Éthiopie
Indicatif Téléphonique
+251
Capitale
Addis Ababa
Population
120 millions
Nom Natif
ኢትዮጵያ
Région
Africa
Eastern Africa
Fuseau Horaire
East Africa Time
UTC+03:00
Sur Cette Page
Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation and one of the world's oldest independent countries with a continuous history spanning over 3,000 years, occupies diverse landscapes from the Ethiopian Highlands and Great Rift Valley to the Danakil Depression (one of Earth's lowest points), with a population exceeding 120 million concentrated in Addis Ababa (the capital and diplomatic hub hosting African Union headquarters), regional cities including Dire Dawa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, and Mekele, and rural agricultural communities. As the birthplace of coffee, home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and ancient obelisks of Aksum, and possessing unique cultural heritage with its own calendar and Ge'ez script, Ethiopia attracts diverse visitors including tourists exploring historical sites and trekking in Simien Mountains National Park, business travelers engaged in Africa's fastest-growing economy, Ethiopian diaspora visiting family, volunteers and development workers with international NGOs, diplomats and international organization staff based in Addis Ababa, and researchers studying archaeology, anthropology, or ecology. Ethiopia has modernized its visa system through an electronic visa (e-Visa) platform at www.evisa.gov.et enabling advance online applications, though U.S. State Department warns travelers must not travel to Ethiopia unless they have approved e-Visa as travelers without valid visa will be denied entry, with German authorities noting the e-visa process is sometimes error-prone requiring printed documentation and payment proof. Some nationalities including Germans may obtain visa on arrival as of October 2023, though travelers should verify airline acceptance before departure. Understanding Ethiopia's entry requirements including mandatory six-month passport validity with at least one blank page, yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers arriving from countries with transmission risk (vaccine recommended for all Ethiopian regions except Afar and Somali), strict currency restrictions limiting entry to maximum 3,000 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) and 3,000 USD or equivalent for non-residents with declaration required for amounts over 10,000 USD, and significant overstay penalties of 30 USD per day payable in full in U.S. dollars before exit clearance ensures smooth entry to this Horn of Africa nation where Amharic serves as official language and Addis Ababa's position at 2,355 meters elevation moderates the tropical climate.
Ethiopia Visa & Immigration System Overview
Ethiopia operates a modernized visa system centered on an electronic visa (e-Visa) platform at https://www.evisa.gov.et enabling advance online applications, complemented by visa-on-arrival services for select nationalities and traditional embassy visa applications. U.S. State Department mandates that all U.S. citizens must obtain e-Visa before traveling, explicitly warning do not travel to Ethiopia unless you have approved e-Visa, as travelers without valid visa will be denied entry. To protect application, State Department advises print and carry copy of e-Visa to avoid disruptions at entry. UK Foreign Office recommends applying online before arrival through official Ethiopian platform requiring scanned colour copy of passport and colour passport-sized photo, with 30-day single entry tourist visa available via e-visa platform. German Auswärtiges Amt notes e-Visa available through official portal but importantly warns the e-visa process is sometimes error-prone (das E-Visum-Verfahren ist jedoch mitunter fehleranfällig), advising travelers carry printed visa documentation and payment proof as airport staff may require re-payment, with critical limitation that e-visas authorize entry only through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, not land borders. As of mid-October 2023, German authorities confirm German citizens may obtain tourist visas upon arrival at Addis Ababa airport, though specific conditions and fees not yet officially announced; travelers should verify with airline that travel without pre-issued visa is permitted. Traditional embassy visa applications remain available through Ethiopian diplomatic missions including Ethiopian Embassy in Berlin (http://aethiopien-botschaft.de/home2/) and U.S. Embassy contacts for those preferring advance authorization or requiring visas not available through e-Visa system. Passport requirements strictly enforced: U.S. State Department and UK Foreign Office specify valid passport must have minimum 6 months validity remaining and contain at least 1 blank page; German authorities similarly require passports valid at least six months from entry. Yellow fever vaccination certificates required if traveling from country with risk of yellow fever transmission per U.S. State Department; German source specifies yellow fever vaccination mandatory only when arriving from endemic zones or after 12+ hours transit through yellow fever areas for children 9+ months old; vaccine recommended for all Ethiopian regions except Afar and Somali regions per U.S. guidance. The visa system categorizes authorizations into e-Visas and visa-on-arrival for tourism and short business visits (30 to 90 days typical), with extensions of 30 or 90 additional days available by visiting Head Office of Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before expiration per UK Foreign Office, and work permits and residence authorizations for employment requiring employer sponsorship through immigration authorities. Currency restrictions strictly enforced at entry and exit: U.S. State Department confirms entry limits of maximum 1,000 ETB for all visitors, with 3,000 USD or equivalent for non-residents (1,000 USD if residing in Ethiopia), and excess currency subject to confiscation; exit limits maximum 1,000 ETB (4,000 ETB if traveling to Djibouti) and 3,000 USD or equivalent. UK Foreign Office notes visitors may carry up to 3,000 Ethiopian birr with amounts exceeding 10,000 USD requiring declaration. German authorities specify local currency maximum 3,000 ETB with excess confiscated, foreign currency for tourists exceeding 10,000 USD requires declaration with amounts under 10,000 USD retained for visa duration, and importantly land border crossings require declaration of any amount over 500 USD. Travelers must present proof of currency origin when exiting with declared funds per German source. Overstay penalties strictly enforced: U.S. State Department warns there is daily fine if you overstay your visa which must be paid in full in U.S. dollars before obtaining exit clearance; UK Foreign Office specifies penalty for overstaying is 30 US dollars per day with travelers not allowed to leave until payment in full. UK Foreign Office strongly warns if you visit Ethiopia on tourist visa, you cannot take employment, including voluntary employment; if you break rules, you can get heavy fines or be imprisoned. Prohibited items include drones, satellite phones, binoculars, and telephoto lenses which are illegal without authorization and subject to confiscation per UK and German sources. Khat exportation prohibited, antiques require export certificates, and ivory possession illegal per UK guidance.
