Ethiopia entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. No advance application is needed — just show up with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Ethiopia requires all travellers to apply for an eVisa before arrival at evisa.gov.et. The standard tourist eVisa costs $52 USD and is valid for 30 days with single entry. Processing takes up to 3 business days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ethiopia. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass in Bahrain. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ethiopia. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least $500 USD available for your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask for this, but it helps if they question your trip purpose. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars, euros, or Ethiopian birr. No credit cards, no ATM nearby. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival only at Addis Ababa
This facility is only available at Bole International Airport. If you're flying into any other Ethiopian airport, arrange an e-visa or embassy visa before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight info, and address in Ethiopia. A pen is provided, but carrying your own saves time.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around $50 USD (cash only — US dollars, euros, or Ethiopian birr). Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days from issue.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. The officer will scan and stamp you in.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 19 BHD)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy before travel; allows extension at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Ethiopian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 188 BHD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Provides residency and business rights. Requires registration with the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD) per year
For those enrolled in accredited Ethiopian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or Ethiopian Birr at the airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (approx. 19 BHD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 90 days)Available for longer stays; pay at immigration counter. | $70 USD (approx. 26 BHD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $20 USD per day (approx. 7.5 BHD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not officially available for visa-on-arrival; may require leaving and re-entering. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover, you may need a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBole International Airport (ADD), Addis Ababa
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
Common in high-altitude regions like Addis Ababa (2,355m) and the Simien Mountains; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most areas below 2,500m, including Addis Ababa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (Head Office)
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Branch)
Around Mexico Square, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for BH 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
The fee is approximately $50 USD. You can pay in US dollars, euros, or Ethiopian birr. Cash only — no credit or debit cards.
It's typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You cannot extend it beyond that — you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type in advance.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you're flying into Dire Dawa or other regional airports, you must get an e-visa or visa from an Ethiopian embassy before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Ethiopian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Bahrain.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. For longer stays, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., a business or student visa) at an Ethiopian embassy before you travel.
Overstaying incurs a fine of about $20–$30 per day, payable at immigration when you leave. It can also lead to a ban on future entry. Don't risk it — leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.