Ethiopia entry requirements for Tunisia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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

Tunisian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and most land borders. Pay the fee in cash, get a sticker in your passport. This is valid as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Tunisian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The fee is $50 USD (single entry) or $70 USD (multiple entry), payable in cash. Have a passport photo ready — the counter has a photo booth if you forget.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ethiopia. Airlines at Tunis-Carthage check this strictly — they won't let you board if your passport expires sooner.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Bole Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and flydubai check this at check-in too. Have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Officers may ask for a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or an Airbnb receipt works fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient funds for stay
You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds — cards are not widely accepted outside Addis.Recommended
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept cards or mobile payments. Bring USD or EUR in cash — crisp, new bills. Old or damaged notes may be refused. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need cash before that.
E-visa is an option
If you prefer to skip the queue, apply for an e-visa online before you go. It costs about $52 and takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval and show it at immigration. You still need a valid passport and return ticket.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before passport control. Join the queue, fill out a short form (name, passport number, flight details), and hand over your passport and fee.
2
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will process your application and stick a visa into your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes. Check the validity dates before walking away.
3
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, go to the regular passport control queue. Present your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking — have them ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 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$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)

Obtainable on arrival; same as visa-on-arrival.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)

Apply at Ethiopian embassy in Tunis or online if available.

Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–500 USD)

Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.

work visa
Ethiopian Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (processing fees)
For foreign nationals employed by a registered Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Ethiopian Student Visa
Duration of study (up to 4 years)
~$100–200 USD (processing fees)
For enrollment in accredited Ethiopian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ethiopian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–1000 USD (processing fees)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or ETB) at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Overstay fineNo official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues.$20 USD per day (approx. 20 USD/day)

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

Tunisian passport holders transiting through Ethiopia (e.g., Addis Ababa Bole International Airport) 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, a visa on arrival is required.
  • Travelers with a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may have easier transit but still must follow standard rules.
Transit hubsAddis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

Health & vaccines for Ethiopia

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; otherwise not mandatory for direct travel from Tunisia.
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

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in travelers; practice food and water safety.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in most areas below 2,500 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly 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 Citizenship Service (Head Office)
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Branch)
Megenagna, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Alternative location for visa-related services; expect queues.

Practical information for TN 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

The fee is typically around $50–$80 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Pay in cash at the counter. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
Yes, at most major land border crossings, including the Moyale border with Kenya. The process is similar to the airport — pay the fee and get a sticker. But the airport is the most reliable and fastest option.
Usually 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once at the Immigration Office in Addis Ababa for an additional 30 days (fee around $50).
Not required for Tunisians unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. But it's recommended — carry your vaccination card just in case.
Yes, Ethiopia offers an e-visa for Tunisians. Apply online at evisa.gov.et before travel. It costs about $52 and is processed in 3–5 business days. You'll get a PDF — print it and show it at immigration.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, but keep it in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Use a money belt or hidden pouch. The airport is secure, but pickpocketing can happen in crowds.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.