Exploring Ethiopia: Airport Activities And Adventures

what to do in ethiopia airport

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the major hub for Ethiopian Airlines and one of the largest and busiest airports in Africa. The airport offers exceptional services, including check-in, lounge access, and arrival facilities. Terminal II caters to international flights, while Terminal I serves domestic flights. The airport features spacious arrival and departure halls, a VIP salon, and a range of offices for various airlines. Additionally, Bole International Airport provides visa-on-arrival services for eligible travellers. With a capacity to handle over 22 million international passengers annually, the airport ensures a seamless and efficient travel experience.

Characteristics Values
Name of the airport Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Airlines Ethiopian Airlines
Services Check-in, lounge access, arrival services
Facilities Arrival and departure halls for international and domestic passengers, a VIP salon, an airport security office, offices and desks for different airlines and airways
Number of counters at the passenger departing area 20
Number of counters at the passenger arriving area 32
Number of counters for visa on arrival services 12
Number of rooms at the transit hotel 97
New airport construction A new airport worth US$6 billion is being constructed near Addis Ababa. It will be Africa's largest and busiest airport, serving 100 million passengers annually

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Exceptional services at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Africa, providing a seamless travel experience for over 24 million international and domestic passengers annually. The airport boasts ultra-modern facilities designed to expedite departure and arrival processes, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey for all travellers.

The airport features separate terminals for international and domestic flights, each equipped with spacious arrival and departure halls. Terminal II, dedicated to international flights, offers a VIP salon, an airport security office, and offices for various airlines. Additionally, there are 12 counters specifically designated for visa-on-arrival services, making the visa acquisition process convenient and straightforward for eligible travellers.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport also provides exceptional check-in services, lounge access, and arrival procedures. With 20 counters at the departing area and 32 counters at the arriving area, passengers can expect efficient and prompt assistance. The airport also accommodates special requests, including medical case passengers and unaccompanied minors, ensuring that all travellers receive the necessary support throughout their journey.

The airport serves as the primary hub for Ethiopian Airlines, offering a range of services to enhance the travel experience. These include online check-in, baggage allowances, and travel packages tailored to various needs, such as corporate or medical travel. Ethiopian Airlines is committed to providing world-class services, as evidenced by their feedback collection and commitment to continuous improvement.

Furthermore, the airport is conveniently located just 5 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. This strategic location makes it an ideal gateway for travellers exploring the country's historical towns and natural parks. With easy access to domestic flights and safari operators, visitors can seamlessly connect to their desired destinations, making the most of their time in Ethiopia.

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Check-in, lounge access, arrival services

Check-in, lounge access, and arrival services at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the major hub for Ethiopian Airlines and is one of the largest and busiest airports in Africa. The airport boasts a modern terminal, inaugurated in 2003, with facilities designed to speed up departure and arrival. The second phase of terminal expansion was completed in 2019.

The airport offers online check-in services, as well as check-in counters at the airport. For international flights, Terminal II has 20 counters in the departure area and 32 counters in the arrival area. There are also 12 counters for visa-on-arrival services. Ethiopian Airlines provides exceptional services to ensure a seamless travel experience.

The airport has a spacious terminal with a capacity to handle over 22 million international passengers annually. It features a VIP salon, an airport security office, and offices for various airlines. The terminal provides comfortable facilities for travellers, including a transit hotel with 97 rooms and spacious restaurant areas.

For arrival services, Ethiopian Airlines offers hassle-free experiences, with assistance available through their contact centre. They also provide various travel packages, including medical travel packages, and special assistance for unaccompanied minors, medical case passengers, and special needs requests.

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Visa on arrival services

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Africa, providing services for more than 22 million international passengers per year. The airport has 12 counters dedicated to visa-on-arrival services. Nationals of countries that are allowed visas on arrival must check with the Airport Immigration Office to enter Ethiopia.

