Ethiopia entry requirements for Israel passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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

Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia. You'll handle it at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport when you land. This applies in 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Ethiopia eVisa
Apply for an Ethiopian eVisa at evisa.gov.et before you fly. The standard tourist eVisa costs $82 USD and is valid for 90 days from issue. Processing takes up to 3 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you land in Ethiopia. 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 Ethiopia
Immigration officers at Bole International Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one.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 where you are staying, and having a booking ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or card for your stay
Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card with available limit. Immigration rarely checks, but if asked, show you can cover your expenses.Recommended
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are accepted. There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring $50 USD in cash, ideally with small bills.
Visa on arrival only at Addis Ababa
This service is only available at Bole International Airport. If you enter Ethiopia by land or through another airport, you must get a visa from an Ethiopian embassy beforehand.

What happens at the border

1
Land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After you get off the plane, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually separate from the main immigration line. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to fill out — basic info like name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Bring a pen to save time.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash — US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the cost is around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Get your visa sticker and enter
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check that the dates are correct before you walk away. Then proceed to baggage claim.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$52 USD (approx. $52 USD)

Apply at Ethiopian embassy abroad before travel; allows one extension.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, up to 1 year validity
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)

For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.

Long-stay visa (business/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)

Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.

work visa
Work Permit (Ethiopia)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a local company or organization. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid contract. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Ethiopia)
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Ethiopia. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Ethiopia)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD or Ethiopian Birr at the airport upon arrival.$52 USD (approx. $52 USD)
Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Available for longer stays; pay at the airport.$72 USD (approx. $72 USD)
Overstay fineNo official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues.$20 USD per day (approx. $20 USD)

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

Israel 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 must obtain a visa on arrival.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Ethiopia may transit without additional visa.
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 at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal 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

Addis Ababa and other highland areas are above 2,300m; acclimatize gradually.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in most areas below 2,000m, 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
Main Immigration Office (Addis Ababa)
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (Head Office)
Kirkos Sub-city, Woreda 1, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

For complex cases like overstay regularization or long-term visas.

Practical information for IL 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
updated May 29
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
Police911
Medical907
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The visa on arrival is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you arrive by land or at another airport, you need to get a visa from an Ethiopian embassy before you travel.
As of 2026, the single-entry tourist visa costs about $50 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible, as change may not always be available.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 30 days. It is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
You'll likely be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Ethiopia. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, it's not required for entry, but it's recommended. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before you go.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type (like a tourist visa from an embassy) before you travel.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed visa application form, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Cash for the visa fee ($50 USD) is also essential.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.