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Ethiopia Visa for American Citizens 2026: Requirements & Fees

All U.S. citizens must obtain an e-Visa to enter Ethiopia legally. The 30-day tourist e-Visa costs $50 USD, the 90-day costs $70 USD, and processing takes 3 business days via the official portal at evisa.gov.et.

Jul 24, 2026 16 min read

Ethiopia Visa for American Citizens 2026: Requirements & Fees

Do American Citizens Need a Visa for Ethiopia?

Yes. All U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to legally enter Ethiopia. The U.S. State Department explicitly states: "Do not travel to Ethiopia unless you have an approved e-Visa. Travelers without a valid visa will be denied entry." You must apply for and receive approval before arrival—visa on arrival is not guaranteed for Americans, though it may be available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport as a backup option.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry. Print and carry a copy of your approved e-Visa with you at all times during your stay.

Visa Types for American Travelers

Ethiopia offers two main tourist e-Visa options for U.S. citizens:

Visa Type	Validity	Entry Type	Cost (USD)
Tourist e-Visa (30 days)	30 days from entry	Single entry	$50
Tourist e-Visa (90 days)	90 days from entry	Single entry	$70
Visa on Arrival (Tourism)	30 or 90 days	Single entry	Not guaranteed; confirm at airport

The e-Visa is suitable for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family, but does not permit work or volunteer activities. If you plan to work, study, or conduct business in Ethiopia, you will need a different visa type—contact the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, D.C. for details.

How to Apply for an Ethiopia e-Visa: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the official Ethiopian e-Visa platform at www.evisa.gov.et. This is the only official portal operated by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service. Do not use third-party websites such as ethiopiaevisa.com, ethiopiaonlinevisa.com, or evisaforethiopia.com.

Step 2: Select Visa Type and Fill the Application Form

Choose "Tourist Visa" and select your desired validity period (30 or 90 days). Complete the online application form with accurate personal information, passport details, and travel dates. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Prepare and upload the following documents in digital format:

Passport biographical page: Color scanned copy of the page showing your name, photo, passport number, and expiry date
Passport-sized photograph: Recent color photo (typically within the last six months), meeting standard passport photo dimensions

Ensure documents are clear, legible, and in color format. Blurry or incomplete uploads may result in rejection.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay securely online using a debit or credit card. Fees are non-refundable. The payment gateway on evisa.gov.et is secure; you will receive a confirmation email once payment is processed.

Step 5: Receive Your Approval

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email authorization to travel to Ethiopia. You do not receive a physical sticker beforehand; instead, your passport will be stamped with the visa upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Visa Fees & Payment Methods

Visa Type	Fee (USD)	Payment Method
30-day Tourist e-Visa	$50	Debit or credit card (online)
90-day Tourist e-Visa	$70	Debit or credit card (online)

Currency note: Fees are charged in USD. The official evisa.gov.et portal accepts international credit and debit cards. Payment is processed immediately upon submission, and you will receive a receipt via email.

Once you arrive in Ethiopia, you must carry a minimum of 1,000 ETB (Ethiopian Birr) or USD equivalent in currency. Excess currency may be confiscated if you exceed certain limits—keep receipts if you exchange currency at banks.

Processing Times & Visa Validity

Standard processing time: 3 business days. However, during periods of high application volume, processing may take longer. The U.S. State Department recommends applying at least 2–4 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for any delays or requests for additional documents.

Visa validity: Once approved, your e-Visa authorization is valid for entry into Ethiopia within a specific window (typically 90 days from approval). The visa itself is stamped upon arrival and becomes active on your entry date. A 30-day e-Visa allows you to stay for 30 days from the date of entry; a 90-day e-Visa allows 90 days from entry.

Passport validity requirement: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Ethiopia. Immigration officers will check this upon arrival.