Types de Visa Courants
E-Visa (Tourist/Business)
Electronic visa for advance online application through official Ethiopian e-Visa portal at https://www.evisa.gov.et suitable for tourism, business visits, family visits, conferences, and short-term purposes. U.S. State Department mandates all U.S. citizens obtain e-Visa before traveling, warning do not travel to Ethiopia unless you have approved e-Visa. Application requires registration on official portal, completion of online forms, digital upload of passport biographical page (scanned colour copy per UK Foreign Office), recent passport photograph (colour passport-sized photo per UK), and payment of visa fees via credit card or electronic payment. German Auswärtiges Amt warns e-visa process is sometimes error-prone; travelers must print and carry e-Visa approval, payment proof, and all documentation as airport staff may require re-payment. Processing typically 3-5 business days with email notification upon approval. E-Visa valid for entry within specified period and permits stays typically 30 days for tourism and business with extensions possible through immigration office. UK Foreign Office confirms 30-day single entry tourist visa available via e-visa platform. Critical limitation per German authorities: e-visas authorize entry only through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, not land border crossings. Single entry standard; separate applications required for multiple trips. Suitable for tourists visiting historical sites, business travelers attending meetings, diaspora visiting family, conference attendees, and short-term visitors. Not valid for employment without additional work authorization per UK warning
Visa on Arrival
Visa issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport upon arrival for select nationalities. German Auswärtiges Amt confirms that as of mid-October 2023, German citizens may obtain tourist visas upon arrival, though specific conditions and fees had not been officially announced at publication date. Travelers should verify with airline that travel without pre-issued visa is permitted before departure. Requirements include valid passport with minimum 6 months validity and at least 1 blank page, completed visa application form available at airport immigration, passport photograph (though may not be required if passport photo sufficient), proof of accommodation such as hotel reservation, return or onward travel ticket, and visa fee payable in U.S. dollars or possibly other currencies (verify current payment methods). Processing at immigration counter typically 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on arrival volumes. Visa on arrival permits stays for tourism, business visits, family visits, and similar temporary purposes. Duration typically 30 days with extension possibilities through Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa. Not available for all nationalities; travelers should confirm eligibility with Ethiopian embassy or airline before travel. Not valid for employment activities; work permits required separately
Tourist Visa (Embassy Application)
Traditional visa for tourism purposes obtained in advance through Ethiopian embassies or consulates. Suitable for travelers preferring pre-travel authorization, those from nationalities not eligible for e-Visa or visa-on-arrival, or travelers entering through land borders where e-Visa not accepted. Application through Ethiopian diplomatic missions (German source provides Ethiopian Embassy Berlin at http://aethiopien-botschaft.de/home2/) with completed visa application forms, valid passport with 6 months validity and blank pages, passport photographs, hotel reservations or invitation letter from host in Ethiopia, proof of sufficient funds, return airline tickets, yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic region or after 12+ hours transit through endemic areas (for travelers 9+ months old), and tourist visa fee. Processing 3-7 business days for complete applications. Tourist visa permits 30 to 90 day stays for leisure travel, sightseeing at Lalibela rock churches and Aksum obelisks, trekking in Simien Mountains, cultural experiences, family visits, and vacation purposes. Extensions of 30 or 90 additional days available by visiting Head Office of Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before visa expiration per UK Foreign Office. Single entry typically; multiple entry available for frequent travelers with justification. Visa holders must not engage in employment including voluntary employment per UK Foreign Office strict warning; violations punishable by heavy fines or imprisonment
Business Visa
Business visits, commercial meetings, contract negotiations, exploring investment opportunities in Africa's fastest-growing economy, attending trade conferences and exhibitions, meeting with government officials, conducting market research, establishing business partnerships, and short-term business activities not constituting local employment. Available as e-Visa through official portal, potentially visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities, or embassy application. For embassy applications: requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company or organization on official letterhead stating purpose and duration, business registration documents of host company, letter from applicant's employer explaining business purpose, completed visa forms, passport valid 6 months with blank pages, photographs, yellow fever certificate if applicable, proof of accommodation, return tickets, and business visa fees. Processing through e-Visa system 3-5 business days; embassy applications 3-7 business days. Business visa permits 30 to 90 day stays for meetings, conferences, site visits, negotiations with local partners, or commercial activities. Common for investors in manufacturing, agriculture, and services sectors, logistics professionals, telecommunications industry representatives, and business consultants. Does not authorize employment; UK Foreign Office warns tourist or business visa holders cannot take employment including voluntary work; violations result in heavy fines or imprisonment. Work permits required for actual employment activities
