Ethiopia entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and other designated entry points in Ethiopia. You pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) at the immigration counter and receive a stamp valid for up to 90 days. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Ethiopia requires all visitors to obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at the official Ethiopia eVisa portal — processing takes 3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Addis Ababa Bole Airport routinely ask for a return or onward 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 for it, especially if you are arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration rarely asks, but you may need to show funds if you cannot provide a return ticket or accommodation proof. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Bole Airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD or EUR in cash — crisp, undamaged bills. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is well-organized. Expect to spend 15–30 minutes at the visa counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After deplaning, follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a small form — name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Fill it out in block capitals. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand the form and your passport to the officer. They'll tell you the fee — pay in USD or EUR cash. You'll get a receipt. Keep it.
4
Receive your visa sticker and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport and attach a visa sticker. Then join the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. That's it — you're in.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy abroad; may allow easier extension.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, per entry up to 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be arranged before travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$70 USD (approx. 70 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopian Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company or NGO. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD or Ethiopian Birr at the airport. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)For longer stays; must be requested at entry. | $80 USD (approx. 80 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | ~$20 USD per day (max cap ~$500 USD) |
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
Romania passport holders transiting through Ethiopia (Bole International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBole International Airport (ADD)
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; certificate may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRoutine 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 is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during outbreaks or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,500m, including Addis Ababa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 overstay clearance; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Immigration Office (Downtown Branch)
Around Mexico Square, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Alternative location for visa services.
Practical information for RO 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 = 157.41 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 at certain designated entry points. The most reliable is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Land borders like Moyale (from Kenya) or Galafi (from Djibouti) also offer visa on arrival, but the process can be slower and less consistent. If you're entering by land, it's safer to get an e-visa beforehand.
The fee is around $50–$60 USD (or equivalent in EUR) for a single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 90 days. Exact amount depends on the exchange rate that day. Bring cash — no cards accepted.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa. Extensions are typically granted for 30 or 60 days and cost around $20–$30 USD. Go early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, it's not mandatory but recommended. Carry your vaccination certificate — immigration may ask for it, especially if you've been in Africa recently.
Overstays are fined at the immigration office before departure. The fine is about $20–$30 USD per month overstayed, but can vary. Settle it at the immigration office in Addis Ababa at least a day before your flight.
Yes, Ethiopia offers an e-visa for Romanian citizens. It's processed online and costs about the same as the visa on arrival. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and must be used within 90 days of issue. It's a good option if you want to skip the queue at the airport.
Not officially required, but strongly recommended. Medical care in Ethiopia can be expensive, and hospitals often require upfront payment. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is a smart move.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.