FAQ about the Ethiopia Visa

Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions from our customers regarding the visa for Ethiopia. If you have any further questions, feel free to use our call-back service or send us an email.

Are there individuals exempt from the visa requirement for Ethiopia?

Only citizens of Kenya and Djibouti have the possibility to enter Ethiopia visa-free under certain conditions. All other visitors unequivocally require a visa.

Do you need my original passport?

Yes, we require the original passport because the consulate directly enters the visa note into the identification document.

Is international health insurance mandatory?

No, an insurance policy is not required when applying for a visa. However, insurance for the time spent in Ethiopia is strongly recommended.

Do I need proof of yellow fever vaccination?

Vaccination is only mandatory if you are entering Ethiopia from a yellow fever area. If you start your journey in Germany, for example, no proof is required. However, protection is generally recommended as there is a risk of yellow fever in Ethiopia. Please consult your doctor or a relevant medical facility to clarify the need for health precautions.

Do children need a passport and their own visa?

Yes, children and infants also need their own identification papers and visas.

Not all legal guardians accompany the child - what should be considered?

In the case of minors, a signed declaration of consent from the non-accompanying legal guardians, copies of their identification documents, and a copy of the child's birth certificate must be submitted with the visa application.

From when is the visa valid?

The validity period starts from the day of issue.

Is there a difference between validity and permitted length of stay?

In the case of visas for Ethiopia, the validity period corresponds to the length of stay. For example, if a visa is issued with a validity of 1 month, this also corresponds to the maximum length of stay.

Can the visa expire during the stay?

No, entry and exit must take place within the validity of the visa.

At what point is it advisable to apply for a visa for Ethiopia?

Because the visa is valid from the date of issue, Ethiopian consulates recommend not to apply for a tourist visa earlier than one month before the trip. However, for business visas and journalist visas, an application time of at least one month before departure is recommended, as processing may take longer.

Can the visa be extended on-site?

At the Ethiopian Immigration Authority in Addis Ababa, you have the opportunity to apply for an extension of your visa. It is important that the current visa has not expired and your passport has at least one free page. The authority will decide on a case-by-case basis whether an extension is possible. The tourist visa can only be extended once.