What to Expect at Immigration (Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)

Most American travelers enter Ethiopia via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the only port of entry that processes e-Visas. Here's what to expect:

Bring your e-Visa approval email: Print or display the email authorization you received from evisa.gov.et
Present your passport: Immigration officers will check your passport validity (minimum 6 months) and scan your document
Visa stamping: Your passport will be stamped with the Ethiopian visa, and your entry date officially begins
Currency declaration (if applicable): If carrying more than 1,000 ETB or significant USD, you may be asked to declare it
Processing time: Immigration clearance typically takes 10–20 minutes per traveler, depending on queue length

Important: Immigration has final authority over entry. Even with an approved e-Visa, officers reserve the right to deny entry if they have concerns about your documents, travel purpose, or admissibility.

Health Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination

Ethiopia does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. The vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before travel to be considered valid.

Yellow fever is endemic in most of Ethiopia except the Afar and Somali regions. The U.S. State Department recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travelers to Ethiopia except those visiting only Afar and Somali regions. Consult your doctor or travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure to confirm your vaccination status and any other recommended immunizations (typhoid, hepatitis A, malaria prophylaxis).

Transit Visas & Short Stopovers

If you are transiting through Ethiopia (passing through without leaving the airport), you do not need a visa, provided you do not pass the Immigration Desk or leave the airport terminal. However, if you leave the airport for any reason, you must have a valid visa. If you plan to stay overnight or explore Addis Ababa during a layover, apply for a 30-day e-Visa in advance.

Extending Your Visa in Ethiopia

If you wish to stay longer than your approved visa period, you can apply for an extension before your visa expires. Extensions are available for an additional 30 or 90 days.

How to extend:

Visit the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa in person
Submit your passport and completed extension application form
Pay the extension fee (confirm current fee at the immigration office)
Processing typically takes several business days

Extensions are subject to approval by immigration authorities; they are not automatic. Plan to apply at least one week before your current visa expires.

Overstaying Your Visa: Penalties & Exit Requirements

The penalty for overstaying your visa is severe: $30 USD per day of overstay. This fine must be paid in full in U.S. dollars at the immigration office before you are permitted to obtain an exit visa and depart the country. There is no grace period; the fine accrues immediately after your visa expiry date.

You will not be allowed to leave Ethiopia until you pay the full overstay fine. The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa cannot waive or reduce this penalty. To avoid this situation, always check your visa expiry date and plan your departure accordingly.

Common Visa Application Mistakes & Rejections

Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid delays or rejection:

Using unofficial portals: Applying through third-party websites instead of evisa.gov.et may result in rejection or fraud. Use only the official government portal.
Mismatched information: Information on your application must match your passport exactly (name, date of birth, passport number). Even minor discrepancies can cause rejection.
Poor-quality documents: Blurry, black-and-white, or incomplete passport scans or photos are frequently rejected. Ensure all uploads are in color, clear, and fully visible.
Expired passport: If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date, your application will be rejected. Renew your passport before applying.
Applying too close to travel date: Applying fewer than 3 business days before departure risks rejection if processing delays occur. Apply 2–4 weeks in advance.
Incorrect visa type: Selecting a business or transit visa when applying for tourism, or vice versa, may result in rejection. Choose carefully based on your actual travel purpose.
Payment issues: Ensure your debit or credit card is valid and has sufficient funds. International transactions may be flagged by your bank; notify your bank before applying.

Planning Your Ethiopia Safari & Travel Timeline

If you're planning an Ethiopia safari, factor visa processing into your timeline:

8–12 weeks before departure: Check passport validity and renew if necessary; book your safari package
4–6 weeks before departure: Schedule yellow fever vaccination; consult travel health clinic
3–4 weeks before departure: Apply for your e-Visa on evisa.gov.et
2 weeks before departure: Confirm e-Visa approval and print or save the authorization email; finalize safari bookings
1 week before departure: Prepare documents, currency, and travel insurance

You can compare Ethiopia safari lodges and packages on SafariFind to align your visa dates with peak wildlife viewing seasons.

Contacting the Ethiopian Embassy & Visa Support

For e-Visa inquiries:

Email: support@evisa.gov.et
Phone: +251 111 262 635
Website: www.evisa.gov.et

For visa and consular services (in-person, by mail, or by phone):

Embassy of Ethiopia, Washington, D.C.
Phone: +1 202 587 1684 (Visa Section, 2 PM–4 PM Monday–Friday)
Consular services: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–1 PM
Mail-in and in-person applications are available if you prefer not to apply online

U.S. State Department travel information: Visit travel.state.gov for the latest Ethiopia travel alerts, health advisories, and entry requirements.

