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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Ethiopia.
7 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Ethiopia Tourist Visa on Arrival
Ethiopia issues a tourist visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to nationals of eligible countries, including African Union member states (with certain exclusions), all EU member states and around forty other countries such as Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan and the United States. The visa is issued at the airport for tourism and short visits, typically for a stay of up to 30 days at the published USD 62 fee (a 90-day option has also been offered). Travellers eligible for the visa on arrival may instead apply for the e-Visa in advance, which the Immigration and Citizenship Service encourages to speed up airport processing. Visa on arrival is available only by air at Bole airport; land-border arrivals must hold a visa in advance. The visa does not permit employment, study or residence.
Government fee
$62
Processing time
1 day
Max stay
30 days
Validity
30 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from arrival with a blank page.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia presented at the airport.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address for the stay.
Passport-style photographOptionalA recent passport-type photograph for the arrival counter where requested.
PaymentMeans to pay the visa fee on arrival at the airport.
Tourist Visa
Ethiopia Tourist e-Visa (30 days, single entry)
The single-entry tourist e-Visa is the standard route for travellers visiting Ethiopia for tourism, leisure or other non-business short visits, and is issued online through the official portal at evisa.gov.et by the Immigration and Citizenship Service. Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply for the tourist e-Visa, and the e-Visa is the most widely used option since visa-free entry is limited to Kenyan and Djiboutian nationals. The 30-day version permits a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry, with normal processing of about three working days. The published government fee is USD 62 for the 30-day single-entry tourist visa. e-Visa holders must enter Ethiopia through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and the visa does not authorise employment, enrolled study or residence.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry, with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the e-Visa portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et with personal, passport and travel details.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address for the stay in Ethiopia.
Payment cardInternational credit or debit card to pay the e-Visa fee on the portal.
Tourist Visa
Ethiopia Tourist e-Visa (90 days, single entry)
The 90-day tourist e-Visa is the longer-stay variant of Ethiopia's single-entry electronic tourist visa for travellers spending an extended period sightseeing or visiting the country, applied for online at the official evisa.gov.et portal. Like the 30-day option it is open to citizens of all countries and is single entry, allowing one entry and a continuous stay of up to 90 days from the date of arrival. The published government fee is USD 152 for the 90-day single-entry tourist visa, with processing normally around three working days. e-Visa holders must enter through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The visa does not authorise work, enrolled study or residence, and a fresh visa is needed for any later trip.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry, with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the e-Visa portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et with personal, passport and travel details.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address for the extended stay in Ethiopia.
Payment cardInternational credit or debit card to pay the e-Visa fee on the portal.
Transit Visa
Ethiopia Transit (Airside, no visa within 12 hours)
Travellers of all nationalities transiting Ethiopia by air do not require a visa if they arrive by air, remain within the permitted airside transit area at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and depart by air within 12 hours. This exemption is intended for passengers connecting between international flights without clearing immigration into Ethiopia. Anyone who needs to leave the transit area, stay overnight or remain longer than the permitted transit window must obtain an appropriate visa (for example a tourist e-Visa) in the normal way. The transit exemption confers no right to work, study or reside in Ethiopia. Travellers should confirm their itinerary keeps them strictly within the airside transit window.
Max stay
1 day
Validity
1 day
Document checklist (3)
PassportPassport valid for onward international travel.
Confirmed onward ticketConfirmed onward international flight departing within the 12-hour transit window.
Onward destination documentsAny visa or entry document required for the final destination country.
Business Visitor Visa
Ethiopia Workshop / Conference e-Visa
The workshop/conference e-Visa is issued to foreign nationals attending workshops, conferences, seminars or short training events in Ethiopia, applied for online at evisa.gov.et. It is generally a single-entry visa for a short stay aligned to the event, processed in about three working days. Applicants typically provide an invitation letter from the organising body or host institution in addition to the standard passport and photo. Ethiopia also runs a separate Food Summit Conference (FDC) category for designated summit events. The visa covers participation in the event but does not authorise employment or residence; longer engagements require the relevant work permit and temporary residence ID. Applicants should confirm the current fee on the portal.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et selecting the conference/workshop purpose.
