How to Get an Ethiopian Visa?
Since the launch of online visa services by Ethiopia, the procedure of obtaining a visa has become swift and hassle-free. However, Ethiopia has not switched 100% to the online medium of acquiring a visa. Those who find it more convenient to apply via embassy or consulate, or get their visa upon landing at the airport, can definitely opt for these facilities.
With respect to modes of application, you can avail of the following types of visa from Ethiopia depending on your nationality:
- eVisa or electronic visa: (you may apply for eVisa by a completely online process and receive the eVisa in advance in PDF format).
- consular visa or embassy visa: (you may contact and visit the nearest embassy to get the visa)
- on-arrival visa: (you may reach the airports of Ethiopia and then get your visa on arrival by showing a few documents to the Immigration Officer).
Ethiopia Types Of Visa
The Ethiopian government issues visas under two main categories:
Ethiopia Tourist Visas
If you want to visit Ethiopia for tourism or other non-business related purposes, you should apply for the Ethiopia Tourist Visas. Sightseeing, visiting a friend or family, attending any family event, or spending vacations all come under touristic purpose.
Ethiopia Business Visa
The Ethiopia Business Visa is specifically for business-related purposes. The Ethiopian government has made subcategories of business visa, so that the visa applicants may find the visa type more specific and relevant to their travel purpose.
Ethiopia Conference Visa (CV)
Foreigners visiting Ethiopia to attend an international conference, seminar, or workshop, organized by a governmental authority, ministry, private organization, or educational institution can select this type of visa while filling the application form.
Ethiopia Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa (WV)
This type of visa is issued to foreigners who will work as employees in Ethiopia by a foreign-operated company.
Ethiopia Government Employment Visa (GV)
GV is specific for the foreigners who will be working in Ethiopian Government institutions or ministries.
Ethiopia Private Business Firm Work Visa (PE)
The foreigners who will work for short-term in an Ethiopian private business will apply for this type of visa.
Ethiopia International Organizations/Embassies Work Visa (RI)
The foreigners who have an invitation by an embassy in Ethiopia or any international organization can apply for this visa type.
Ethiopia Government Institutions Short Task Visa (GIV)
The foreign nationals who will work in an Ethiopian government institution for a short period of time should apply for this type.
Ethiopia Non-Governmental Organizations Visa (NGO)
The foreigners having an invitation by an existing NGO for employment purpose or a short term assignment can enter Ethiopia with an NGO visa.
Ethiopia Investment Visa (IV)
The foreigners who intend to engage in investment opportunities in Ethiopia or are already working in the investment sector can apply for an IV visa.
Ethiopia Journalist Visa
The journalist visa is specific for foreign journalists or media professionals travelling to Ethiopia for their work-related purposes.
Note: Above, we have listed the most common types of visas.
If your purpose of travel does not comply with the above visa types, you should contact an Ethiopian embassy or consulate.
Visa Validity
The validity of a short-stay and single-entry visa for Ethiopia is up to 90 days. The number of days you can stay in Ethiopia starts from your entrance date in the country, not from the visa issuance date.
However, there seems to be an exception, the Ethiopia Investment Visa, which allows multiple entries for up to 12 months. Additionally, if you enter Ethiopia to work for an Ethiopian governmental institution, you can receive a multiple entry visa for a short period (up to six months).
Eligibility:
Ethiopia welcomes citizens from all across the globe. Everyone, other than nationals of the countries listed below is eligible to apply for an Ethiopia Visa before they start their trip:
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