Ethiopia
* Please see Visa application on arrival section below
Passports
Passport valid for
six months required by all.Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Kenya for stays of up to three months;
(b) transit passengers continuing to a third country within 12 hours, provided not leaving the airport and holding valid travel documents for onward destination.Types of visa and cost
Tourist: US$21 (single-entry); US$31 (multiple-entry, three months); US$41 (multiple-entry, six months). Business: US$21 (single-entry); US$31 (multiple-entry, three months); US$52 (multiple-entry, six months); US$103 (multiple-entry, one year). Transit: US$21 (single-entry); US$31 (double-entry).
Note: The above prices do not apply to US citizens. By special arrangement with the US Goverment, citizens receive a two-year multiple entry visa for both business and tourism for US$72 Validity
Tourist and Business: Single-entry visas are valid for 30 days, multiple-entry visas are valid for three or six months and business visas also up to twelve months. Applications for extensions should be made to the Immigration Department in Ethiopia. Transit: Seven days.Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information, in person, by post or on arrival (see below).Visa application on arrival
1. Some tourist visas can be issued on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Tourist visas can be issued on arrival to:
(a) Foreign nationals coming from countries where there is no Ethiopian mission.
(b) Foreign nationals coming from and who are permanent residents in any of the following internationally recognized tourist generating countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.
If applying for a tourist visa on arrival, visitors will require two passport photographs and US$100.
Application can take up to two hours.Application requirements
(a) Completed application form. (b) Passport valid for at least six months (containing residence permit, if applicable). (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee (payable by cash, banker's draft or postal order) made payable to The Ethiopian Embassy. (e) Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay i.e a bank statement. (f) Return or onward ticket. (g) For postal applications, a self-addressed special-delivery envelope. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter from sponsor on headed paper, accepting financial responsibility for applicant, or if self employed a letter from solicitor or Company House. Student: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter from educational institution, or invitation from Ethiopian reference.Note
A yellow fever vaccination, whilst advisable, is not compulsory. Consult the embassy for up-to-date advice on whether applications will be accepted without the certificate.Working days required
Two to three days, longer if application is by post. Applications should be made well in advance.Exit permit
Required by all nationals of Ethiopia and visitors staying more than 30 days.
No Test Required
US$20, payable in US Dollars only. Exact amount only. Transit passengers not leaving the airport and children under two are exempt.
Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the UK
17 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7838 3888.
Website: www.ethioembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (general); Mon-Fri 0900-1600 (visa applications and collections). Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the USA
3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 364 1200.
Website: www.ethiopianembassy.org
Travelers are advised against all travel to the Gambella Region at any time, where continuing unrest and sporadic violence has led to many deaths since December 2003. In October 2005, a further outbreak of violence resulted in the death of police officers and civilians. The situation remains tense.
Travelers are also advised against all travel within 20 kms of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions at any time, which remain predominantly military zones. The Ethiopia/Eritrea border remains closed. The situation is very tense and could deteriorate extremely rapidly.
Travelers are advised against crossing the Ethiopia/Somalia border by road at any time, and against all but essential travel in the area east of the Harar to Gode line. A number of explosions occurred in Jijiga on 24 July 2005.
There was tension between the authorities and local residents in mid March around the Shakisso and Bore areas in Southern Ethiopia. Although the situation appears to have calmed, it could re-ignite with little warning. Visitors should consult the latest travel advice before traveling to that area.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Ethiopia.
Following serious disturbances in November 2005, the situation remains volatile and there are continued reports of incidents, often involving educational establishments. Most recently, on 7 and 27 March 2006 explosive devices were detonated in Addis Ababa.
At all times, visitors are advised to remain extremely vigilant if in public places and avoid any public demonstrations and large gatherings of people.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
