Prepare for a visa on arrival
Check eligible arrival points, required documents, and how to pay before departure.
Prepare your application
Apply and obtain approval before travel. Arrival-visa-eligible visitors can use this advance online option.
Submit through the official channel
Use Ethiopia tourist eVisa. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Check the permission you receive
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your stay and passport validity
Enter your arrival and departure dates to count your stay and check how long your passport must stay valid.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Fees and processing time
Plan your budget and travel dates with the published fees and timing guidance.
What it costs
Amounts are published separately. If more than one charge applies to your trip, add them; if they are versions of the same permission, only the one you apply for is charged.
- Visa fee
- USD 62
- Visa fee
- USD 152
Published government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay.
Up to 3 calendar days
Normally up to three days for the online application; apply at least three days before departure.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Entry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
Choose your intended arrival date carefully
The eVisa validity starts on the entry date selected in the application, rather than the date it is issued.
Official guidance [5]Do not apply more than three months ahead
The portal will not issue an eVisa when the interval between application and intended arrival exceeds three months.
Official guidance [6]Confirm your airport for an arrival visa
The official FAQ identifies Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for eligible visa-on-arrival travelers. Confirm other entry routes before booking.
Official guidance [5]Choose the tourist visa duration that matches your trip
The official online tourist eVisa menu lists single-entry 30-day and 90-day products for USD 62 and USD 152. Ethiopian Embassy guidance says tourist visas are typically valid for 30 or 90 days, depending on the type issued. The route does not guarantee 90 days: check the duration and dates on your approved visa or passport stamp before travel.
Official guidance [7]Confirm the stay granted with your visa on arrival
The official portal lists countries eligible for a tourist visa on arrival but does not publish the permitted stay length for that visa. Confirm the duration with Ethiopian Immigration and follow the period written on your approval or passport stamp. If you need a defined option before departure, the official online tourist eVisa menu lists 30-day and 90-day products.
Official guidance [8]FCDO recommends applying online before arrival
For full British citizen passports, FCDO recommends applying online before arrival and says to get a 30-day single-entry tourist visa from the official eVisa platform. The portal also lists a separate 90-day online product; check which duration is approved for your trip.
Official guidance [9]Before and during your visit to Ethiopia
Check your details before submitting
The eVisa system cannot amend incorrectly entered personal details after submission.
Check before paying again
Payments are non-refundable. If a payment appears missing, check with your bank before making a second payment.
Ethiopia travel essentials
- Capital
- Addis Ababa
- Currency
- ETB
- Calling code
- +251
Ethiopia entry questions
Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
For tourism in Ethiopia, ordinary passport holders from the United Kingdom can get a visa on arrival at an eligible entry point. The visa-on-arrival stay length is not stated. Confirm it with Ethiopian Immigration; advance eVisas offer 30- and 90-day options.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 6 months after arrival.
How much is the government fee?
USD 62 for one entry (online application) for a 30-day stay. USD 152 for one entry (online application) for a 90-day stay.
How long does a decision take?
Up to 3 calendar days. Normally up to three days for the online application; apply at least three days before departure.
How long can I stay in Ethiopia?
The official portal lists countries eligible for a tourist visa on arrival but does not publish the permitted stay length for that visa. Confirm the duration with Ethiopian Immigration and follow the period written on your approval or passport stamp. If you need a defined option before departure, the official online tourist eVisa menu lists 30-day and 90-day products.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm Ethiopia’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Open Ethiopia tourist eVisa
Apply and obtain approval before travel. Arrival-visa-eligible visitors can use this advance online option.
Check Ethiopia’s visa options
Official visa requirements and electronic application services.
Read the official travel advice
FCDO advice current on 5 October 2026 advises against all travel to some regions and border areas and against all but essential travel to others. Civilian flights to and from Tigray were suspended on 22 September. Check the linked advice and map for your full itinerary before travel.
Check your Ethiopia eVisa application
Use the official status service; decisions are sent to the email used in the application.
Open Ethiopia tourist eVisa
· Ethiopia Immigration and Citizenship ServiceApply and obtain approval before travel. Arrival-visa-eligible visitors can use this advance online option.
https://www.evisa.gov.et/visaCheck Ethiopia’s visa options
· Ethiopia — Immigration and Citizenship ServiceOfficial visa requirements and electronic application services.
https://www.evisa.gov.et/Read the official travel advice
· UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeFCDO advice current on 5 October 2026 advises against all travel to some regions and border areas and against all but essential travel to others. Civilian flights to and from Tigray were suspended on 22 September. Check the linked advice and map for your full itinerary before travel.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia/warnings-and-insuranceCheck your Ethiopia eVisa application
· Ethiopia Immigration and Citizenship ServiceUse the official status service; decisions are sent to the email used in the application.
https://www.evisa.gov.et/information/visasatusInformation- https://www.evisa.gov.et/faq
Ethiopia eVisa official FAQ
· Ethiopia Immigration and Citizenship Service - https://www.evisa.gov.et/termsandconditions
Ethiopia eVisa application terms
· Ethiopia Immigration and Citizenship Service - https://www.evisa.gov.et/information/tourist
Ethiopia official tourist eVisa information
· Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service - https://www.evisa.gov.et/information/touristOnArrivalVisa
Ethiopia official tourist visa-on-arrival eligibility
· Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia/entry-requirements
Ethiopia entry requirements for British citizens
· UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to Ethiopia with an ordinary United Kingdom passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
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