Ethiopia entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Cameroonian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and select land borders. This has been the case since 2024, so no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport and the fee in cash (USD or EUR).
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Ethiopian eVisa | Apply online at evisa.gov.et before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Ethiopia enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. 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 Addis Ababa Bole Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $200 USD for short visits. Officers rarely check this, but it helps if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). No credit cards, no Ethiopian birr. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're arriving from Cameroon (a yellow fever endemic country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue. You'll fill out a small form (name, passport number, hotel address). Hand over your passport, the form, and the cash fee. They'll take your photo and fingerprints, then issue a sticker. Total time: 10–20 minutes if the line is short.
2
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, join the main immigration queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they sometimes ask for it.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you look suspicious. Welcome to Ethiopia.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. 3,000 ETB)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy before travel. Allows extension.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 4,600 ETB)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. 4,000 ETB)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 11,500 ETB) plus processing
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 5,700 ETB) plus tuition
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 28,500 ETB) plus investment capital
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in an approved sector. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD, EUR, or GBP at the airport. Cash only. | $50 USD (approx. 30,000 ETB equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 600 ETB) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not officially available for VoA; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Cameroon passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival is required.
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 yellow fever risk (Cameroon is endemic). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio, Influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ethiopia, especially below 2,000m elevation. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Altitude SicknessModerate risk
Addis Ababa is at 2,355m; symptoms common. Acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,000m, including Addis Ababa (though lower risk). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 Subcity, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Branch)
Megenagna, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues.
Practical information for CM 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 = 158.42 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 typically $50–$80 USD (or equivalent in EUR) depending on the length of stay. Single-entry tourist visas are usually $50 for 30 days. Bring exact change if possible.
No. Only cash in USD or EUR is accepted. No credit cards, no Ethiopian birr. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they dispense birr, not foreign currency.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa. Extensions are usually granted for 30 days at a time. The cost is around $50–$80. Go early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders like Moyale (from Kenya) and Galafi (from Djibouti). The process is similar — cash fee, passport validity check. But not all land crossings offer it, so check ahead.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Cameroon is one). You'll need to show the yellow card at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Yes, Ethiopia offers an e-visa for many nationalities, but Cameroon is not currently eligible. So visa on arrival is your only option.
Typically 30 days for a tourist visa. If you need longer, apply for an extension in Addis Ababa before your 30 days expire.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.