Ethiopia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and $52 USD in cash for the 30-day single-entry visa. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Have 50 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the counter does not accept cards. The visa is valid for up to 90 days and is single entry only.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ethiopia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bole Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you are staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card showing available balance. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Bole Airport does not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring $52 USD (30 days) or $72 USD (90 days) in cash. Exact change is appreciated. There are no ATMs that dispense USD in the arrivals hall.
Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from risk country
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission, you'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. UAE is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, carry your yellow card.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before passport control. Have your passport, return ticket, and $52 USD cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a simple form on arrival. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight info, hotel address. Keep it short and legible.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD only)
Hand over $52 USD for 30 days or $72 USD for 90 days. Exact change is appreciated. No cards accepted. You'll get a receipt and a visa sticker in your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker, your return ticket, and (if asked) your hotel booking. The officer may ask a few questions — purpose of visit, length of stay. Answer clearly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're in Ethiopia. Welcome.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. 191 AED)
Apply online via e-Visa portal or obtain on arrival; same as VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$72 USD (approx. 264 AED)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company; apply at embassy.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 734 AED) per year
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company or organization. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD (approx. 367 AED) per year
For those enrolled in accredited Ethiopian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,835 AED) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Includes residency rights and work authorization. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport; exact change recommended. | $52 USD (approx. 191 AED) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 90 days)Available at the airport for longer stays. | $72 USD (approx. 264 AED) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day beyond authorized stay; no official cap but may be negotiable. | $20 USD per day (approx. 73 AED) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Ethiopia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required (fee applies).
Transit hubsAddis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Altitude SicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Addis Ababa (2,355m) and the Simien Mountains; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,500m, including Addis Ababa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Addis Ababa
Main Immigration Office (Headquarters)
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Addis Ababa
Immigration Office (Downtown Branch)
Churchill Avenue, near Meskel Square, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Alternative location for visa-related inquiries; less crowded than headquarters.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAddis Ababa
LanguageAmharic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEthiopian birr (ETB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 157.79 ETB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you fly into Dire Dawa or Bahir Dar, you need to apply for an e-Visa or get a visa from an Ethiopian embassy before you travel.
The visa on arrival is non-extendable. For longer stays, you need a different visa type — like a work permit, student visa, or investor visa. These require advance application through an Ethiopian embassy or consulate. Overstaying costs $20 USD per day.
No. The visa counter only accepts cash in US dollars. Bring exact change — $52 USD for 30 days or $72 USD for 90 days. There are ATMs in the airport, but they dispense Ethiopian birr, not USD.
No, if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your transit is under 24 hours. If you want to leave the airport, you need a visa on arrival.
You'll be fined $20 USD per day for each day beyond your authorized stay. There's no official cap, but the fine is negotiable in some cases. Pay at the immigration office before you leave the country.
No. The visa on arrival is non-extendable. If you need more time, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., work or student visa) before your current visa expires.
Yes. You can apply online at the official e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.et) before you travel. The e-Visa costs the same as the visa on arrival ($52 USD for 30 days) and is processed within 3 business days. It's a good backup if you want to avoid the airport queue.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.