Invitation letterInvitation from the organising body or host institution stating the event and dates.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Business Visitor Visa
Ethiopia Business e-Visa
The business e-Visa is for foreign nationals travelling to Ethiopia to conduct business: attending meetings, conferences, seminars and fairs, negotiating contracts, settling estates, or buying and selling goods and services. It is applied for online at evisa.gov.et and is typically issued as a single-entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days, with normal processing of about three working days. Applicants generally provide an invitation or supporting letter from the Ethiopian host company alongside the standard passport and photo. The business visa permits business activity but does not authorise salaried local employment; foreign nationals taking up work require a work permit and the corresponding residence/temporary ID. Published fees vary, so applicants should confirm the current amount on the portal for their nationality.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et selecting the business purpose.
Company invitation letterInvitation or support letter from the Ethiopian host company stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
Business documentationOptionalSupporting business documents such as host company registration or correspondence.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Medical Treatment Visa
Ethiopia Medical Treatment e-Visa
The medical treatment e-Visa is for foreign nationals travelling to Ethiopia to receive medical care, applied for online through evisa.gov.et. It is generally a single-entry short-stay visa processed in about three working days, intended to cover the treatment period. Applicants are expected to provide supporting documentation such as a letter or appointment confirmation from the Ethiopian hospital or medical facility, in addition to the standard passport and photograph. The visa is for the patient's treatment and short recovery and does not confer work, study or residence rights; extended treatment may require renewal or a temporary residence ID. Applicants should confirm the current fee and any accompanying-carer arrangements on the portal.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et selecting the medical treatment purpose.
Hospital appointment letterLetter or appointment confirmation from the Ethiopian medical facility providing treatment.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Not yet researched
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
The student visa is for foreign nationals who wish to study in Ethiopia, allowing them to enrol at an educational institution and reside in the country for the duration of their studies. Entry is arranged through the e-Visa portal selecting the student category, and the holder then obtains a temporary residence ID from the Immigration and Citizenship Service for the study period, supported by a letter from the Ministry of Education. Applicants provide an admission or enrolment letter from a recognised Ethiopian institution alongside the standard passport and photograph. The visa and temporary ID cover study and lawful residence while enrolled but do not authorise general employment. Fees vary by service, and applicants should confirm the current amount on the portal.
Study: Full enrolment at the admitting Ethiopian institution.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph.
University admission / enrolment letterAdmission or enrolment confirmation from a recognised Ethiopian educational institution.
Ministry of Education letterSupporting letter from the Ministry of Education required for the temporary residence ID.
e-Visa / temporary ID applicationOnline application selecting the student purpose, followed by the temporary residence ID application.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
1 route
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Ethiopia Work Permit (Foreign Business Firm Employment)
Foreign nationals employed by a company in Ethiopia enter on the Foreign Business Firm Employment e-Visa (WV) and must then obtain a work permit, which is the official authorisation allowing an expatriate to work legally in a specified position for a specified period. Work permits for investment projects are granted by the Ethiopian Investment Commission so that investors and companies can employ skilled expatriates where local expertise is not available; the new standard work permit fee is USD 100 (USD 500 in free-trade/special economic zones), with renewal at USD 80 (USD 300 in zones). Applicants must show authenticated education and experience credentials, an employment contract, a local-employee replacement/training plan and evidence of local payroll and tax compliance. Work-permit holders also obtain a temporary residence ID and may renew while employed.
Work: Authorises work in the specified position for the specified employer and period.
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Ethiopia Investment Visa
The Investment Visa is issued to foreign nationals engaged in investment activities in Ethiopia, or to prospective investors coming to explore and start an investment, and is administered in connection with the Ethiopian Investment Commission (investinethiopia.gov.et). It can be granted for multiple entries and for up to 12 months, supporting investors who travel in and out while establishing or running a project. The Commission publishes an investment visa support fee of USD 15, with the same fee for visa extension and conversion. Wholly foreign-owned investment generally requires minimum capital of USD 200,000 (USD 100,000 in specified consultancy/technical fields), or USD 150,000 for a joint venture (USD 50,000 in specified fields), under the Investment Board's rules. Investors may then sponsor expatriate work permits and obtain temporary or permanent residence IDs.