Work Permit/Residence for Employment
Employment in Ethiopia for foreign nationals with job offers from Ethiopian employers, international organizations, NGOs, foreign companies operating in Ethiopia, diplomatic missions, or development projects. Two-stage process: initial entry on business visa or special authorization, followed by in-country work permit application through Immigration and Citizenship Service with employer sponsorship. Work permit requirements include valid employment contract specifying position, duties, compensation, and duration; proof of professional qualifications with educational certificates and credentials; employer's business registration and tax compliance documents; justification demonstrating necessity of foreign expertise and unavailability of qualified Ethiopian nationals; medical examination from approved medical facility; police clearance certificates from countries of residence; passport copies; photographs; and work permit fees. Applications processed by employer as sponsor with Immigration and Citizenship Service involvement. Processing typically 1-3 months. Work permits generally issued for contract duration up to 1 year, renewable annually with employer sponsorship. Common for positions with international NGOs and development organizations concentrated in Addis Ababa, UN agencies and African Union institutions, manufacturing and industrial projects, telecommunications, healthcare, education, hospitality management, and business management roles. Permits tied to specific employer; changing jobs requires new applications. UK Foreign Office strict warning: taking employment on tourist visa (including voluntary employment) punishable by heavy fines or imprisonment; proper work authorization essential
Transit Visa
Short transit through Ethiopia when traveling to another destination via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (major hub connecting Africa, Middle East, and Asia routes) or traveling overland through Ethiopia to neighboring countries. May be available through e-Visa system or visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities. Requirements include proof of onward travel with confirmed tickets to next destination, visa for next country if required, valid passport with 6 months validity and 1 blank page, yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic area, and transit visa fee. Transit visas generally issued for 24 to 72 hours depending on transit duration and itinerary. Must specify transit route and next destination. Not valid for tourism, business meetings, or activities beyond direct transit. Travelers remaining within Addis Ababa Bole International Airport international transit areas for short connections typically do not require transit visas; verify with airline and Ethiopian authorities before travel as policies vary by nationality. Given Addis Ababa's position as major African aviation hub with Ethiopian Airlines connections, transit visas particularly relevant for travelers connecting between African, Middle Eastern, Asian, and European destinations
Student Visa/Study Permit
Studies at Ethiopian educational institutions including Addis Ababa University, other higher education institutions, vocational training centers, or research programs. Application requires official acceptance letter from recognized Ethiopian educational institution stating program details and duration, proof of tuition payment or scholarship documentation, evidence of financial means for living expenses and education throughout study period, proof of accommodation in Ethiopia, valid passport with 6 months validity, passport photographs, yellow fever vaccination certificate if applicable, police clearance from home country, academic transcripts and certificates, medical examination, and student visa fees. Processing through Ethiopian embassies before travel; timeline varies by mission. Upon arrival, students must register with Immigration and Citizenship Service. Student visas issued for academic year or program duration with annual renewals for multi-year programs. Students must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. Part-time employment generally prohibited on student visas; verify restrictions with immigration. Upon completion, students must depart Ethiopia unless transitioning to work permits through employment
Family Visit Visa
Visiting family members residing in Ethiopia, whether Ethiopian citizens or foreign residents with work permits. Similar to tourist visa but requires additional family documentation. Available through e-Visa system or embassy applications. Requirements include invitation letter from family member in Ethiopia (notarized or with official stamp), copy of family member's Ethiopian national identity card or residence permit, proof of family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, or official documents), completed visa forms, valid passport with 6 months validity and blank page, photographs, yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic region or after 12+ hours transit through endemic area, proof of accommodation at family residence, financial evidence or family sponsor's guarantee, return tickets, and visa fee. Processing 3-5 days through e-Visa or embassy applications. Permits 30 to 90 day stays for family visits with extension possibilities through Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa. Common for Ethiopian diaspora visiting relatives, family members visiting workers in international organizations or development projects, or relatives attending family events. Must not engage in employment including voluntary work per UK Foreign Office warning
Critical Information for Ethiopia Travelers
Villes avec missions
Où ce pays maintient des ambassades ou consulats
Ambassades présentes en Éthiopie
Ambassades et consulats accrédités dans ce pays. Sélectionnez une mission pour consulter la fiche détaillée.
Éthiopie
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