Ethiopian eVisa Types Explained
Understanding different visa categories
The Ethiopian eVisa system offers several types of visas designed for different travel purposes. Choosing the correct visa type is essential for a successful application and hassle-free entry into Ethiopia.
Each visa type has specific conditions regarding permitted activities, duration of stay, and fees. Understanding these differences helps you select the appropriate visa for your needs.
This comprehensive guide explains each eVisa type available, helping you make an informed decision based on your travel purpose.
Three Main Types of Ethiopian eVisa
Purpose: Tourism, leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends/family
Duration options: 30 or 90 days
Entry: Single entry
Validity: 90 days to enter
Fee: $52 (30d) or $72 (90d)
Processing: 3-5 business days
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade, negotiations
Duration options: 30 or 90 days
Entry: Single entry
Validity: 90 days to enter
Fee: $52 (30d) or $72 (90d)
Processing: 3-5 business days
Purpose: Passing through Ethiopia to another destination
Duration: Up to 3 days
Entry: Single entry
Validity: Short-term
Fee: $32
Processing: 3-5 business days
Tourist eVisa - Complete Details
What Is It For?
The Tourist eVisa is designed for travelers visiting Ethiopia for leisure and tourism purposes.
Permitted activities:
- Sightseeing and tourism
- Visiting historical and cultural sites
- Recreational activities
- Visiting friends or family
- Holiday and vacation
- Cultural experiences
NOT permitted:
- Working or employment
- Business activities or meetings
- Studying or educational programs
- Journalism or media work without permission
Duration and Fees
Two duration options available:
30-Day Tourist eVisa:
- Stay up to 30 days from entry
- Government fee: $52 USD
- Suitable for short trips
- Budget-friendly option
90-Day Tourist eVisa:
- Stay up to 90 days from entry
- Government fee: $72 USD
- Ideal for extended travel
- Maximum flexibility
Both options include:
- Single entry only
- 90-day validity period to enter Ethiopia
- Same requirements
- 3-5 business day processing
Business eVisa - Complete Details
What Is It For?
The Business eVisa is for travelers visiting Ethiopia for work-related and professional purposes.
Permitted activities:
- Attending business meetings
- Conferences and seminars
- Trade negotiations
- Exploring business opportunities
- Meeting with partners or clients
- Corporate training sessions
- Setting up business operations (initial stages)
NOT permitted:
- Long-term employment (requires work permit)
- Receiving salary from Ethiopian employer
- Operating a business permanently
Requirements
Business eVisas have the same basic requirements as tourist visas plus potentially:
Standard requirements:
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Digital passport photo
- Payment method
- All per standard requirements
Additional documents (may be requested):
- Invitation letter from Ethiopian company
- Business registration documents
- Letter from employer
- Conference registration
Duration and fees:
- 30-day option: $52 USD
- 90-day option: $72 USD
- Same pricing as tourist visa
Transit eVisa
For Travelers Passing Through Ethiopia
The Transit eVisa is specifically for travelers who are passing through Ethiopia on their way to another destination.
When you need transit visa:
- Layover in Ethiopia and leaving the airport
- Stopover for tourism during connection
- Changing airports in Ethiopia
- Any time you enter Ethiopian territory during transit
Transit visa specifications:
- Duration: Maximum 3 days (72 hours)
- Fee: $32 USD (lower than tourist/business)
- Entry: Single entry
- Purpose: Transit to final destination only
Important note: If staying airside (not leaving the international transit area), you typically don't need a visa. Transit visa is only needed if you plan to leave the airport.
For complete transit information, visit our transit visa guide.
How to Choose the Right eVisa Type
Decision Guide
Choose Tourist eVisa if:
- Your primary purpose is vacation, sightseeing, or leisure
- Visiting family or friends
- Exploring Ethiopian culture and heritage
- No business activities planned
- Recreational travel only
Choose Business eVisa if:
- Attending business meetings or conferences
- Negotiating contracts or partnerships
- Exploring investment opportunities
- Representing your company
- Professional training or workshops
Choose Transit eVisa if:
- Ethiopia is not your final destination
- Short layover with airport exit
- Staying maximum 3 days
- Continuing to another country
Mixed Purpose Travel
What if you plan both tourism and business?
- Choose based on primary purpose
- If mainly tourism with brief business meeting: Tourist visa
- If mainly business with some sightseeing: Business visa
- When in doubt, business visa often provides more flexibility
eVisa Types Comparison
| Feature | Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa | Transit eVisa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Tourism, leisure | Business activities | Passing through |
| Duration Options | 30 or 90 days | 30 or 90 days | Up to 3 days only |
| Fee (30-day) | $52 USD | $52 USD | $32 USD |
| Fee (90-day) | $72 USD | $72 USD | N/A |
| Entry Type | Single entry | Single entry | Single entry |
| Validity to Enter | 90 days | 90 days | Short-term |
| Processing Time | 3-5 business days | 3-5 business days | 3-5 business days |
| Extension Possible | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rarely |
Frequently Asked Questions
No, once your eVisa is approved for a specific type (tourist or business), you cannot change it. If you selected the wrong type, you would need to apply for a new eVisa with the correct type. Choose carefully based on your primary purpose before applying.
No, you should apply for a business eVisa if your trip involves any business activities. While casual business conversations might be overlooked, formal meetings, conferences, or negotiations require a business visa. Using the wrong visa type can cause problems at immigration or during your stay.
No, all Ethiopian eVisas are currently single entry only. Once you exit Ethiopia, your eVisa becomes invalid even if the duration hasn't expired. If you need to enter Ethiopia multiple times, you must apply for a new eVisa for each entry or contact Ethiopian embassy about alternative visa options.
Generally yes, all eligible nationalities have access to tourist, business, and transit eVisas. However, specific terms or additional requirements may vary slightly by country based on bilateral agreements. The application system will show options available for your nationality.
Yes, technically each person can have a different visa type, but it's usually simpler if the whole family applies for the same type. If parents are on business trip but bringing children for tourism, both can use business visas. Children typically follow parents' visa type. See our guide for minors.
Ready to Choose Your eVisa Type?
Select the appropriate visa type for your travel purpose when you apply. The application form will ask you to choose your visa category.
Apply for Ethiopian eVisa
Need Help? Contact our support team:
Email: support@evisa.express |
Phone: +44 2031 293 603