Work: Supports the investor's investment activity; expatriate employment requires the Investment Commission work permit.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Company profile or bank statementBusiness licence and memorandum of association of an existing company, or a bank statement evidencing investment capacity.
Investment visa applicationInvestment visa request processed via the e-Visa portal / Ethiopian Investment Commission.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph.
Investment Commission documentationOptionalInvestment permit or registration documentation where the project is already established.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
No verified routes yet
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
Working Holiday Visa
2 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Ethiopia Temporary Residence Permit Through Marriage
The temporary residence permit through marriage allows a foreign national married to an Ethiopian citizen to legally reside in Ethiopia for a specified period, and is renewable subject to the conditions set by the Immigration and Citizenship Service. It is processed by ICS (applications online or in person) rather than through the e-Visa portal. Applicants provide evidence of the marriage and the Ethiopian spouse's citizenship in addition to the standard identity documents. The permit confers lawful residence; foreign spouses of Ethiopian origin may instead qualify for the Ethiopian Origin ID by marriage, which carries broader rights. Continuous lawful residence can support a later application for a permanent residence ID. Fees vary by service and should be confirmed with ICS.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 3 years
Family: Based on the marriage to the Ethiopian citizen; children of the marriage may qualify for the Origin ID for children.
Processing time
10 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months.
Marriage certificateAuthenticated certificate evidencing the marriage to an Ethiopian citizen.
Spouse's proof of Ethiopian citizenshipEthiopian ID or passport of the Ethiopian spouse.
Residence permit application formCompleted ICS application for the temporary residence permit.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Card)
The Ethiopian Origin ID, known as the Yellow Card, is issued to foreign nationals of Ethiopian descent who hold foreign citizenship, since Ethiopia does not permit dual citizenship. The card is valid for five years and renewable, and confers far-reaching rights: visa-free entry and the ability to live in Ethiopia without an entry visa, residence permit or work permit, the right to be employed without a work permit, the right to own immovable property, and treatment as a domestic investor under the investment law. Children under 18 of a holder can enjoy the same facilities, and there are companion routes (Origin ID by marriage and Origin ID for children). The standard ICS service fee is USD 300 (USD 400 urgent). Applicants apply in person (it cannot be issued by proxy) with proof of Ethiopian origin such as a former Ethiopian passport, authenticated birth certificate or parental Ethiopian identity documents.
Work: May be employed in Ethiopia without a work permit.
Study: May study in Ethiopia as a resident.
Residency: Grants the right to live in Ethiopia without a residence permit; the card is a 5-year renewable residence-equivalent status.
Family: Children under 18 enjoy the same facilities; spouses of Ethiopian citizens may qualify via the Origin ID by marriage route.
Government fee
$300
Processing time
7 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (5)
Application formCompleted Ethiopian Origin ID application (in person; cannot be issued by proxy).
Valid passportForeign passport with at least 6 months validity.
Proof of Ethiopian originMachine-readable former Ethiopian passport, authenticated birth certificate, or parental Ethiopian ID (kebele ID or passport).
Visa with entry stampCurrent visa documentation showing entry stamps into Ethiopia.
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Religious Worker Visa
Ethiopia Religion e-Visa
The religion e-Visa is issued to foreign nationals entering Ethiopia to take part in religious activities, such as missions, religious conferences or work with a recognised faith institution, and is applied for online at evisa.gov.et. It is generally a single-entry short-stay visa processed in about three working days. Applicants typically provide an invitation or support letter from the hosting religious organisation in Ethiopia together with the standard passport and photograph. The visa covers the religious activity for which it is granted; foreign nationals taking up longer-term religious employment normally require a work permit and a temporary residence ID. Applicants should confirm the current fee on the portal.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et selecting the religion purpose.
