Ethiopia entry requirements for Nepal 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

Nepali passport holders need an e-visa to enter Ethiopia. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Nepali citizens. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you meet the requirements.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for an Ethiopian eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism or business visits and typically processes within 3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Addis Ababa Bole Airport will check it before issuing your entry stamp.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into 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 Addis Ababa Bole Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show.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 where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Have bank statements, a credit card, or cash (USD or Ethiopian Birr) to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but having proof avoids delays.Recommended
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Ethiopia. If it's less, your e-visa will be rejected. Renew your passport before applying.
No visa on arrival for Nepali citizens
Unlike some other nationalities, Nepali passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival at Bole International Airport. You must have an approved e-visa before you fly.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Ethiopian e-visa website (evisa.gov.et). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved visa by email — print it and keep a digital copy.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, gather: your printed e-visa, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep a digital backup of everything on your phone.
3
Arrive at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)
Most flights land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, printed e-visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and you're in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). Exit into the arrivals hall where you can get a taxi or meet your driver.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. NPR 6,900)

Standard eVisa option for tourism.

Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$72 USD (approx. NPR 9,600)

Longer stay option, but no extension possible.

Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$62 USD (approx. NPR 8,200)

Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.

work visa
Ethiopian Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,600) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Ethiopian Student Visa
Duration of study program (typically 1–4 years)
~$50 USD (approx. NPR 6,650) plus university fees
For enrollment in recognized Ethiopian educational institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health clearance.
investor visa
Ethiopian Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. NPR 66,500) plus investment capital
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Nepal passport holders.$52 USD (approx. NPR 6,900)
eVisa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option for extended stays.$72 USD (approx. NPR 9,600)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying.$20 USD per day (approx. NPR 2,660)

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

Nepal passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a layover over 12 hours, you must obtain an eVisa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
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 (including Nepal). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedYellow FeverEssentialCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas below 2,000 meters. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons. Use mosquito repellent.

Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present throughout Ethiopia, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is recommended for all travelers.

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
Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Directorate
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.

Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Downtown)
Churchill Avenue, near Meskel Square, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Practical information for NP 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

Yes. You must get an e-visa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Nepali citizens.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is evisa.gov.et.
The fee varies by nationality. For Nepali passport holders, it's around $52 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official site for the exact amount.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the e-visa.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Nepal is not a yellow fever country, so it's not required unless you've recently been to one.
You may be denied entry. Always print a copy and keep a digital backup on your phone.

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.