Ethiopia entry requirements for Serbia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 15, 2026·View sources
eVisa or on arrival
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Serbian passport holders can enter Ethiopia with an e-visa or a visa on arrival. You can stay up to 90 days. The e-visa is faster at the airport, but the on-arrival option works if you prefer to decide later.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia eVisa or visa on arrivalYou must have a valid visa to enter Ethiopia; you can get it online or upon arrival. e-visa or on-arrival | Serbian citizens can obtain an Ethiopia eVisa online before travel or a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The eVisa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days. If applying online, complete the application at least 3 days before departure. If using visa on arrival, have the fee in cash (USD or ETB) and a passport-sized photo. | Required |
| Passport validityEthiopia requires your passport to be valid for half a year after you enter. 6 months from arrival | Your Serbian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Ethiopia. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or stamps occupy the last available page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Ethiopia, not stay indefinitely. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Ethiopia before your 90-day stay expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsBorder officials may ask how you'll support yourself during your visit. Sufficient money for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses for up to 90 days. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateThis is a health requirement that can stop you at the border if you don't have the certificate. If arriving from endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Serbia is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you travel from or through an endemic area, the certificate is required. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | Ethiopia does not require an arrival declaration form for Serbian citizens. You will simply go through immigration and customs. | Not required |
E-visa vs. on arrival
The e-visa is the smoother option — you skip the visa-on-arrival desk and go straight to immigration. But if you're spontaneous, the on-arrival visa works fine. Just bring cash and be ready for a short wait.
Passport validity is strict
Ethiopian immigration will not let you in if your passport has less than 6 months validity. Check your passport now — if it expires before February 2027, renew it before you travel.
No extensions
The 90-day stay cannot be extended. Overstaying is taken seriously and can lead to fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Ethiopia. Keep track of your entry date.
What happens at the border
1
Choose your visa method
Decide whether to apply for an e-visa online (recommended) or get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The e-visa takes a few days to process, so plan ahead.
2
Apply for e-visa (if choosing this option)
Go to the official Ethiopian e-visa website, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page, and pay the fee online. You'll receive an approval email within a few days.
3
Print or save your e-visa
Print a copy of your e-visa approval or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Addis Ababa.
4
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After landing, follow the signs to immigration. If you have an e-visa, join the regular queue and present your passport and e-visa. If you're getting a visa on arrival, go to the visa-on-arrival desk, fill out a form, pay the fee in cash (USD or ETB), and get your visa stamp.
5
Pass through immigration and collect luggage
Once your visa is stamped, proceed through passport control, collect your luggage, and exit. Keep your passport and visa handy for any spot checks.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 15, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$100-$200
Requires an invitation letter from an Ethiopian company and approval from the Immigration and Nationality Service. Allows multiple entries.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$60 (approx.)
Requires admission letter from an Ethiopian educational institution and proof of financial support.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of contract
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$100-$300
Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and an employment contract from an Ethiopian employer.
digital nomad
Ethiopia Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 1 year
$200 (approx.)
Ethiopia introduced a digital nomad visa in 2025, allowing remote workers to stay up to 1 year. Requires proof of remote employment and income.
Apply via official eVisa portal retirement
Ethiopia Retirement Visa
1 year (renewable)
$300 (approx.)
For retirees over 55 with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
Contact Immigration and Nationality Service Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)For tourism; valid for 30 days from entry. | $52 |
| eVisa (single entry, 90 days)For tourism; valid for 90 days from entry. | $72 |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for eligible nationalities. | $50 (or equivalent in USD/EUR) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for eligible nationalities. | $70 (or equivalent in USD/EUR) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions are granted in monthly increments, up to a total stay of 90 days. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Most international flights include departure taxes; no separate exit fee is charged at the airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect visa application30%
Insufficient proof of funds25%
Invalid or insufficient passport validity20%
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
Serbian citizens transiting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for less than 24 hours and staying airside do not require a transit visa. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival or eVisa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain a visa on arrival or eVisa.
Transit hubsAddis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Serbia is not a risk country, but proof may be required if arriving from an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesRecommendedMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all areas below 2,000 meters, including Addis Ababa. Use prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; outbreaks have occurred in parts of Ethiopia.
Malaria risk: high
Atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are recommended. Note that chloroquine resistance is reported.
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 Service (Head Office)
Around Mexico Square, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Passport and Visa Office
Bole Road, near Friendship Square, Addis Ababa
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Practical information for RS 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 = 159.48 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, Serbian citizens can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. You'll need to fill out a form, pay the fee in cash (USD or ETB), and have a passport valid for 6 months. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
The e-visa fee varies depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry) and processing time. As of 2026, expect to pay around $52 for a single-entry visa. Check the official e-visa website for the current fee.
Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Ethiopia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Serbia is not a risk country, so if you're flying directly from Serbia, you don't need it. But if you've traveled to a risk country recently, bring the certificate.
The visa-on-arrival fee is usually paid in USD or Ethiopian birr. Have cash in either currency. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa-on-arrival desk.
No, e-visa holders use the same immigration queue as everyone else. However, having your e-visa ready speeds up the process because the officer just stamps it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.