Invitation letter from religious organisationSupport or invitation letter from the hosting faith institution in Ethiopia.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Humanitarian / Asylum Route
Ethiopia NGO Work e-Visa
The NGO work e-Visa is issued to foreign nationals invited by non-governmental organisations operating in Ethiopia for employment or short-term assignments, and is applied for online at evisa.gov.et. It is typically a single-entry visa, with the single-entry 30-day fee reported at USD 62, processed in about three working days. Applicants provide an invitation or support letter from the host NGO together with the standard passport and photograph. The e-Visa enables entry; foreign staff taking up an actual NGO role in-country must then obtain the NGO Work Permit and a temporary residence ID from the Immigration and Citizenship Service, which require the employment contract, NGO registration proof, police clearance and qualifications. The visa itself does not confer permanent residence.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et selecting the NGO work purpose.
NGO invitation letterInvitation or assignment letter from the host NGO operating in Ethiopia.
Proof of NGO registrationOptionalEvidence the inviting organisation is a registered NGO in Ethiopia.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Journalist / Media Visa
Ethiopia Journalist e-Visa
The journalist e-Visa is for foreign media professionals travelling to Ethiopia to report, film or cover events, applied for online at evisa.gov.et. It is a single-entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days and reported as non-extendable, processed in about three working days. Applicants are expected to provide supporting documentation such as an assignment or accreditation letter from their media organisation, alongside the standard passport and photograph; press activity in Ethiopia generally also requires accreditation from the relevant government communication authority. The published fee for the single-entry 30-day journalist visa is USD 152. The visa covers the journalistic assignment and does not confer other employment or residence rights.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page.
Passport-style photographA recent passport-type digital photograph uploaded to the portal.
e-Visa online applicationApplication completed on evisa.gov.et selecting the journalist purpose.
Media assignment / accreditation letterLetter from the media organisation confirming the assignment, plus accreditation from the relevant Ethiopian authority where required.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of departure travel from Ethiopia.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Ethiopia Temporary Residence ID
The Temporary ID gives foreign nationals temporary residency status in Ethiopia for a limited, renewable duration and is the residence document that follows entry on the relevant visa category. It is issued by the Immigration and Citizenship Service to defined groups: company employees, students, shareholders/investors and journalists. Each group provides a category-specific support letter, for example from the employer with a valid trade certificate, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for employees, the Investment Commission for shareholders, the Ministry of Education for students, or the Ministry of Communication for journalists. Applicants also submit a passport copy and the valid visa and stamp. The ID legalises in-country residence tied to the underlying status and is renewed as that status continues; it does not itself grant permanent residence.
Work: Residence tied to the underlying status (e.g. employee with a work permit); study/journalist categories carry their own limits.
Study: Students hold the temporary ID for the study period.
Residency after 3 years
Processing time
10 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (5)
Passport and valid visaPassport copy plus the valid entry visa and visa stamp.
Category support letterEmployer letter with trade certificate, or Ministry of Labour/Education/Communication or Investment Commission letter according to the applicant's status.
Company trade certificateOptionalTrade certificate of the sponsoring company where applicable.
Temporary ID application formCompleted ICS temporary residence ID application.
Permanent Residence
Ethiopia Permanent Residence ID
The Permanent Residence ID lets a foreign national reside in Ethiopia long term; the card is valid for five years and renewable on expiry. The standard eligibility is to have established domicile and lived in Ethiopia for at least three years immediately before applying, to show a sufficient and lawful source of income to support oneself and one's family, and to be of good character. A foreigner engaged in investment or humanitarian activities, or who has made or is expected to make contributions in Ethiopia's interest, may be granted permanent residence without the three-year prior-residence requirement. It is processed by the Immigration and Citizenship Service rather than through the e-Visa portal. Holders enjoy long-term residence; Ethiopia does not permit dual citizenship, so naturalisation is a separate process.
Work: Long-term residents may live and work in Ethiopia subject to permit conditions.
Study: Residence permits study.
Residency: This is permanent residence (5-year renewable ID); naturalisation is separate and Ethiopia does not allow dual citizenship.
Processing time
10 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid passport with the applicant's immigration history.
Proof of prior residenceEvidence of established domicile and at least three years of residence in Ethiopia (waived for qualifying investors/humanitarian contributors).
Proof of lawful incomeEvidence of sufficient and lawful income to support the applicant and family.
Good-character / police clearanceEvidence of good character, such as a police clearance certificate.
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