India entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter India. You must apply for an e-Visa or a regular visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. This requirement is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an India eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on visa type and duration. Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay | Your Ethiopian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from India | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave India before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed booking saves time at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show at least $50 per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Ethiopian passport holders cannot enter India without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival, no visa waiver, and no emergency entry. Apply for an e-Visa at least 1 week before your trip.
e-Visa is the easiest option
The Indian e-Visa covers tourism, business, and medical visits. It's valid for 30 days (double entry) or 1 year (multiple entry). Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in — no need to visit an embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and your passport scan, and pay the fee (around $25–$100 depending on duration). Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an e-Visa by email — print it out.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your e-Visa is approved, book a round-trip flight and your first night's hotel. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone and as printouts.
3
Arrive at an Indian airport
At immigration, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport, printed e-Visa, and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. They'll stamp your passport — check the stamp says the correct duration (usually 30 or 60 days).
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostINR 3,000 (~$36 USD)
Standard short-term option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 6,000 (~$72 USD)
Requires business invitation letter.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostINR 7,000 (~$84 USD)
Requires admission from recognized institution.
student visa
Student Visa (S-1)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 7,000 (~$84 USD) plus tuition
For full-time study at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Apply work visa
Employment Visa (E-1)
1 year, renewable
INR 6,000 (~$72 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employment contract and company registration.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (B-1)
1 year, renewable
INR 6,000 (~$72 USD)
For investors or business visitors with significant business interests in India. Requires proof of investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For up to 30 days, non-extendable. | INR 3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) |
| eVisa (tourist)For 30 days, double entry, non-extendable. | INR 2,500 (~$30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies to visa-free or visa overstay. | INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 India
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in India, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours at select airports.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in many regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in most parts of India, especially rural areas and during monsoon (June–September). Prophylaxis recommended for travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extension and registration. Appointments online recommended.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for ET travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.2 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. India does not offer visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must get an e-Visa or a regular visa from an Indian embassy before you travel.
Usually 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 7 days during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your flight. The fee ranges from $25 for a 30-day e-Tourist Visa to $100 for a 1-year visa.
You will be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your arrival date in India.
Yes — an onward ticket to a third country works. It must be a confirmed booking showing you leave India before your visa expires.
No, e-Visas cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and reapply. For longer stays, consider a regular visa from the Indian embassy in Addis Ababa.
You will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. The airline may also fine you. Always have your visa approved before boarding.
No, it's not required by immigration. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in India can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays and evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.