Do I Need an eVisa for Transit in Ethiopia?

Transit Through Ethiopia: Visa Requirements

Understanding when you need a visa for layovers

Many travelers pass through Ethiopia's Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on their way to other destinations. Understanding whether you need a visa for your transit is essential for avoiding complications during your journey.

The visa requirement for transit depends on several factors including whether you'll leave the airport, your nationality, and the duration of your layover. This guide clarifies when a transit visa is needed and how to obtain one.

Ethiopia's eVisa system includes a specific transit visa category for this purpose.

Do You Need a Transit Visa?

NO Visa Needed

You DON'T need a visa if:

Staying airside (in international transit area)
Not leaving the airport
Continuing on next available flight
Not collecting and re-checking baggage
Connection is with same airline or codeshare

Airside means: Remaining in the international transit/departure area without passing through immigration.

Visa REQUIRED

You DO need a visa if:

Leaving the airport (even briefly)
Overnight layover with hotel in city
Collecting baggage and re-checking
Changing airports
Extended layover and want to visit city
Entering Ethiopian territory for any reason

In these cases: Apply for transit eVisa or tourist eVisa depending on duration.

Transit eVisa Specifications

What Is a Transit eVisa?

The transit eVisa is a short-term visa specifically for travelers passing through Ethiopia to another destination.

Transit eVisa features:

Maximum duration: Up to 3 days (72 hours)
Purpose: Transit to final destination only
Fee: $32 USD (lower than tourist/business)
Processing time: 3-5 business days
Entry type: Single entry
Permitted activities: Transit through Ethiopia only

When to Use Transit eVisa

Ideal for:

Long layovers where you want to visit Addis Ababa
Overnight connections requiring hotel stay
Separate ticket bookings requiring baggage reclaim
Short stopover for tourism (max 3 days)

Transit vs Tourist Visa

If your layover is longer than 3 days:

Transit visa only allows maximum 3 days
Apply for tourist eVisa instead (30 or 90 days)
Tourist visa costs $52-72 but allows longer stay
Consider your total time in Ethiopia when choosing

How to Apply for Transit eVisa

The application process for a transit eVisa is the same as other eVisa types:

Required Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Digital passport photo (JPEG, white background)
Credit/debit card for payment ($32 USD)
Email address
Onward flight details (to final destination)

See complete requirements list.

Application Steps

Complete online application form
Select "Transit" as visa type
Upload passport scan and photo
Provide flight details (arrival and departure)
Pay $32 USD transit visa fee
Receive eVisa via email (3-5 business days)

Apply at least 7-10 days before travel to ensure timely processing. See processing times.

Apply for Transit eVisa

Common Transit Scenarios

Scenario 1: Short Layover, Staying Airside

Situation: 3-hour layover, remaining in international transit area

Visa needed: NO
What you can do: Wait in transit area, use airport facilities
Restrictions: Cannot pass through immigration or exit airport

Scenario 2: Long Layover, Exiting for City Tour

Situation: 8-hour layover, want to visit Addis Ababa

Visa needed: YES - Transit eVisa
What you can do: Exit airport, explore city, return for flight
Maximum: up to 3 days
Fee: $32 USD

Scenario 3: Overnight Layover with Hotel

Situation: Overnight connection, staying at hotel in city

Visa needed: YES - Transit eVisa
Reason: Must clear immigration to reach hotel
Duration: Usually 1-2 days

Scenario 4: Extended Stopover (More Than 3 Days)

Situation: Intentional stopover for 5-10 days of tourism

Visa needed: YES - Tourist eVisa (not transit)
Reason: Transit visa only valid 3 days
Fee: $52-72 USD depending on duration
Better value: For longer stays

Scenario 5: Changing Airports

Situation: Arriving at international terminal, departing from different terminal/airport

Visa needed: YES - if terminals require exiting immigration
Type: Transit eVisa
Note: Bole International Airport usually has connected terminals, verify your specific situation

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport Transit

Transit Area Facilities

Available airside (no visa needed):

Restaurants and cafes
Duty-free shops
Currency exchange
Free WiFi
Charging stations
Lounges (various airlines and paid options)
Prayer rooms
Restrooms and showers

Layover tips:

Transit area comfortable for short layovers
Ethiopian food available in restaurants
Shopping opportunities

Leaving Airport for City Visit

If you have transit eVisa:

Can exit airport and visit Addis Ababa
Maximum 3 days allowed
Popular attractions accessible
Taxis/transport available from airport
Return in time for onward flight

Quick Addis Ababa highlights for transit visitors:

National Museum of Ethiopia
Mercato (largest market in Africa)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Local restaurants for authentic cuisine

Important Transit Considerations

Baggage Handling

Through-checked baggage:

If bags are checked to final destination - usually stay airside
Easier to remain in transit area
Less need to clear immigration
Verify with airline that bags are through-checked

Separate ticket bookings:

If arriving and departing on different tickets - may need to collect bags
Will need to clear immigration and customs
Re-check in for onward flight
Transit visa required in this case

Timing Your Transit Visa

When to apply:

Apply as soon as you book flights with Ethiopian layover
Allow 7-10 days for processing
Don't wait until close to travel date
Same processing time as other eVisas

Eligibility

Same eligibility rules apply
Your nationality must be eligible for eVisa
Same passport requirements (6 months validity)
All standard requirements apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you'll need a transit eVisa to do so. Six hours is enough time to visit parts of Addis Ababa if you plan efficiently. However, account for immigration clearance time (both entry and exit), travel time to/from city (30-45 minutes), and need to be back 2-3 hours before your flight. Apply for transit eVisa in advance.

If you're staying airside in the international transit area, you do not need any visa, regardless of layover duration. The transit area has facilities for long layovers including restaurants, shops, and seating areas. However, if you change your mind and want to leave, you would need a visa.

Yes, if the family is exiting the airport during transit, every family member including children needs a transit eVisa. Same rules apply as for children's regular eVisas - each child needs individual application and payment.

While some nationalities may be eligible for visa on arrival, it's highly recommended to get your transit eVisa in advance. This saves significant time at the airport and guarantees entry. Visa on arrival queues can be very long, consuming valuable layover time. Apply online before your trip.

If your flight is delayed beyond your transit visa's 3-day limit due to circumstances beyond your control, contact Ethiopian immigration immediately. You may need to apply for a visa extension or show proof of flight delay (airline letter). Don't let your visa expire without taking action.

View All FAQs

Planning a Layover in Ethiopia?

If you'll be exiting the airport during your layover, apply for your transit eVisa now. The online application is quick and ensures you can enjoy your stopover stress-free.