Ethiopia Business Visa - Definitive Guide (2020)

The business visa an endorsement issued for individuals entering Ethiopia for various business activities. Although there are a number of types of business visa, the most sought after and common type is the ‘Conference visa’. The permit can be used to enter the country to attend meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. The Ethiopia business visa for Indian citizens is available as an e-visa or as a visa on arrival. The permit is granted as a single-entry type for a duration of 30 days. 

Note:- The e-visa is available only if you fly to Ethiopia and land at the Addis Ababa airport. 

Before you start your application, you must check that you are allowed to apply for the business visa. After that, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

• Visit the e-visa portal of the Ethiopian immigration department. 
• Fill in the online application form for Ethiopia visa with all the details.
• You will have to provide your basic information, arrival information, as well as other relevant information.
• Proceed to upload your travel documents (as per the type of company you have business with)and photo. 
• Once you have completed filling the form, you can review it and then submit.
• You must then proceed to pay the necessary fees and finally file the application. 

Note; - In case you chose to get the visa on arrival, you will simply have to carry the documents mentioned and travel to Ethiopia. Upon landing, you will be issued with the entry permit. 

In order to be eligible to apply for the Ethiopia business visa from India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in India legally. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business activities. Although, tourism is permitted. 
• Your port of entry must be the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If the port of entry is any other airport or if you are travelling via other means of transport, you must apply for the business permit directly at the embassy of Ethiopia in New Delhi. 
• You must be invited by a company located in Ethiopia to attend business conferences, meetings, etc.

As per the Ethiopia business visa requirements from India, you will need the following documents for a successful application - 

• • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in Ethiopia.
  • A recent photograph as per the specifications. 
  • Invitation letter from the inviting company situated in Ethiopia stating the purpose and details of the visit. 
  • Documents as per the inviting company - 

International organizations -

• Application letter from the inviting company to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ethiopia.
• Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

NGO - 

• Formal application letter from the inviting organization to the Department of Immigration in Ethiopia.
• Registration of the Ethiopian NGO. 

Government organizations - 

• Application letter from the inviting company to the Department of Immigration of Ethiopia.

Private - 

• Application letter from the inviting company to the Department of Immigration of Ethiopia.
• Business license of the inviting company.
• TIN certificate (Taxpayer Identification Number) of the inviting company.
•  

As per the Ethiopia business visa photo requirements, the photos must meet the following specifications - 

• Dimensions:  45mm X 35mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 6 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Thin framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the business permit depends on the volume of applications as well as on how fast the embassy can verify your documents. Normally, the visa can be processed in just about 3 working days. However, in certain cases, it can even take longer. As a result, you must apply well in advance.

The fees for the Ethiopian business permit depends on the type of business you are doing (investing/meetings/conferences, etc). Since the fees for the e-visa is in USD, the amount you pay can also vary slightly depending on the foreign exchange rates with the INR. As a result, you must check the exact fees before starting the application.

Once you have submitted the application, your business visa application will be processed by the embassy. Ensure that you provide correct information and provide genuine documents as you will not be able to modify the application. In case there is a change in your arrival date, you can contact the support team of the e-visa portal. If approved, you will receive an email with all the details of your Ethiopia e visa for business. Take a print out of this and carry it along with your travel documents. 

Checking the status of your application is a fairly easy process. You can do this by clicking here and entering your passport number and the reference number. In case you have applied through a travel agency, you can contact them to know the status of your application. 

When you have this visa

On successfully receiving the business visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay - 

Before you travel - 

• Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. You will be issued with a single-entry. As a result, you cannot exit and re-enter Ethiopia.
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country.  

At the border

• You must show your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry. They will stamp your entry date on one of the blank pages in your passport.
• You may be asked about the details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• If you are applying for the visa on arrival, you will have to fill a form at the airport and submit it to the immigration officer. They will issue with the necessary permit on submission of the required documents.

When you enter Ethiopia

• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of an Ethiopian organization.
• You are permitted to extend this visa by visiting the concerned immigration authority. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.