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Ethiopia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens need an Ethiopian e-Visa, obtained online before travel via evisa.gov.et, since in practice almost all visitors are now required to secure approval in advance rather than relying on arrival-only processing.

Guide last updated October 6, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • UK passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 1 blank page
  • Digital passport-style photo (JPEG, light background, roughly 350x450 pixels) uploaded during the online application
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation in Ethiopia (hotel booking or host details)
  • A debit or credit card to pay the fee online
  • No biometrics are collected online; fingerprints and a photo are taken on arrival at Bole International Airport instead
  • Travel health insurance is recommended; proof of yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a country with risk of transmission

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa: single entry, valid for 93 days from issuance for use, permits a stay of up to 90 days, most common choice for UK visitors
  • Tourist e-Visa multiple entry: valid 1 year from issuance, allows multiple visits each up to 90 days, higher fee
  • Business e-Visa: requires an invitation letter from an Ethiopian company or organisation, single or multiple entry options
  • Transit visa: for layovers, shorter validity and lower fee

Visa on arrival

  • Ethiopia is officially listed as visa-on-arrival for UK citizens, but the government strongly encourages, and in practice usually requires, applying through the e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.et before departure rather than arranging everything at the airport.
  • Apply online in advance where possible: select visa type, upload your photo and passport bio page, pay by card, and receive an approval letter by email, normally within 1-3 business days
  • Print the approval letter and present it with your passport at Bole International Airport immigration
  • A limited on-arrival payment option exists at Bole for travellers without a pre-approved e-Visa, but queues can be long and the facility is not guaranteed for every nationality or flight
  • Fingerprints and a photo are captured at the immigration desk regardless of which route you used

Fees & processing time

  • Single-entry tourist e-Visa: approximately USD 52 (around GBP 41)
  • Multiple-entry tourist e-Visa: approximately USD 72 (around GBP 57)
  • Business e-Visa: approximately USD 72-82 depending on entry type
  • Standard online processing: 1-3 business days; pay the same fee by card on arrival if using the airport option, plus potential queueing delays
  • No separate VFS or agency fee, since applications go directly through the government evisa.gov.et portal

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Apply online at least a week before travel to avoid relying on the on-arrival option, which can involve long queues at Bole International Airport
  • Double-check your uploaded photo meets the size and background requirements, as this is the most common reason for e-Visa rejections or delays
  • Keep both a digital and printed copy of your approval letter
  • Confirm current yellow fever certificate requirements if transiting through or arriving from East or Central African countries
  • Extensions of stay can be arranged in Addis Ababa through the Immigration and Citizenship Service before your authorised period expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.