Sachin Walls
Ethiopia offers visas on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which can be obtained at the airport's immigration office. This is available to citizens of certain countries, and travellers can check the airport's website for an updated list. The visa on arrival option is often preferred over e-visas, as travellers can avoid a potentially slow process at the Ethiopian immigration office. However, it is important to note that some travellers have reported issues with obtaining visas on arrival, with reports of long wait times and unclear procedures. The e-visa application process, on the other hand, can be completed online, with approvals received via email.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | Yes, but only for citizens of certain countries. |
| Visa on arrival cost | $80 for 30 days, $200 for 90 days. |
| Visa on arrival payment methods | Cash or card, but cash is faster. |
| E-visa | Yes, for citizens of several countries. |
| E-visa application | Online. |
| E-visa approval | Within 10 business days. |
| E-visa cost | Not mentioned. |
| E-visa validity | 30 days. |
| Visa extension | Possible, but may be complicated. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa on arrival at Bole Airport
Bole International Airport, also known as Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is Ethiopia's main international airport. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1, which primarily serves domestic flights, and Terminal 2, which caters to international flights.
Nationals of countries that are allowed visas on arrival in Ethiopia need to check with the Airport Immigration Office to enter the country. The visa fee is 62 USD, or an equivalent amount in Euro or GBP. To obtain a visa on arrival, you must have two passport-size photographs with you.
It is important to note that not all countries are eligible for visa on arrival services at Bole Airport. For example, Romania is not on the list of countries that can obtain a visa on arrival. If you are unsure about your eligibility, it is recommended to check with the Ethiopian Embassy.
For those who are not eligible for a visa on arrival, it is necessary to obtain an e-visa before travelling to Ethiopia. The e-visa can be obtained by applying online, and once approved, you will receive an email confirmation. With the e-visa, you can enter Ethiopia by passing through the Passport Control Counters.
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Applying for an e-visa online
It is possible to obtain an Ethiopian visa at the airport upon arrival. However, applying for an e-visa online is a more convenient option, as it saves time and ensures that you have the necessary documentation before your trip. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an e-visa online:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, it is important to check if you are eligible for an Ethiopian e-visa. The official website for Ethiopian e-visa applications (https://www.evisa.gov.et/) provides information on eligible countries. Make sure to review the requirements and ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
The specific documents required may vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. However, some common documents that you may need include:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into Ethiopia.
- A recent passport-size photograph that meets the specified requirements for size and format.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from your host in Ethiopia.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
- A return ticket or proof of onward travel demonstrating that you intend to leave Ethiopia before your visa expires.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Visit the official Ethiopian e-visa website (https://www.evisa.gov.et/) to access the online application form. Carefully fill out all the required fields with accurate information. Provide your personal details, travel plans, and any other relevant information requested in the form. Double-check all the information before submitting to avoid errors or discrepancies.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
In addition to the completed application form, you will need to upload the required supporting documents. These may include the documents mentioned in Step 2, as well as any other specific documents requested by the Ethiopian immigration authorities. Ensure that your documents are in the correct format and meet any specified size or resolution requirements.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
After submitting your application and supporting documents, you will typically need to pay a visa fee. The fee amount may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of visa you are applying for. Carefully review the payment instructions and make the payment using a valid payment method. Keep a record of your payment transaction for future reference.
Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing
Once your application is submitted, you will need to wait for it to be processed and approved. The processing time may vary, but most applications are approved within 10 business days. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow for any potential delays in the processing time.
Step 7: Receive Your e-Visa
Upon approval of your application, you will receive your Ethiopian e-visa electronically. The e-visa will be sent to your email, and you should carefully review all the details to ensure they are correct. Print out a copy of your e-visa and have it with you when you travel to Ethiopia. Present your e-visa, along with your passport, to the immigration authorities upon arrival at the airport.
It is important to note that the e-visa allows travellers to stay in Ethiopia for up to 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you may need to apply for a long-stay visa or consult the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate for information on extending your stay.
