Ethiopia entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. This is the simplest option for tourism or short business trips. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you queue.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Philippine passport holders can apply for an Ethiopia eVisa at www.evisa.gov.et. The standard tourist eVisa costs $52 USD, is valid for 30 days, and processes within 3 business days. Print the approval email 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 stay | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ethiopia. Airlines at Manila and connecting hubs check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Addis Ababa Bole Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show you plan to leave within the eVisa's validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ethiopia. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this at the counter, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses — a quick bank app screenshot or printed statement works fine. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring $50-60 in small bills. If you don't have USD, there are exchange counters before immigration, but rates are poor.
Visa on arrival only at Bole Airport
This service is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you're entering Ethiopia by land or at another airport, you must get a visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After deplaning, 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
At the counter, you'll receive a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and purpose of visit. Keep it simple — 'Tourism' or 'Business' is fine.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in US dollars cash (USD) — exact change preferred. As of 2026, the fee is around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa. Credit cards are not accepted at this counter.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days from issue.
5
Proceed to immigration
With the visa in your passport, join the main immigration queue. Present your passport and boarding pass. You'll be asked your purpose and length of stay. Answer clearly.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. 2,900 ETB)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy abroad; allows extension.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$80 USD (approx. 4,500 ETB)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$70 USD (approx. 3,900 ETB)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 11,200 ETB) processing fee
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labor approval.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$50 USD (approx. 2,800 ETB) processing fee
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 28,000 ETB) processing fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or ETB at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. | $50 USD (approx. 2,800 ETB) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. 1,120 ETB) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not standard for VoA; check with immigration. | Unknown |
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Ethiopia (Addis Ababa Bole International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Ethiopia may transit without additional visa.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration can stay airside up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsAddis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderCholeraConsider
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 advised.
Altitude SicknessModerate risk
Addis Ababa is at 2,355m; risk increases with rapid ascent to higher altitudes.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most areas below 2,000m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 (Headquarters)
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Branch)
Kazanchis, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for PH 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 = 157.6 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
As of 2026, the single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs around $50 USD. Pay in cash (USD) at the counter. Bring exact change if possible — they may not have change for large bills.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel (e.g., a business visa or a longer-term visa from the Ethiopian embassy in Manila).
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The Philippines is not a yellow fever country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct flights from Manila.
Visa on arrival is only available at Bole International Airport. If you're entering by land (e.g., from Kenya or Sudan), you must get a visa in advance from the Ethiopian embassy or apply for an e-visa before travel.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers short business trips. Just state 'Business' on the form. For longer business stays or work, you'll need a proper work visa arranged beforehand.
Print nothing — digital copies on your phone are fine. Save screenshots of your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance. But keep your passport and cash (USD) physically accessible.
Check your government's travel advisories. Some regions have security concerns. Addis Ababa is generally safe for tourists, but avoid non-essential travel to conflict zones. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.