Ethiopia entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and most land borders. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you travel.
Apply for Ethiopia eVisaOfficial portal: Ethiopia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Apply for an Ethiopia eVisa at evisa.gov.et before travel. The eVisa costs around $52 USD for a 30-day single entry and is processed within 3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Addis Ababa Bole Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ethiopia. Airlines at Heathrow and regional hubs 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 Airport routinely ask for a return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your booking ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show you plan to leave within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ethiopia. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip — showing a bank statement or cash is usually enough. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival counter only accepts cash — US dollars, euros, or Ethiopian birr. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
E-visa saves time at the airport
If you apply for an e-visa before departure, you skip the visa-on-arrival queue entirely. Processing takes about 3 business days. It's the same cost and validity.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before immigration. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic personal details, flight info, and where you're staying. Fill it in while queuing.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in US dollars cash (preferred), euros, or Ethiopian birr. As of 2026, the fee is around $50–$80 depending on visa type (single entry vs multiple). Keep small bills.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
The officer will process your visa and hand it over. Then go to the immigration queue for passport stamping. Total time: 15–45 minutes depending on crowds.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. £42)
Apply online via eVisa portal; faster processing.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$72 USD (approx. £58)
Allows multiple entries; good for regional travel.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200–$500 USD (approx. £160–£400)
Requires employer or university sponsorship; apply at Ethiopian embassy.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (approx. £160–£400)
For those with a job offer from an Ethiopian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$100–$300 USD (approx. £80–£240)
For enrollment in an accredited Ethiopian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (approx. £400–£800)
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD, EUR, or GBP at the airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (approx. £40) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, eVisa)Apply online before travel; valid for 30 days. | $52 USD (approx. £42) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, eVisa)Valid for 90 days; allows multiple entries. | $72 USD (approx. £58) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. £16) |
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
UK passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBole International Airport (ADD), Addis Ababa
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all areas below 2,500m; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites during daytime.
Altitude SicknessModerate risk
Risk in highland areas like Addis Ababa (2,355m) and Lalibela; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk is highest in lowland areas.
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
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Bole International Airport Immigration Desk
Bole International Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for GB 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 = 159.9 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
Yes, at most major land border crossings like Moyale (Kenya) and Galafi (Djibouti). The process is similar to the airport but may have fewer staff — expect longer waits. Have cash in US dollars.
As of 2026, a single-entry visa is around $50–$60 USD, and a multiple-entry visa is about $70–$80. Pay in US dollars cash (preferred), euros, or Ethiopian birr. Credit cards are not accepted.
Typically 30 days for a single-entry visa. You can extend it once at the Immigration Office in Addis Ababa for an additional 30 days — the fee is around $50 USD. The office is near the airport.
Required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Otherwise, not mandatory. But it's recommended for travel outside Addis Ababa. Carry your certificate if you have it.
Yes, the Ethiopian e-visa is available for British passport holders. It's valid for 30 days and costs about $52 USD. Apply online at evisa.gov.et at least 3 days before travel. It's processed faster than visa on arrival.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Ethiopia can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A basic policy covering medical and trip cancellation is cheap peace of mind.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.