Track Your Ethiopian eVisa Application
Monitor your application progress in real-time
After submitting your Ethiopian eVisa application, you can track its status online using your application reference number. This allows you to monitor progress and know exactly when your eVisa has been approved and issued.
The standard processing time for Ethiopian eVisas is 3-5 business days. During this period, you can check your application status to stay informed about any updates or requirements.
This guide explains how to check your status, what different statuses mean, and what to do at each stage of the process.
How to Check Your Application Status
Online Status Checking
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the Ethiopian eVisa status checking portal
- Enter your application reference number
- Enter your passport number for verification
- Click "Check Status" or similar button
- View your current application status
What you'll need:
- Application reference number (received after payment)
- Passport number used in application
- Sometimes: Date of birth or email address
Email Notifications
You'll also receive status updates via email:
Expected emails:
- Application received: Immediate confirmation
- Under review: Processing has begun (sometimes)
- Additional documents needed: If more info required
- Approved: eVisa PDF attached
- Rejected: Explanation of reasons
Email troubleshooting:
- Check spam/junk folder regularly
- Add sender to contacts/safe list
- Verify email address was entered correctly
- Check email daily during processing period
Understanding Application Statuses
Common Status Messages
Status: "Application Received" or "Submitted"
- Meaning: Your application has been successfully submitted and payment confirmed
- What happens next: Application will enter review queue
- Your action: Wait for processing to begin
- Timeline: Usually moves to next status within 24 hours
Status: "Under Review" or "Processing"
- Meaning: Immigration officers are reviewing your application and documents
- What happens: Verification of information, document checks, security clearance
- Your action: No action needed, monitoring email for any requests
- Timeline: This stage typically lasts 2-4 business days
Status: "Additional Information Required"
- Meaning: More documents or clarification needed
- What to do: Check email for specific instructions
- Action required: Submit requested documents promptly
- Note: Delays can occur if information not provided quickly
Status: "Approved" or "Issued"
- Meaning: Your eVisa has been approved and issued
- What you receive: Email with eVisa PDF attachment
- Your action: Download, verify details, and print multiple copies
- Next step: Prepare for travel to Ethiopia
Status: "Rejected" or "Denied"
- Meaning: Application was not approved
- Information provided: Email explaining rejection reasons
- Your options: Address issues and reapply, or contact support
- See: Common rejection reasons
Finding Your Reference Number
What Is the Reference Number?
The application reference number is a unique identifier assigned to your eVisa application. It's essential for tracking your status and communicating with support.
Where to find it:
- Confirmation email: Sent immediately after payment
- Payment receipt: Included in receipt email
- On-screen confirmation: Displayed after successful submission
- Subject line: Often in email subject
Format: Usually alphanumeric code (e.g., "ET123456789" or similar)
If You Lost Your Reference Number
Recovery options:
- Check all emails from the eVisa system (including spam)
- Search email for "Ethiopia" "eVisa" "confirmation"
- Check payment receipt from credit card
- Contact support with passport number and payment details
Important: Save your reference number in multiple places - email, phone notes, screenshot, written down.
Actions Based on Status
While Application Is Processing
Do:
- Check status every 1-2 days
- Monitor email regularly
- Keep reference number accessible
- Be patient - wait full 5 business days
- Prepare for travel (research, plan itinerary)
Don't:
- Submit duplicate applications
- Contact support before 5 business days
- Book non-refundable flights yet
- Panic if status doesn't update daily
- Ignore email requests for information
If Additional Documents Requested
Act quickly:
- Read the email carefully
- Understand exactly what is needed
- Prepare requested documents
- Submit through specified method
- Confirm receipt of your submission
Common requests:
- Clearer passport scan
- Better quality photo
- Additional supporting documents
- Clarification of information
Prompt response to document requests prevents significant delays in processing.
Expected Processing Timeframes
Typical Timeline
| Status | Expected Duration |
|---|---|
| Application Received | Immediate - within minutes |
| Under Review | 2-4 business days |
| Decision & Issuance | Day 3-5 |
| Total Processing | 3-5 business days |
Important notes:
- Business days exclude weekends and holidays
- Some applications may be approved faster
- Complex cases may take longer
- Peak seasons may cause slight delays
What to Do After Approval
Receiving Your eVisa
When your application is approved, you'll receive your eVisa via email:
Email will contain:
- Approval notification message
- PDF attachment with your eVisa
- Instructions for printing and use
- Validity dates and entry information
Verify Your eVisa Details
Check these details immediately:
- Your name matches your passport exactly
- Passport number is correct
- Date of birth is accurate
- Nationality is correct
- Validity dates are as expected
- Visa type (tourist/business) is correct
If you find any errors: Contact support immediately before traveling. Errors on the eVisa can cause entry denial.
Printing Your eVisa
Printing requirements:
- Print at least 2-3 copies
- Use color printer if possible
- Ensure barcode/QR code is clear and scannable
- Keep one copy with passport
- Pack additional copies in different bags
- Also save digital copy on phone/email
You must present your printed eVisa when arriving in Ethiopia.
Troubleshooting Status Issues
Status Not Updating
If status hasn't changed after several days:
- Verify you're checking with correct reference number
- Confirm you're checking on the right platform
- Check if weekends/holidays affected timeline
- Wait full 5 business days before contacting support
- Check email for any requests for additional documents
Can't Access Status Checker
Technical issues:
- Try different web browser
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Disable browser extensions
- Try from different device
- Check internet connection
When to Contact Support
Reach out if:
- No status update after 5 business days
- Haven't received confirmation email after 24 hours
- Payment processed but no application record
- Error on your approved eVisa
- Urgent travel within 7 days and no decision
When contacting support, have ready:
- Application reference number
- Passport number
- Date of application
- Payment confirmation/receipt
- Email address used for application
Frequently Asked Questions
Checking once daily is sufficient. Statuses don't update in real-time minute-by-minute. Most applicants see status updates every 1-2 days during the review process. Over-checking won't speed up processing and may cause unnecessary stress.
First, check all email folders including spam/junk. If still not found, you can typically download your eVisa directly from the status checking portal using your reference number. If this isn't available, contact support immediately with your reference number.
Most systems require the reference number for status checking. However, some platforms may allow checking with passport number and date of birth combination. If you've lost your reference number, contact support with your passport details and payment information to retrieve it.
No, Ethiopian eVisa applications are only processed on business days (Monday-Friday). Status updates typically don't occur on weekends or Ethiopian public holidays. If you check on Saturday or Sunday, you'll likely see the same status as Friday.
Haven't Applied Yet?
Start your Ethiopian eVisa application today. The process is simple, and you'll receive a reference number immediately after submission to track your progress.
Apply for Ethiopian eVisa
Need Help? Contact our support team:
Email: support@evisa.express |
Phone: +44 2031 293 603