Ethiopia issues visas electronically, applied for online before travel. For people of Ethiopian origin there is a far better option than any visa, covered on the citizenship page: the origin identity card removes the need for an entry visa, a residence permit and a work permit altogether.
Quick facts
The yellow fever certificate is required when arriving from a country with transmission risk, and is recommended for most regions of Ethiopia in any case.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-visa | Published tariff | By duration |
| Business e-visa | Higher tariff | With company documentation |
| Origin identity card | Separate tariff | Replaces the visa entirely |
| Work or residence permit | Charged in Ethiopia | Not needed by card holders |
| Yellow fever vaccination | Charged by your clinic | Certificate required by route |
For anyone with Ethiopian parentage who travels regularly, the arithmetic favours the card over repeated visa fees within a year or two.
How to apply
- Check whether you qualify for the origin identity card instead of a visa.
- Apply on the official electronic visa portal for your category.
- Upload the passport page and photograph to specification.
- Arrange the yellow fever vaccination if your route requires it.
- Pay online and carry the printed approval.
- Complete any registration in Ethiopia that your category requires.
Required documents
- Passport valid at least six months with blank pages.
- Photograph to the portal’s specification.
- Accommodation details or an invitation.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Yellow fever certificate where required.
- Company or institution documents by category.
Where to apply
Online for the visa. The embassy handles origin identity cards and the categories the portal does not cover.
Additional notes
Only the official portal
Sites reselling the Ethiopian e-visa at a markup are intermediaries. The government system publishes the real price.
The card is the better answer
For the diaspora it is not merely a convenience: it changes your legal position on work, residence and investment.
Regional advice
Travel advice varies sharply between regions of Ethiopia. Read the current advisory rather than a general impression.
Overland travel
Border crossings have their own rules and have been affected by regional conditions. Confirm before planning one.