Which visa types are you interested in applying for?

Ethiopian visa types are divided into two categories: tourist visas and business visas. Any visitor or traveler wishing to enter Ethiopia must first obtain a tourist or business visa. Both Ethiopian visa types have different purposes and requirements. All Ethiopian visa types, however, require recent passport-size pictures and a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of arrival. Moreover, fill the online Application Form with accurate personal information, travel plans, and health and security details. Also, the cost of a visa service varies depending on how long the visa is valid.

In addition to these requirements, each Ethiopian visa types has its own set of requirements as well as a different service charge. So, before filling out the online visa application form and submitting your application, understand about the different types of visas.

Ethiopia Tourist Visa

The Ethiopia Tourist Visa is an electronic travel permit that allows travelers to enter Ethiopia solely for touristic or non-business purposes. Applicants can apply for an Ethiopia tourist visa online or at the airport, on arrival. However, at the time of this writing, the on-arrival visa is unavailable. As a result, we recommend to applying for a tourist visa online.

Requirements for Ethiopia Tourist Visa

All nations of all countries who met the common requirements of Ethiopia visa types are eligible for tourist visas. Applicants must also pay a visa fee, which is $52 for a 30-day single entrance visa and $72 for a 90-day single entry visa.

Ethiopia Tourist Visa Process

A tourist visa typically takes 3 days to complete under normal conditions. As a result, tourists should apply at least three days prior to their expected arrival date. A single-entry tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of intended entry into Ethiopia. If the tourists’ arrival date changes, they should contact the e-Visa Support Team at support@evisa.gov.et to have their visa validity duration updated.

Additionally, tourists can apply for a visa extension in person at the Immigration, Nationality, and Vital Events Agency’s headquarters before their visa expires. Travelers who stay over the validity period without extending their visa face fines and legal consequences.

Ethiopia Business Visa

There are ten different categories of business visas available. For qualified travellers who desire to enter Ethiopia for business purposes, an Ethiopia Business Visa is available. Business visas are also obtainable in person at an embassy or consulate, both online and in person.

1. Conference Visa – CV

Anyone who wishes to visit Ethiopia for International Conferences may do so provided he or she has received an invitation to the conference, seminar, or workshop. Ethiopian legal entities, such as the Ministry or Department of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Regional State Governments, Educational Institutions and Universities or the private sector, the United Nations or its specialized agencies, the African Union, or reputable NGOs, may organize a conference, seminar, or workshop and send an invitation.

What are the required Documents for a Conference Visa?

In addition to the existing visa requirements, applicants should receive an invitation letter from a private company, the Ethiopian government, a non-governmental organization established in Ethiopia, or an international organization.

Application for Conference Visa

The conference visa is a 30-day single entry visa that is valid from the day of arrival into Ethiopia. However, the INVEA does not renew the conference visa. Furthermore, there is a USD 32 application cost for a 30-day single entry conference visa. 

2. Investment Visa – IV

This visa is granted to foreigners who are involved in investments. It can also be provided to potential investors who want to come to Ethiopia and invest.

Documents for Investment Visa – IV

In addition to common visa requirements, investors must fulfil the following requirements:

• If you are entering Ethiopia for the first time, you will need a letter of support from the Ethiopian Embassy to prove that you are going for investment purposes.
• The inviting entity must write official application letter to INVEA
• Valid Business License  and TIN of the inviting entity
• Letter of Support from Ethiopia’s Investment Commission

Investment Visa – IV Visa Process

An Investment Visa takes 3 days to complete under typical conditions. As a result, applicants should submit their application at least three days prior to their expected arrival date. The visa’s validity begins on the date when it is meant to enter Ethiopia. Travelers can apply for a visa extension in person at the INVEA before their visa expires. The cost of a business visa application varies depending on the length of stay.

3. Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa – WV

INVEA grants Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa to foreign nationals who enter Ethiopia to work for foreigner owned businesses.

Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa – WV Requirements 

• The inviting organization must write an official application letter and submit it to Ethiopia’s Immigration, Nationality, and Vital Events Agency.
• Business license of the inviting company.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)  Certificate of the inviting company.
• The contract between the inviting firm and the visa applicant

Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa – WV Application Process

A Firm Employment Visa takes 3 days to complete under typical conditions. As a result, passengers should submit their application at least three days prior to their expected arrival date. The Visa’s validity begins on the date when it is meant to enter Ethiopia. Travelers can apply for a visa extension in person at the Immigration, Nationality, and Vital Events Agency’s headquarters before their visa expires (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Travelers who remain over the validity period without extending their stay result in fines and legal ramifications. The application price for a single-entry 30-day visa is USD 42.

4. Ethiopian Government Employment Visa – GV

INVEA shall issue Government Employment Visas to Foreign people in order to work for various Ethiopian government institutions and ministries. Moreover, the inviting organization must write an official application letter and submit to Ethiopia’s INVEA. The applicant can also request visa extension.

5.Journalist Visa – JV

Journalist visas are granted to foreign journalists, media workers, or film makers who are visiting to cover events, report for media organizations, or produce films, television, or written content of different types. Like other Business visas, the inviting firm must write an invitation letter addressing the INVEA. Moreover, the Ministry of foreign Affairs or Government communications office of Ethiopia should write a letter of recommendation. But visa extension is not allowed.

6.Ethiopian Private Business Firm Work Visa – PE

Private Limited Liability Company Visas are issued to foreign people who come to Ethiopia for work or other short-term missions with Ethiopian private businesses. The inviting plc must have a valid business license, TIN and contract agreement with the applicant. The invitation letter also must address Ethiopia’s INVEA.

7. International Organization/Embassies Work Visa – RI

International organizations and Embassies which are resident in Ethiopia can apply for International Organizations/Embassies Work Visa to the foreigners with ordinary passports. Inviting organizations or embassies must write a formal application letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia requesting its support letter. 

8.Ethiopian Government Institutions Short Task Visa – GIV

The foreign nations who wish to enter Ethiopia to do particular duties of government or institute can request  for a Government Institutions Short Task Visa. The invitation letter is also important which addresses INVEA.

9.NGO Work Visa – NV

An NGO visa is a type of visa that is provided to foreign citizens who are invited to Ethiopia by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for employment or short-term missions. Moreover, the inviting NGO must have a valid registration license in Ethiopia and the invitation letter must address the INVEA.

Furthermore, the Ethiopia INVEA has identified certain fraudulent websites that seem and act similarly to the official e-Visa website. There is no agreement between the Ethiopian government and the operators of personal or private  websites. As a result, any visa application or payment made through these websites is ineligible. So, applicant can apply using the official website of the government. Click Here. In addition, learn more about Ethiopia Tourism and other related topics from our website. Also, share your experience on evisa of Ethiopia on the comment section.