All other passengers must come with their entry visas and pass through the passport control counters. Passengers travelling to Ethiopia can obtain an e-visa by applying online at https://www.evisa.gov.et/. Those with a confirmation email and a single page of the E-visa issued are permitted to enter. The Ethiopia eVisa is a single-entry visa for tourists, allowing a stay of up to 30 days in total.

If you are transiting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and staying within the airport for a connecting flight, you do not need a transit visa. However, if you plan to enter Ethiopia, you will need to obtain a transit visa, which allows a stay of up to 12 hours. This visa is not available through iVisa, so interested parties should contact the nearest Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate for more information.

For business travellers, Ethiopia offers a Business eVisa, which is not required for people from the following two countries: the United States of America and the State of Israel.

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Domestic and international terminals

Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa is the major hub for Ethiopian Airlines and one of the largest airports in Africa. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal II dedicated to international flights and Terminal I serving domestic flights. The airport offers exceptional services, ensuring a seamless travel experience with facilities designed to speed up departure and arrival.

International Terminal

The international terminal is an ultra-modern facility inaugurated in 2003, with a second phase of expansion completed in 2019. It features spacious arrival and departure halls, a VIP salon, and an airport security office. The terminal is equipped with 21st-century facilities, providing a world-class experience for over 22 million international passengers annually.

Domestic Terminal

The domestic terminal, Terminal I, has been refurbished and expanded to accommodate domestic travellers. It offers efficient services with a dedicated departing area with 20 counters and an arriving area with 32 counters. This terminal also provides visa-on-arrival services at 12 counters for eligible travellers.

Services and Amenities

Both terminals offer a range of services and amenities to enhance your journey. Ethiopian Airlines provides services such as check-in assistance, lounge access, and special assistance for various travel needs. The airport also features a transit hotel with 97 rooms and spacious restaurant facilities for your convenience and comfort during layovers or extended stays.

Future Developments

Ethiopia is also constructing a new airport near Addis Ababa, scheduled to be Africa's largest and busiest airport. This new airport, designed to serve an impressive 100 million passengers annually, will further enhance the country's air transport capabilities and cater to the growing demand for travel to and within Ethiopia.

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Online check-in

Ethiopian Airlines offers online check-in for eligible flights, allowing passengers to check in, select their preferred seat, and download their boarding pass from the comfort of their home. This service is available 48 to 2 hours before your flight, helping you skip the long airport lines and start your journey hassle-free.

To use the online check-in service, go to the Ethiopian Airlines website and click "CHECK-IN ONLINE" or "web check-in" from the quick links on the homepage. Enter your name as it appears on your ticket, as well as your reservation locator or ticket number, and click "Continue" to locate your reservation and display your itinerary. You can then choose your seat and download your boarding pass. Passengers must have an electronic ticket, and the flight must be operated by Ethiopian Airlines.

If you have no baggage to check in, you can proceed directly to the boarding gate. However, if you have baggage, you must arrive at the dedicated check-in counter for web check-in passengers at least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. For night flights departing from Addis Ababa to the USA, Canada, and Europe, check-in starts early during the day at 1:00 p.m. local Ethiopian time.

To further streamline your experience, Ethiopian Airlines offers a mobile app for check-in on the go. The app provides a simple and intuitive interface that gives you flexibility and control over your travel experience. Additionally, you can purchase extra baggage, select a specific seat, or buy a MySheba Neighbour-Free Seat through the Ethiopian website or mobile app before your flight.

Frequently asked questions

Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa offers exceptional services with Ethiopian Airlines, ensuring a seamless travel experience. The airport has a spacious terminal that handles all international flights with its 21st-century facilities, which are designed to speed up your departure and arrival. The airport also has a VIP salon, an airport security office, and several offices and desks for different airlines and airways.

Yes, Bole International Airport issues tourist visas on arrival to travellers from certain countries. This visa needs to be paid for in cash (new notes only). You can check with the Ethiopian Immigration Department to see if your country is eligible for a visa on arrival.

When arriving from a country in Africa or the Americas where yellow fever is present, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. It is also important to note that Ethiopia is a large country, and getting around by car can be very rewarding as you will get to see some of the Ethiopian countryside.

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