Ethiopia entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and major land border crossings like Moyale, Galafi, and Metema. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport and the fee in cash.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport | Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Pay $52 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 30 days. The queue can take 30–90 minutes — have your passport photo and flight details ready.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ethiopia | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your departure date from Ethiopia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Bole Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it before issuing the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed confirmation or a screenshot on your phone — it speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of financial means for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival desk only takes cash — USD, EUR, or GBP. No cards, no mobile payments. Bring crisp, undamaged bills. Old or torn notes may be refused. There's no ATM before the visa desk.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you think you might stay longer than 30 days, apply for a visa at an Ethiopian embassy before you travel. The on-arrival visa cannot be extended. Overstaying means fines at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The desk is in the arrivals hall, before the main passport control queue. There's usually a separate line for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Grab a small white form from the counter. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight number, hotel address. Fill it in with a pen (bring your own — the counter pens often run out).
3
Submit form, passport, and fee
Hand over your form, passport, and cash. The officer will process your visa — typically takes 5–15 minutes. They'll print a sticker and paste it into your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the fresh visa. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and hotel address. Answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over the duty-free limit.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 90 days)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. €74)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, up to 90 days per visit)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer typically covers fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Ethiopia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Approx. $100 USD (€92) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized Ethiopian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; minimum investment required
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically $100,000 USD or more) in an Ethiopian business. Provides residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD, EUR, or Ethiopian Birr at the airport. Exact amount may vary slightly. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)For longer stays; must be requested at entry. | $80 USD (approx. €74) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18) |
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
Portugal passport holders transiting through Ethiopia 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 overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBole International Airport (ADD), Addis Ababa
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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 high altitude (2,355 m); travellers may experience symptoms.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most areas below 2,500 m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travellers to lowland regions.
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 or overstay regularization; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for PT 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 = 156.04 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, you can get a visa on arrival at most major land border crossings, including Moyale (from Kenya), Galafi (from Djibouti), and Metema (from Sudan). The process is the same — cash fee, passport, and a blank page. But note that some smaller crossings may not offer it, so check ahead if you're planning an overland entry.
As of 2026, a 30-day single-entry visa costs around $50–60 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Exact amounts can change, so bring a bit extra. The visa desk only accepts cash — no cards.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a proper visa at an Ethiopian embassy before you travel, or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines at immigration when you depart.
Immigration may refuse entry if you can't show an onward ticket. They want proof you'll leave within the visa period. If you're planning to leave overland, book a cheap refundable flight out of Ethiopia and cancel it after you enter.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit over 12 hours). Portuguese passport holders coming directly from Portugal don't need it, but if you've been in any African or South American country before Ethiopia, bring your yellow fever certificate. Immigration may ask.
Usually 15–30 minutes total, including the queue. During peak arrival times (evening flights from Europe), it can take up to an hour. The process itself is quick — the wait is for the queue. Have your form filled out and cash ready to speed things up.
No. Only cash is accepted — USD, EUR, or GBP. No credit cards, no debit cards, no mobile payments. There is an ATM after passport control, but it's unreliable and often out of cash. Bring enough from outside.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.