are the lowest-cost options. The 30-day tourist visa at $62 is the most commonly applied-for type.
Can I get a multiple entry Ethiopia eVisa?
Multiple entry options are available for Investment Visas (90-day, 6-month, and 1-year). The Tourist Visa is single entry only. If you need to exit and re-enter Ethiopia during your trip, an Investment Visa with multiple entry may be more appropriate (if your purpose qualifies).
