Ethiopia Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The tourist visa is the primary requirement for people travelling to Ethiopia for the purpose of tourism. With this permit, you can explore all the magnificent places, take part in adventure and leisure activities, and other tourism-related activities in the country. All nationals apart from those from Djibouti and Kenya will need this permit to enter. Although, the Ethiopia tourist visa for Indian citizens can be available on arrival, or as an e-visa. 

If the Ethiopia tourist visa for Indians is obtained on arrival, you will be issued with a single-entry and will be valid up to 90 days from the date of entry. However, the e-visa can be obtained as single or multiple entries for a stay duration of 30 days or even 90 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 tourist 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 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 tourist 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 able to apply for the Ethiopia tourist 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 tourism alone. 
• 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 visa directly at the embassy of Ethiopia in New Delhi. 

As per the Ethiopia tourist 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.

As per the Ethiopia tourist 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: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the tourist permit depends on the volume of applications, number of entries, 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 permit depends on the stay duration, as well as on the number of entries. 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 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. Take a print out of this and carry it along with your travel documents. 

Checking the status of your application is an 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. 

On successfully receiving the tourist 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 must also follow the entry type given. 
• 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 basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• If you are applying for the tourist 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. 

When you enter Ethiopia

• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work or business activities.
• 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.