A Complete Guide to Ethiopia Visa Application and requirements and Permit

Ethiopia is one of the most beautiful nations in Africa with its own flaws and opportunities. Every year hundreds of visitors from all over the world visit the country for various purposes. The holiday opportunities, such as beautiful natural landscapes, historic artifacts and live culture attract the tourists. Others visit the country on business trip including education. The process of getting Visa Ethiopia has gained a fast improvement and for the last few years tourists can apply online to obtain their visa.

Ethiopia visa is required for many nations to enter into the country. The visa is offered upon application and travelers have two options to apply for a visa. One, upon arrival, and online on the eVisa platform. If you can make an online application or if you are planning on the last minute, the other option is to apply upon arrival. (See below if your country is allowed to apply upon arrival)

The latter option has a hassle as you have to be in line and wait to get your visa. The other requirement you need to keep in mind is you need a valid passport that has at least 6 months before expiration. Third, any payment you make online is nonrefundable. Then, decide before applying.

Any application needs a passport size photo. Keep as many photos in your pocket at all times while you are in the country. Once you understand these general points, you can go and apply to get Ethiopia visa. Below is a complete guide to how to apply for a visa for Ethiopia, how to extend your visa, how to get a work permit, and much more.

Do I Need Visa to Go to Ethiopia?

Yes.

American visitors are required to obtain a visa to enter Ethiopia. Visa on arrival is allowed however, the lines at the airport could be long and time-consuming. Since 2018, US citizens can apply and obtain visas online through Ethiopia eVisa. The Ethiopia visa for US citizens takes few minutes and only required to fill in basic information including personal information, travel plans, health history, and vaccinations.

Ethiopia Visa Requirements

There are no requirements to get Ethiopia visa. you can apply to obtain a visa to Ethiopia for a holiday or business-related purposes. You will need a passport with at least 6 month period before expiration, and 3 passport-size photos of the applicant. Once the process is started, the process could take from one day to 3.

Therefore, you need to specify for what reason you are planning to enter the country. the tourist visa is given for holiday visitors and work-based visitors. Once you clarify your purpose of entry, the office will process the rest for you.

Tourist Visa (VT)

• Tourist Visa(Online)
• Tourist Visa (On Arrival)

Business Visa

• Journalist Visa – JV
• International Organizations/Embassies Work Visa – RI
• Investment Visa – IV
• Government Institutions Short Task Visa – GIV
• NGO Work Visa – NV
• Conference Visa – CV
• Ethiopian Government Employment Visa – GV
• Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa – WV
• Ethiopian Private Business Firm Work Visa – PE

Source

By <a href=”//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Twofortnights” title=”User:Twofortnights”>Twofortnights</a> – <span class=”int-own-work” lang=”en”>Own work</span>, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Can I Get Ethiopian Visa at the Airport?

Yes. But not for everyone.

Here is how you get a visa at the airport. There are two types of Ethiopian Visa for tourists and visitors: visa on arrival and the eVisa. Not all countries are eligible for visas on arrival. The visa on arrival or visa at the airport is obtained at Bole airport in Addis Ababa. Therefore, you are not required to visit the Ethiopian embassy or consulate in your country. You just pack and travel only to obtain your visa at your destination. Ethiopia on arrival visa is valid for 3 months and with a single entry.

The eVisa is another but probably a better alternative. In order to avoid any problems at the airport including long lines to obtain Ethiopia visa, you need to apply online at eVisa and fill a short form. This way you will secure your visa at your departure.

So, Can I Get Ethiopian Visa at the Airport?

If you are from the following countries, you are eligible to obtain visa on arrival.

1- Africa

2- North America

3- South America

4- Asia

5- Europe

6- Oceanic

7- Middle East

So, now you know if you are eligible for a visa on arrival. What is next? When you arrive at Addis Ababa Bole airport, you need to visit one o the windows with 2 passport photos and an Ethiopia visa fee. For some citizens, the operator may ask a reason for their stay and the availability of funds for the stay. ( see the cost of living in Addis Ababa) Therefore, a bank statement probably is required. If you have an invitation letter from a local office or organization that may cover your expenses or not, then the invitation letter could be presented as well.

All British Australian, Canadian EU, and US travelers need to have a passport when they arrive at the airport. Not only that visa and return ticket are also required before entering the country.

All African Union Countries(except Morocco and Central African Republic) can get visa on arrival.

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How can I Apply for an Ethiopian visa online?

