Ethiopia entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an e-visa to enter Ethiopia. The process is entirely online, and you must have your approval before boarding your flight. As of 2026, the e-visa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Ethiopian eVisa at the official portal. The eVisa is valid for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ethiopia. Have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Addis Ababa Bole Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you're staying — have a booking confirmation ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry cash (USD or Ethiopian Birr) or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. The exact amount isn't specified, but $50–$100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Sri Lanka or any country with yellow fever, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or placed in quarantine at your own expense.
Keep your e-visa accessible
Print a copy of your e-visa approval and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in, at boarding, and at immigration in Addis Ababa. A screenshot is fine.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to www.evisa.gov.et, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $52 USD for a 30-day single entry) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and save your e-visa approval
You'll get an email with your e-visa PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Present your passport, e-visa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The queue can be long — expect 20-40 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. Then you're free to leave the airport.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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. 15,600 LKR)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$72 USD (approx. 21,600 LKR)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$72 USD (approx. 21,600 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) processing fee
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
~$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) processing fee
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) processing fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in an approved sector. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourism, valid for 30 days. | $52 USD (approx. 15,600 LKR) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | $72 USD (approx. 21,600 LKR) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration offices, up to 90 days total. | $20 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR) per month |
| Overstay finePay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. 3,000 LKR), max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa 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)
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas below 2,000 meters.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Altitude SicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Addis Ababa (2,355m) and the Simien Mountains.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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
Immigration and Nationality Affairs Directorate
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Branch)
Kazanchis, near Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Alternative location for extensions; less crowded.
Practical information for LK 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
Yes, but only if you have an e-visa approval. The 'visa on arrival' desk is for those who already applied online. There is no visa-free entry for Sri Lankans. Do not arrive without an e-visa — you'll be denied boarding.
A 30-day single-entry e-visa costs about $52 USD. You pay online by credit card. There are also 90-day options for around $72 USD. Check the official portal for current prices.
Typically 3 business days, but it can be as fast as 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Processing times are longer during peak travel seasons.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You'll get a refund minus a processing fee. Reapply with corrected documents.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Sri Lanka). You must show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
Yes, you can extend your visa once at the Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa. The extension costs around $20 USD and gives you an extra 30 days. Apply before your current visa expires.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Ethiopia can be very high. Insurance also covers trip cancellation and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.