Currency & Money Requirements for Entry

Ethiopia has specific currency import and export rules:

Minimum currency on entry: You must carry at least 1,000 ETB (Ethiopian Birr) or USD equivalent
Maximum currency on entry: Excess currency may be confiscated; keep currency exchange receipts as proof of legal acquisition
On departure: You may export a maximum of 4,000 ETB; if traveling to Djibouti, the limit is different—confirm with customs
USD equivalent on departure: You may export up to 3,000 USD or foreign currency equivalent

Keep all currency exchange receipts and declarations during your stay in case you need to prove the legal source of your funds upon departure.

What You Cannot Bring Into Ethiopia

Ethiopia prohibits or restricts the import of the following items:

Ivory and animal skins
Precious stones and minerals
Antiques and artifacts (without explicit permits)
Certain electronics (check customs regulations before bringing high-value equipment)

Do not attempt to purchase or export these items, even as souvenirs. Violations can result in fines, confiscation, or legal penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do American citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?

Yes, all U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Ethiopia legally. The most reliable option is to apply for an e-Visa online at evisa.gov.et before arrival, though visa on arrival may be available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport as a backup (not guaranteed).

How much is the Ethiopia e-Visa for U.S. citizens?

The 30-day tourist e-Visa costs $50 USD, and the 90-day e-Visa costs $70 USD. Payment is made online via debit or credit card at the time of application on evisa.gov.et. Fees are non-refundable.

How long does it take to process an Ethiopia e-Visa?

Standard processing time is 3 business days. However, during high-volume periods, processing may take longer. The U.S. State Department recommends applying 2–4 weeks before your intended travel date to account for delays.

What documents do I need to apply for an Ethiopia e-Visa?

You need a valid U.S. passport (with at least 6 months validity from entry), a recent passport-sized photo in color, and a scanned color copy of your passport biographical page. Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in digital format.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia?

Visa on arrival may be available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for some nationalities, but it is not guaranteed for U.S. citizens. The U.S. State Department recommends obtaining an approved e-Visa before travel to avoid any risk of denial at the border. If you choose to apply on arrival, have your passport, visa fee in USD, and a passport photo ready.

What is the validity of my passport required for Ethiopia?

Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Ethiopia. Immigration officers will verify this upon arrival. If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned trip, renew it before applying for your e-Visa.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Ethiopia?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Yellow fever is endemic in most of Ethiopia except Afar and Somali regions, so the U.S. State Department recommends vaccination for all travelers. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Consult your travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Ethiopia?

You will incur a fine of $30 USD per day of overstay, and you must pay the full amount in U.S. dollars at the immigration office before you are permitted to depart the country. There is no grace period. Plan your departure to avoid this penalty.

Can I extend my Ethiopia visa after I arrive?

Yes, you can apply for an extension of 30 or 90 additional days before your current visa expires, but only by visiting the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa in person. Extensions are subject to approval and are not guaranteed. Apply at least one week before your visa expires.

What is the official website to apply for an Ethiopia e-Visa?

The official and only legitimate portal is www.evisa.gov.et, operated by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service. Do not use third-party websites such as ethiopiaevisa.com or ethiopiaonlinevisa.com, as these are not official and may result in fraud or rejection.

Can I use my Ethiopia e-Visa to work or volunteer?

No. The tourist e-Visa does not permit work or volunteer activities. If you plan to work, study, or conduct business in Ethiopia, you must apply for a different visa type (business, work, or student visa). Contact the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, D.C. for requirements.

Do I need travel insurance for Ethiopia?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all international travel, including Ethiopia. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, and personal belongings. Check whether your credit card provides any travel insurance benefits as a cardholder.

Last Checked: July 2026

⚠️ Verification note: Visa requirements, fees, and processing times change frequently. Always confirm the current requirements with the official portal (evisa.gov.et), the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov), or the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, D.C. before traveling. This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.