If your country is not eligible for visa on arrival (see the tables above), then the eVisa is an alternative solution for you. Even if your country is listed above, you may need to apply online for Ethiopia visa. eVisa or online visa has a better advantage since it is quick, no-hassle at the airport, and it secures the visa for you even before your departure. Unless you are traveling last minute, go for an evisa.

EVisa does not give you a different advantage than avoiding the hassle and other unforeseen problems. Both evisa and Ethiopia visa on arrival gives you a single entry option and your Ethiopian visa experiences upon leaving the country.

Apply for Ethiopia visa online (evisa)

Ethiopia visa for Pakistani

Ethiopia visa for Pakistani is offeree through the Ethiopia evisa. Anyone from Pakistan must have a visa to enter Ethiopia. Make sure you have a valid passport copy, photos, contact address and make the application fee.

Find support at eVisa for Pakistani citizens

Ethiopia visa for Bangladeshi

Do Bangladeshi Travelers Need a Visa for Ethiopia? Yes. Can they obtain visa upon arrival? Unfortunately NO. If you are from Bangladesh, this is what you need to do. You need to use the eVisa platform to apply for visa. You will have an option to choose between a 30 days visa and 90 days visa. Choose based on your purpose as the fee is 52 USD and 72 USD respectively.

Like other countries, you need a passport, passport size photos, a contact address, and payment options. Credicarads and PayPal options are available. The eVIsa is a short form that requires personal information and passport information. Once you submitted the info. the process will be completed between 1-3 days. Then you will receive a message in your email.

If you are grand a visa to Ethiopia, then the next process is to obtain a copy of your evisa, a copy of your passport, valid passport.

Apply e-visa online for Bangladesh citizens

How Long Can I Stay in Ethiopia?

A single entry on Ethiopia visa cannot exceed 90 days. Depending on the reason of entry and country of origin, the visa gives 30-90 days’ stay. On multiple entries, you may stay up to 6months. If you need to stay more than your visa period, consult the department of immigration and nationality affairs before your Ethiopia visa expires. It is also possible to do it online on evisa platfom.

• Arada Subcity,Kebele 05,
• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Phone: 8133
• Fax: (+251)11-1553209
• P.o.Box: 5741

Email: [email protected]

Branch Offices

• Bahirdar branch: Tel. 058 2263730
• Desse branch: Tel. 033 1122581
• Mekele: Tel. 034 4416772
• Diredawa: Tel. 025 1112497
• Jimma: Tel. 047 1116745
• Hawassa:Tel. 046 2214223

How Much is Ethiopia visa From Nigeria?

50- 70 USD. based on how the number of duration given. 52 USD for 30 day visa and 72 for 90 days visa.

You may need the following documents to get visa rom Nigeria.

1- Passport. Original and copy of your passport with at least 6 months from expiryation date.

2- 2 Passport size photos

3- Invitation letter and related documents– If you are invited to enter Ethiopia by an organization or a business, you need to provide an invitation letter that states a reason for the invitation. This could be a conference. A business license of the inviting company is sometimes requested. You also need an application letter from the inviting organization stating the reason for the invitation.

If you are on holiday, then apply online or on arrival, and find updated cost of application.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa to Ethiopia?

1-3 days.

Visa applications could take from one full day to 3 days Once approved, you will receive a message by email.

Can I Extend my Ethiopian visa Online?

Yes. You can either apply on evisa or you can visit the immigration, nationality, and vital events agency at Aratkilo Addis Ababa (see address above) and apply in person.

How Much Money Can I Take to Ethiopia?

In the past, both foreigners and locals could bring in any amount of currency, and anything more than the 3000 dollars amount they needed to declare at the airport. Recently, the Ethiopian government has put a restriction on the amount of foreign currency that individuals can bring into the country.

Therefore, foreigners are allowed money that does not extend 3000 dollars, and they need to change the rest to local currency at the airport. Ethiopian passport holders cannot bring more than 1000 dollars and the rest should be converted into local currency.

How Can I Get a Work Permit in Ethiopia?

Working as a foreigner is in Ethiopia is allowed by law in Ethiopia. Anyone who wishes to work in Ethiopia needs to find a job first and apply to the Minister of labor. Once approved you will get a 3-year work permit that should be renewed at the end of the period. Foreign investors can also hire foreign workers with one thing in mind: to replace the position with local workers in time.

