Ethiopia Visa on Arrival 2026 — Countries, Process and Cost

What Is Ethiopia Visa on Arrival?

The Ethiopia Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a tourist visa obtained upon landing at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) rather than being applied for in advance. It is available to citizens of specific countries and offers the same entry rights as the online eVisa. The visa is issued by Ethiopian immigration officers directly at the airport, allowing eligible travelers to skip the advance application process.

In 2026, Ethiopia’s Visa on Arrival program continues to operate at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. It is one of the more accessible Visa on Arrival programs in Africa, covering citizens of dozens of countries from every continent.

Countries Eligible for Ethiopia Visa on Arrival

According to the official evisa.gov.et portal, the following countries (partial list) are eligible for Ethiopia Visa on Arrival:

Africa: Algeria, Angola, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia

Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, United States of America

Asia: Bahrain, China, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, UAE

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

This list is subject to change. Always verify the most current list at evisa.gov.et/information/touristOnArrivalVisa before traveling.

Additionally, citizens of Kenya and Djibouti are visa-exempt — they don’t need any visa at all. For other countries not on the VoA list, the online eVisa applied at evisa.gov.et is required. See our eligible countries page.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

To obtain an Ethiopia Visa on Arrival at the airport, you need:

• Valid passport — at least 6 months validity from your entry date
• Passport-size photo — have a recent color photo ready
• Completed arrival form — you’ll receive a form on the plane or at the airport
• Payment — same fees as the online eVisa ($62 for 30 days, $152 for 90 days)
• Yellow fever certificate — if arriving from an endemic country
• Onward/return ticket — evidence of your intention to leave Ethiopia

Visa on Arrival Fee

The Visa on Arrival fee is the same as the online eVisa:

• 30-day single entry: $62 USD
• 90-day single entry: $152 USD

Payment is typically in USD cash or card (check current payment options at ADD before travel). Not all immigration counters may accept cards — carrying USD cash as a backup is advisable.

Visa on Arrival Process at Addis Ababa Airport

When you arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD):

1. Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter (separate from the main immigration lines)
2. Present your passport and documents
3. Complete and submit your arrival form
4. Pay the applicable fee
5. Receive your visa stamp in your passport
6. Proceed to the main immigration queue for entry stamp

Processing at the VoA counter typically takes 10-30 minutes depending on queue lengths. During busy arrival times, queues can be longer — another reason the online eVisa is often preferred.

eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival — Which Is Better?

Both options grant the same entry rights and cost the same. The key differences:

• Convenience: eVisa is applied at home; VoA is obtained at the airport
• Queue time: eVisa holders typically process faster through immigration; VoA requires time at a dedicated counter
• Certainty: eVisa is approved before you depart; VoA approval depends on the immigration officer on the day
• Availability: eVisa is available to all nationalities; VoA is only for eligible countries
• Payment flexibility: eVisa can be paid online in advance; VoA requires payment at the airport

For most travelers, the online eVisa is the better choice. See our full comparison on the eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival page.

Frequently Asked Questions