Understanding the full cost of an Ethiopia eVisa helps you budget your trip accurately. Ethiopia’s visa fees vary by type, duration, and how you apply. This guide breaks down every fee – from the standard online eVisa to embassy applications and visa on arrival – so there are no surprises.
Ethiopia eVisa Fee Overview
The Ethiopian government sets visa fees that apply whether you apply online, at an embassy, or on arrival. The online eVisa system at evisa.gov.et offers the same fees as visa on arrival, with the added convenience of pre-approval before you travel.
The standard fee structure for 2026 is:
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | 30 days | Single entry | $62 |
| Tourist eVisa | 90 days | Single entry | $152 |
| Business eVisa | 30 days | Single entry | $62 |
| Business eVisa | 90 days | Single entry | $152 |
These fees are set by the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Department and are the same for all nationalities. There is no nationality-based surcharge or discount for the eVisa.
Tourist eVisa Fees (30 and 90 Days)
The tourist eVisa is the most common type for travelers visiting Ethiopia for sightseeing, cultural experiences, or visiting friends and family.
30-Day Tourist eVisa – $62
This is the standard option for short vacations and visits. The 30-day validity begins from your date of entry into Ethiopia. Single entry means you must reapply and pay again if you leave Ethiopia and wish to return.
Best for:
- Short vacations (1-2 weeks)
- Weekend getaways to Addis Ababa
- Attending a specific event or festival
- Visiting friends or family for a brief stay
90-Day Tourist eVisa – $152
The extended tourist visa suits travelers planning a comprehensive Ethiopian adventure. At $152, it costs $90 more than the 30-day option but provides three months of validity.
Best for:
- Extended travel across Ethiopia
- Visiting multiple regions (Lalibela, Simien Mountains, Omo Valley)
- Slow travel and cultural immersion
- Combining Ethiopia with neighboring country visits (with re-entry)
The 90-day tourist eVisa represents better value per day ($1.69/day vs $2.07/day for the 30-day option) for travelers staying longer than 45 days.
Business eVisa Fees (30 and 90 Days)
The business eVisa serves travelers visiting Ethiopia for professional purposes, including business meetings, conferences, trade events, and exploring investment opportunities.
30-Day Business eVisa – $62
The 30-day business eVisa costs the same as the 30-day tourist eVisa. It requires an additional invitation letter from an Ethiopian company or organization.
Best for:
- Short business trips
- Attending conferences or trade shows
- Initial meetings with potential partners
- Site visits and inspections
90-Day Business eVisa – $152
For extended business stays, the 90-day business eVisa provides the same 3-month validity as the tourist equivalent.
Best for:
- Extended business negotiations
- Setting up business operations
- Multi-city business tours
- Ongoing project oversight
Business eVisa applicants must provide an invitation letter from their Ethiopian host company. This letter should include the inviting company’s name, registration details, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.
Investment Visa Fees
Ethiopia offers investment-specific visas with multiple entry options for those engaged in business investment activities.
| Investment Visa | Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | 30 days | Single | $62 |
| Single entry | 90 days | Single | $152 |
| Multiple entry | 90 days | Multiple | $152 |
| Multiple entry | 6 months | Multiple | $252 |
| Multiple entry | 12 months | Multiple | $502 |
The investment visa is the only Ethiopia eVisa category that offers multiple-entry options. This is essential for investors who need to travel in and out of Ethiopia frequently.
Investment visa applicants need additional documentation including investment certificates, company registration in Ethiopia, and relevant government approvals.
Embassy Visa Fees vs Online Fees
Applying through an Ethiopian Embassy offers the same visa types but with different payment methods and potentially different processing experiences.
| Method | Single Entry | Multiple Entry | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (evisa.gov.et) | $62 (30d) / $152 (90d) | Investment only | Credit/debit card |
| Embassy | $60 | $150 | Money order |
| Visa on arrival | $62 (30d) / $152 (90d) | Not available | USD/EUR/GBP/CAD |
Key differences:
- Embassy fees are slightly lower ($60 vs $62 for single entry) but require in-person or mail submission
- Embassy payment is by money order only – cash, debit, and credit cards are not accepted at the embassy
- Online eVisa allows you to apply from anywhere with internet access
- Embassy processing takes the same 1-3 business days
- Online eVisa provides instant confirmation and digital delivery
For most travelers, the online eVisa at evisa.gov.et is the most convenient option. The $2 difference from embassy fees is negligible compared to the time and cost of visiting an embassy.
Visa on Arrival Fees
Ethiopia offers visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for eligible nationalities. The fees are the same as the online eVisa.
Visa on arrival payment options:
- USD (US Dollars) – Preferred currency
- EUR (Euros)
- GBP (British Pounds)
- CAD (Canadian Dollars)
Card payments may be available at the airport but are not guaranteed. Carry sufficient cash in one of the accepted currencies.
Why the online eVisa is recommended over visa on arrival:
- Faster immigration processing (pre-approved visa vs on-site application)
- No risk of payment issues at the airport
- Confirmed visa before you board your flight
- No queuing at the visa counter upon arrival
- Peace of mind knowing your entry is pre-approved
According to Ethiopian Airlines guidelines, passengers who have not secured their eVisa before departure will need to repay the visa fee on arrival, even if they have a payment receipt from an online application that was not yet approved.
Payment Methods for Ethiopia eVisa
The online eVisa portal accepts several payment methods for the visa fee.
Online payment (evisa.gov.et):
- Visa credit and debit cards
- Mastercard credit and debit cards
- American Express credit cards
The payment is processed in US Dollars (USD). Your bank may apply currency conversion fees if your card currency is not USD.
Payment tips:
- Enable international transactions on your card before applying
- Notify your bank about the upcoming transaction to prevent fraud blocks
- Check your card’s foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%)
- Keep your payment receipt and confirmation email
- If payment fails, wait 5 minutes before retrying
Visa on arrival payment:
If paying at the airport, bring clean, undamaged USD bills. Older or damaged bills may be refused. Exact change is appreciated but not required.
Ethiopia Visa Extension Fees
If you need to stay in Ethiopia beyond your eVisa validity period, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration and Nationality Affairs office in Addis Ababa.
Extension fees vary by visa type and the length of extension requested. Visit the immigration office in person with:
- Your passport
- Current visa documentation
- Supporting documents explaining the reason for extension
- Extension fee (payable at the office)
Overstaying your visa without an approved extension results in fines and can affect future visa applications. Always apply for an extension before your current visa expires.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the official visa fee, budget for these related expenses:
- Currency conversion fees – Your bank may charge 1-3% for USD transactions
- Passport renewal – If your passport expires within 6 months ($130-$200 depending on country)
- Yellow fever vaccination – $50-$150 if not already vaccinated
- Travel insurance – $30-$100 for a typical Ethiopia trip
- Document scanning – Free if you have a scanner; $5-$10 at a print shop
- Passport photos – $10-$15 if you need new photos taken
Total budget for an Ethiopia eVisa trip: Plan for $62-$152 for the visa itself, plus $100-$300 in supporting costs depending on your situation.