This is to encourage the locals to compete in the market as well. Through training, the position should be filled by the locals. Not only an investor but also a government office can hire a foreign national, in case a local national with the expected job experience and expertise is not found in the country.

The law permits a foreign national with Ethiopian origin to work with out the need to obtain a permit.

You will need these to obtain a work permit in Ethiopia.

• Copies of the application form from an employer
• copies of passport
• Passport size pictures, at least 5
• Academic and work experience
• and application fees.

In some cases, you may need a support letter from the minister’s office especially if you are working in health and education institutions.

If you lost your work permit card, you need to obtain a certificate from a nearby police station and reapply at the ministry of labor to obtain a new one.

If you are planning to apply or renew your work permit, then find updated information here.

Ministry of Labour
Kazanchis ,Kirkos Kifle Ketema, Kebele 18
Tel: +251 115 537971
Fax: +251-11-551-8396

Where Can Ethiopians Travel?

By User:Passportguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Find more info here.

What Happens if Your Visa Expires in Ethiopia?

It is not a good idea. In general, it is sound to reapply for a further visa before our current visa expires. usually, a visitor is offered a 3 month Ethiopia visa and the visitor needs to leave the country before the end of the given date period.

If you overstay your visa, you will not go without penalty. For 15 days overstay, you are fined up to 50 USD and 5 USD per day after that. This means if you overstayed for 20 days, then you will pay 50 USD for the first 15 days penalty plus 5 USD per day for the next 5 days you overstayed. Therefore in total, you will pay 75 USD for overstaying 20 days.

You will probably leave until you pay your fine. And the sooner you pay, the lesser your fine will be. In case you overstayed for a long time, you will run into a problem with the law and face criminal charges, or worse you will forcefully be deported. You will minimize the chance of getting a future visa into the country.

The best option is to extend your visa on time. Before your visa expires, you need to visit the office of the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs at Arat kilo and request an extension of Ethiopia visa. Bring your passport (even if it is expired) and a fine fee if your visa has expired. For more information, consult the minister’s office.

How Can I Get a Residence Permit in Ethiopia?

A residence permit can be requested from the Ethiopian immigration authority once you acquire a work permit. You need a passport, visa, health certificate. You can also apply online at evisa platform.

There are three types of temporary residence permits: work, family and student residence ID.

1- Residence ID for work purposes is for foreigners who got Ethiopia visa for work. Apply online to get your residence ID for work.

2- Family members ID is a residence permit id for families of the foreigner who got a work ID. If you are applying to get a residence permit for your family Apply online here.

3-Residence ID for students. This is given to foreigners who came for education purposes. Apply online to obtain your ID online.

Final Tips on Visa to Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with its own unique characters. Thousands of tourists flock to the country for holiday and business purposes. In either case, a Visa To Ethiopia is mandatory to enter into the country. Some countries are required to apply on arrival while others should apply online before their departure.

In order to apply for a visa in Ethiopia, you need a valid passport that has at least a six-month expiration time. You also need 3 passport size photos, a contact address, and a payment option. Make sure you have a valid email address and check if there are not errors since you will receive the notification of the visa through email. You will get two payment options, credit card, and PayPal.

Once you get your visa to Ethiopia, make a copy of the visa or the eVisa notification, a bank statement that you plan to fund your stay with, health certificate, invitation certificate and much more number of photos. This is to be sure you will have no hassle on the way. Some nationals are required to present these documents while others are not. The evisa notification copy shortens the process. Health certificate is mandatory and you need a vaccine for the following diseases.

• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Pneumonia
• Influenza
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Cholera
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Measles, mumps and rubella

Incase you are requred to show a fund for your stay, you need to have a bank statement with you. this usually doesnot happen, but if the authorites feel you are there to work, they may ask for fund of stay.

Once you get to Ethiopia you can always apply for Ethiopia visa extensions. The maximum perod allwoed to stay is 90 days if you apply for the 90 days visa. if not you cant over stay more than 30 days. What if you wanted to extend your stay? Then, it is better not to wait until your visa expired. Instead apply to extend your visa for another few days.

Visit the office of the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs at Arat kilo and ask for an extension of Visa in Ethiopia. Bring your passport (even if it is expired). The process may take longer with expired passport but you will get your visa extension.

The penalty for expired visa is 50 USD for 15 days late, and 5 USD for each of the days after that. You may also face criminal charges and a deportations. This will put you in problem with future visa in Ethiopia applications.

If you are in Ethiopia for work or education purpose you need obtain work permit first. Then a residence permit.

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