Ethiopia entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Lebanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. No advance application is needed — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard procedure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Ethiopia requires all Lebanese passport holders to obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at the official Ethiopia eVisa portal — processing takes 1–3 business days. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $52 USD.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Ethiopia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ethiopia | Immigration officers at Addis Ababa Bole Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ethiopia. Immigration may ask for this at the counter — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but it is better to have proof on hand. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Bole Airport only accepts US dollars in cash. No cards, no Ethiopian birr. Bring crisp, new $50-$60 bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival only at Bole Airport
This facility is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you enter Ethiopia by land or at another airport, you'll need a visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bole International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before passport control, usually on the left side of the arrivals hall.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Grab a form from the counter or a nearby table. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photos (if asked), and the visa fee in USD. The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Collect your passport with visa sticker
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with a visa sticker inside. Check that the dates and details are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the queue for foreign passports. Present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask a couple of questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer honestly and briefly.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For multiple entries; apply at embassy.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$70 USD (approx. $70 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee) + employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee) + minimum investment of $100,000 USD
For individuals investing in Ethiopia. Requires proof of investment and business registration. Grants residency and work rights.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$50 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Renewable annually.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or ETB) upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Available for longer stays; must be requested at immigration. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap mentioned, but avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. $20 USD/day) |
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
Lebanon passport holders transiting through Ethiopia (Addis Ababa Bole International Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsAddis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all areas below 2,500 meters, including Addis Ababa; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; practice food and water hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all areas below 2,500m; use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 08:30–17:00
For visa extensions and overstay payments; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (Head Office)
Kirkos Sub-city, Woreda 08, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
Handles long-term visas and residency permits.
Practical information for LB 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
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 standard single-entry tourist visa costs around $50-$60 USD. Exact amounts can change, so bring a bit extra. Only US dollars are accepted — no Ethiopian birr, no credit cards.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you're entering by land (e.g., from Kenya or Sudan), you must get an e-visa or a visa from an Ethiopian embassy before you travel.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Lebanon is not considered high-risk, but if you've recently travelled to an affected country, you'll need proof of vaccination. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Lebanon.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is written on the visa sticker — check it before leaving the counter.
No. Only cash in US dollars is accepted. Bring crisp, new bills — old, torn, or marked notes may be refused. There are ATMs in the airport, but they dispense Ethiopian birr, not USD.
Immigration may deny you entry. Airlines also often check for onward tickets before boarding. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans — it's safer than risking refusal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.