Who needs a visa: Nearly everyone. UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and EU passport holders — along with almost all other nationalities — must apply for an e-visa before travelling. Visa-free entry is limited to Kenyan and Djiboutian citizens only; visa-on-arrival is now restricted mainly to Hong Kong and Taiwan passport holders. If you're reading this, you need an e-visa.
How to apply: Apply online at the official portal, evisa.gov.et — never a third-party site, which often costs more and can cause delays. You'll need a passport scan, a photo, and payment by card. Approval typically takes 1–3 business days, though applying 2–4 weeks ahead gives you a useful buffer, especially around busier periods.
Cost and duration: A 30-day single-entry e-visa runs roughly $50–62 USD; a 90-day option costs more (recent figures suggest $70–150, depending on when you check — prices have shifted year to year, so confirm the exact fee on the official portal before applying). Fees are non-refundable, even if declined.
Passport requirements: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
Entry point: E-visas are only valid for first entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport — not land borders or regional airports.
Just transiting? If you're passing through Bole and staying within the airport for under 8 hours without leaving the terminal, no visa is needed at all.
Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk. Requirements can vary by individual routing, so check current guidance for your specific journey.
What to bring to the airport: Your e-visa approval email (printed or downloaded — don't rely on inflight wifi to pull it up), your passport, and ideally proof of a return or onward ticket. Immigration doesn't always ask, but it's a quick, easy thing to have ready.
Currency on arrival: Ethiopia has rules on how much cash you can bring in and out without declaring it, covering both foreign currency and Ethiopian Birr — but the exact figures vary depending on the source and have changed in recent years. Rather than quote a number that may be outdated by the time you travel, check the current limit directly on the National Bank of Ethiopia's site or with your airline before flying with significant cash.
Travelling with children: If you're travelling with a minor who isn't your own child, or as a single parent, bring extra documentation — a birth certificate and, in some cases, a consent letter from the other parent. Requirements can vary by circumstance, so it's worth confirming specifics before you fly.
Common mistakes to avoid: Applying through a third-party site instead of the official portal; entering the wrong arrival date (your visa's validity window starts from the date you specify, not the date you apply); and leaving the application too late.
Extensions: If your trip runs long — the northern historic circuit alone can eat 2–3 weeks — extensions are available through Addis Ababa's immigration office. Budget this into your planning if you're combining the historic route with somewhere like the Omo Valley.