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Visa validity and extensions
The validity of your Ethiopian e-visa begins on the day you enter the country, i.e., the date you selected in your application form, not the date the visa was issued. The standard validity period for a single-entry tourist visa is 30 to 90 days. A 30-day single-entry tourist visa costs 82 USD, while a 90-day single-entry tourist visa costs 202 USD.
It is possible to extend an Ethiopian tourist visa, but the application must be submitted before the original visa's expiration date. If the expiry date is between one and 15 days, the visa can be extended online. However, if the expiry date is beyond 15 days, applicants must visit the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa to request an extension in person.
There is a fee for visa extensions, which depends on the duration of stay. A 30-day single-entry visa extension costs 102 USD, while a 90-day single-entry visa extension costs 302 USD. It is important to note that fines and other legal consequences may apply if you overstay the expiration date of your visa without a valid extension.
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Passport control and baggage claim
Ethiopian Airlines offers a seamless experience for passengers arriving at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. All passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flights are greeted by Customer Relation Officers who guide them through the Passport Control and Baggage Claim process. For those connecting, the officers will direct them to the transit exit.
Nationals of countries eligible for visas on arrival must check with the Airport Immigration Office. These passengers can obtain their visa at the airport and then proceed to passport control. The visa on arrival option is not available through Sherpa. The eligible countries are listed on the Ethiopian Airlines website. It is important to note that an e-visa confirmation email and a copy of the e-visa are required for entry into Ethiopia. Incomplete documentation or proof of payment only will result in denied entry.
Other nationals must possess a valid entry visa and proceed to the Passport Control Counters. The Ethiopian Tourist e-Visa can be applied for online and is typically received via email once approved. It is recommended to submit the application at least 10 business days before travelling. This e-Visa allows for a stay of up to 30 days in Ethiopia.
At the baggage claim area, passengers can refer to the wide-screen display to identify the correct belt for their luggage. Ethiopian Airlines provides a 24/7 Customer Service Desk to assist with any issues regarding missing or damaged baggage. A duty-free shop, banks, and a booth for local mobile lines are also available in this area. All baggage must pass through the Baggage X-Ray machine, and Ethiopian Customs has a Green and Red Channel for clearance.
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Currency declaration
Yes, you can get an Ethiopian visa at the airport on arrival at the port of entry. Nationals of countries allowed visas on arrival need to check with the Airport Immigration Office to enter Ethiopia. You can also apply for an e-visa online before you travel.
When travelling to Ethiopia, you must declare any amount of foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 or its equivalent in other convertible currencies using a specified Customs Declaration Form at the airport or other entry points. This is in accordance with the Foreign Exchange Regulations and Directives in Ethiopia.
If you are a resident of Ethiopia, you must convert any foreign currency to Ethiopian Birr or deposit it into a foreign currency account within 30 days of arrival. The time limit to hold foreign currency in Ethiopia is 30 days from the date of entry stamped on the passport.
If you are a non-resident foreigner, you can hold foreign currency up to the validity period of your visa. However, if you are staying for more than 90 days, you must deposit the foreign currency into a Non-Resident Foreign Currency Account within 90 days.
For non-resident foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin and non-resident Ethiopian nationals, you can carry the foreign currency you brought into the country, but you must leave within 90 days and declare amounts exceeding USD 10,000 or its equivalent at the time of entry.
If you are carrying more than USD 3,000 or its equivalent in other convertible foreign currency upon exiting Ethiopia, you are required to produce bank advice or a foreign currency customs declaration at the entry point.
It is illegal to pay for commercial transactions in any currency other than Ethiopian Birr, with the exception of international hotel bills. Foreign currency may only be exchanged legally at banks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nationals of countries allowed visas on arrival need to check with the Airport Immigration Office to enter Ethiopia. The visa fee is $80 for 30 days and $200 for 90 days.
You can obtain a visa on arrival by visiting the VOA desk at the airport. After this, you will go to another booth to pay and then proceed to baggage claim.
The process can take a significant amount of time, with some travellers reporting that it took them two hours from getting off the plane to exiting the airport.
