Ethiopia issues several visa categories, but most visitors only need to choose between two online options: the tourist eVisa and the business eVisa, each for 30 or 90 days. This page compares all the categories mentioned in our guides so you can pick the right one before applying on evisa.gov.et.
All Ethiopia Visa Categories Compared
| Category | Who it is for | Validity | Entries | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends and family | 30 or 90 days | Single | $62 / $152 |
| Business eVisa | Meetings, conferences, trade events | 30 or 90 days | Single | $62 / $152 |
| Investment visa | Investors with business activities in Ethiopia | 30 days to 12 months | Single or multiple | $62 to $502 |
| Visa on arrival | Eligible travelers landing at Bole Airport without an eVisa | 30 or 90 days | Single | $62 / $152 |
Exact fees for every option are in the Ethiopia visa cost guide.
Tourist eVisa: For Holidays and Family Visits
The tourist eVisa covers sightseeing, cultural festivals and visits to friends or relatives. It is the right choice for trips to Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, the Simien Mountains or the Omo Valley. It does not allow work in Ethiopia.
- 30 days ($62): enough for a typical one- or two-week trip
- 90 days ($152): for long overland journeys or slow travel through several regions
Business eVisa: For Meetings and Conferences
The business eVisa is meant for meetings, conferences, trade shows and exploring business opportunities. It costs the same as the tourist eVisa, but applicants must upload an invitation letter from an Ethiopian company or organization. The letter should state the company name, its registration details, the purpose of the visit and the length of stay.
Investment Visa: The Multiple-Entry Option
Investment visas are the only category in our guides that offers multiple entries. They suit investors who travel in and out of Ethiopia often.
| Investment visa | Entries | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Single | $62 |
| 90 days | Single | $152 |
| 90 days | Multiple | $152 |
| 6 months | Multiple | $252 |
| 12 months | Multiple | $502 |
Applicants need extra documents such as investment certificates, company registration in Ethiopia and relevant government approvals.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry
Tourist and business eVisas are single entry. If you leave Ethiopia, for example for a side trip to Djibouti or Kenya, you need a new eVisa to come back. The validity period starts on the day you enter Ethiopia, not on the day the visa is issued.
eVisa, Visa on Arrival or Embassy Visa?
- eVisa: approved online before travel, delivered as a PDF, valid only for entry through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
- Visa on arrival: same fees, paid in cash at Bole Airport; longer queues and no approval before you fly
- Embassy visa: paper application at an Ethiopian embassy, paid by money order
Extending Your Stay
Tourist visa holders and several work and investment categories can apply for an extension at the Immigration and Nationality Affairs office in Addis Ababa before their visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention or deportation.
How to Choose the Right Visa
- Visiting for leisure or family? Choose the tourist eVisa.
- Attending meetings with an invitation letter? Choose the business eVisa.
- Investing and travelling back and forth? Look at the investment visa.
- Staying longer than 30 days? Pick the 90-day version from the start.
Then prepare your documents with the requirements checklist and follow the application guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Ethiopia eVisa are there?
Two: the tourist eVisa and the business eVisa, each available for 30 days ($62) or 90 days ($152), both single entry.
Is there a multiple-entry visa for Ethiopia?
Yes, but only within the investment visa category: 90 days, 6 months or 12 months.
Can I work in Ethiopia on a tourist eVisa?
No. The tourist eVisa is for tourism only. Work requires a work-specific visa category.
Can I switch from a 30-day to a 90-day eVisa?
Choose the duration when you apply. If you are already in Ethiopia and need more time, apply for an extension at the Immigration and Nationality Affairs office in Addis Ababa.
Last updated: October 2026. Based on the information in our Ethiopia eVisa guides and evisa.gov.et. Always verify current rules before travel.
