Ethiopia entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
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 travel to Ethiopia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This visa-free entry is valid for tourism and business visits, and you'll need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia eVisaBahraini passport holders are eligible for Ethiopia's eVisa; you cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an Ethiopia eVisa before arrival. The eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days and is not extendable. Apply through the official Ethiopian eVisa portal at least a few days before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months from entry | Your Bahraini passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Ethiopia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see your departure booking. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Ethiopia before the end of your 90-day stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you plan to finance your trip. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Ethiopia. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form. Not required | No arrival declaration or customs form is required for Bahraini citizens entering Ethiopia. | Not required |
Entry stamp is your visa
Your passport stamp upon arrival is your visa. It clearly shows the date you entered and the maximum stay allowed. Don't lose track of your entry date — overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Passport validity is critical
Ethiopian immigration enforces the six-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Double-check your passport's expiry date well before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy, either printed or on your phone.
2
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Most Bahraini travellers fly into Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Follow the signs to 'Arrivals' and proceed to the immigration hall. There are separate queues for foreigners and residents — join the one for foreigners.
3
Present your passport to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents if asked. The officer will check your details, stamp your passport, and grant you entry for up to 90 days. This usually takes a few minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area, collect your luggage, and pass through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$82
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$102
Requires invitation letter and proof of business activities.
Student visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$100
Requires admission letter from Ethiopian educational institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 90 days)For tourism; valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 90 days. | $82 |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 90 days)For tourism; multiple entries allowed. | $102 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for some nationalities; check eligibility. | $50 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Main Immigration Office in Addis Ababa; max extension up to 90 days. | $100 |
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
Airside transit without a visa is permitted for up to 24 hours if you stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or clear immigration, you must obtain a visa in advance.
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
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 = 159.48 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, Bahraini passport holders can enter Ethiopia visa-free for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism and business visits. You don't need to apply for anything in advance.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you would need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa at an Ethiopian embassy before your trip.
You will likely be denied entry. Ethiopian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before travelling.
No, Bahraini citizens are visa-exempt, so there's no need for a visa on arrival. You simply present your passport at immigration and receive an entry stamp.
If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you may be asked to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Bahrain is not a yellow fever risk country, but if you've travelled through such a country recently, carry the certificate.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business activities only. If you plan to work, you must obtain a work permit and the appropriate visa from an Ethiopian embassy before arriving.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.