Ethiopia Visa Types

The Democratic Republic of Ethiopia issue different types of visas according to purposes, the number of entries into the country, and validity.

Ethiopia visa types can be generally divided into two groups: tourist and business visas.

A business visa has its categories: investment, journalist, conference, government employment, foreign business employment, private business employment, international organization/embassies work visa, government institutions short task, and NGO work visas.

See the article to get more details on the matter and probably even choose a visa type to apply for!

e-Visa type

Ethiopia e-Visa is a single-entry visa valid for 30 or 90 days and can be used only for travel/leisure-related purposes. Upon arrival, it is important to have a printed e-Visa and valid passport to avoid some inconveniences.

The application process is very simple, you just need to follow the instructions on our website. With e-Visa you can save your time and nerves as you don't need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Tourist visa

A tourist visa is designed for travelers who want to enter Ethiopia for tourism purposes: exploring the country, vacationing, visiting family and friends, etc. It doesn't permit employment.

This visa type is issued in different options according to the validity period and the number of entries allowed. You can choose between the following tourist visas:

• a single-entry visa effective for one month (30 days)
• a single-entry visa valid for 3 months (90 days)
• a multiple-entry visa for 3 months (90 days)
• a multiple-entry visa for 6 months (180 days)

It is possible to submit a visa application online, by post, at the Ethiopian embassy in person, or on arrival (this option is currently suspended for non-resident foreigners).

It is possible to submit a visa application online, by post, at the Ethiopian embassy in person, or on arrival (this option is currently suspended for non-resident foreigners).

If you want to extend the Ethiopia tourist visa, you should attend the Immigration, Nationality, and Vital Events Agency’s headquarters before the visa expires. Otherwise, you must leave the country, or you'll get legal issues.

Business/employment visa

There are several visa categories for business and employment matters. Applicants can obtain these visas via an online application procedure or by going to the embassy.

Investment visa

This visa category is issued for persons involved in investment activities or those willing to go to Ethiopia for investment purposes.

An investment visa comes as a single-entry permit for 30 days or a multiple-entry visa for 3/6/12 months.

In addition to basic visa requirements, a visa applicant will need:

1. A support letter proving that an applicant is coming to Ethiopia for investment matters (for first-time visitors).
2. An official letter from an inviting company.
3. A business letter from an inviting organization.
4. A support letter from the Investment Commission of Ethiopia.

Journalist visa

A journalist visa is granted to journalists, filmmakers, or professional photographers coming to Ethiopia for covering events, reporting for media, producing films, TV, or written materials.

This visa allows its holders to enter Ethiopia once for a 30-day stay and demands such documents: an official letter addressed to the Immigration And Citizenship Service of Ethiopia and a support letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Government communications office of Ethiopia.

Conference visa

This category is intended for attending conferences, seminars, or workshops in Ethiopia. It permits one to stay in the country for one month.

The additional requirement is an invitation letter from a private company, governmental organization, NGO registered in Ethiopia, or any international or inter-governmental organization.

Government Employment visa

This type of Ethiopian visa is given to foreigners who wish to work for Ethiopian government institutions and ministries.

Government employment visa has several options:

• a single-entry document for one month/three months
• a multiple-entry document for three months

A visa applicant must have a letter from an inviting organization addressing the Ethiopia INVEA.

Foreign Business Firm Employment visa

This visa is for people who come to the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to work for foreigner-owned businesses.

It is also issued as a single-entry (for 1/3 months) or a multiple-entry (for 3 months) visa.

The visa application requires a letter from an inviting entity, its business license, a TIN certificate, and a contractual agreement between the company and the visa applicant.

Ethiopian Private Business Firm Work visa

Ethiopian private business visas are for those willing to be employed by Ethiopian private businesses. Options for one and numerous entries are available.

The required documents are the same as for the foreign business firm employment visa.

International Organization/Embassies Work visa

This visa is granted to foreign citizens with ordinary passports invited for work matters by international organizations or embassies resident in Ethiopia.

Organizations or embassies acting as an inviting party must write a formal letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and request its support letter. 

Government Institutions Short Task visa

Foreigners can get this visa to perform certain tasks for Ethiopian government institutions for a short period.

The validity of a single-entry one is 30 days, while a multiple-entry one can be issued for 3 or months. It is essential to attach to the visa application a letter addressing INVEA.

NGO Work Visa

Non-governmental organizations visa is given to persons traveling to Ethiopia by an invitation of NGOs for employment or short-term tasks.

NGO work visas come in one type - a single-entry effective for a month. The inviting organization must have a valid license and an invitation letter.