Need information on the visa to visit Ethiopia for Nigerian passport holders and other nationalities? You’ve come to the right source!
Ethiopia is a country located in the northeastern part of Africa, often referred to as the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, and South Sudan and Sudan to the west. It is home to some of the world’s oldest and most important archaeological sites, a rich Christian heritage, and unique cuisine.
An amazing fact of note, Ethiopia is the only African nation that was never colonized.
Do Nigerians Need a Visa to Visit Ethiopia?
Yes, Nigerians need a visa to visit Ethiopia, but no worries, the process is an easy one!
Ethiopia has a Visa-On-Arrival service for tourists from all African Union member states, Nigeria included. Travelers from countries outside the African Union need to apply online for an eVisa.
Visa on Arrival for Nigerians has been scrapped
the Ethiopian government has scrapped visas-on-arrival for Nigerian citizens. This means that all Nigerian citizens who wish to travel to Ethiopia must now obtain a visa in advance.
- Nationals of Africa Union member states can pay the visa fee in cash at Bole International Airport to get a tourist visa.
- Applicants can also submit their applications online, get their visas online and make the payment upon arrival at Bole International Airport.
Nigerians and all travelers should apply online for an eVisa.
Tourist Visa Options
There are two tourist visa options; a single entry visa with 30 days validity and a multiple entry visa with 90 days validity.
For Other Nationalities. Check Here to See if You Need a Visa to Visit Ethiopia
Citizens of Kenya and Djibouti do not need a visa to visit Ethiopia as long as they have a valid passport in hand. For others, read the information above and make sure to file for your visa at least 10 days before your travel date.
eVisa Application Requirements For Nigerians and Other Travelers Visiting Ethiopia
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to enter Ethiopia
- A passport-size photo and scanned copy of your passport is required
Make Sure That You Note These Rules
- Blurred or unclean backgrounds are not acceptable for uploaded documents
- Scanned copy of your passport bio page
- Payment is made either by using a credit card or a debit card
https://www.evisa.gov.et/information
- Please note that we do not accept credit card payment transactions of applicants originating from the below countries effective 18 November 2020 – Cuba, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Crimea region of Ukraine, Syrian Arab Republic
- The size of the image/document should be less than 2MB.
- Photo and passport copies should be only in the Image file type of JPEG, JPG, PNG format.
- Accepted images/documents file type extensions are JPEG, JPG, PNG, and PDF formats only.
- The image/document should be clear and readable.
How to Apply for a Visa to Visit Ethiopia
You may apply for an Ethiopian visa online or at the Ethiopian embassy or consulate in your home country. Visit the official Ethiopian immigration website https://www.evisa.gov.et/ click on apply for visa then follow the process below :
- Fill out the application form
- Upload the required documents
- Review and confirm the visa payment
- Once the visa is approved, an approval letter is sent directly to your email address, print out 2 copies and have them with you for immigration
- If the email is not received within 5 working days, check https://www.evisa.gov.et/status to confirm visa status
Ethiopian Visa Processing Time
The Ethiopian tourist visa processing time is at least 3 days under normal circumstances. So, travelers should submit their application at least 7 days before their estimated arrival date.
Extension of the Ethiopian Tourist Visa
If you find that you need to extend your time while in Ethiopia, you may request for visa extension before the visa expires within 1 – 15 days before visa expiration day by going in person to the immigration office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Address: Arada Subcity Kebele 05, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone: +251 11 155 3899, +251 (11) 1262635
Travelers who stay beyond the validity period without extending will be subject to fines and legal penalties.
It is unclear if they also offer the extension service online, but see this link and try your luck. Let me know if it works! https://www.evisa.gov.et/visa-extension
Fastest Way to Get to Ethiopia from Nigeria
With your visa to Ethiopia approved, it’s time to pack your bag to jet off for your trip! Ethiopian Airlines flies directly from Enugu, Abuja, Kano, and Lagos to Addis Ababa. Egypt Air, Rwadair Express, Asky Airlines, and Kenya Airways will also get you to Addis Ababa via 1 layover from Lagos.
See Here for the Best Accommodation Options in Ethiopia
Budget/Hostels in Ethiopia
Hostels are my preferred way to travel when traveling solo because there are usually like-minded travelers there and I’m able to create a safety bubble system with other travelers.
Resorts/Hotels in Ethiopia
Vacation Rentals in Ethiopia
Travel Insurance
There are some local travel insurance companies in Nigeria like AXA Mansard and Allianz Nigeria.
To avoid currency valuation issues, I prefer to use international insurance companies so as to receive a dollar value of whatever loss I incur during my travel because the local companies reimburse in Naira. I don’t think I need to say more regarding the Naira.
My current preferred option is SafetyWings
Things to Do in Ethiopia
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