Traveling to Ethiopia can be an exciting experience. With its beautiful landscapes, unique culture, and fascinating history, it’s no wonder that so many people are drawn to this African country. However, before you book your trip, it’s important to understand the visa requirements for entering Ethiopia. In this article, we’ll explore the process of obtaining an on arrival visa for Ethiopia.
What is an On Arrival Visa?
An on arrival visa is a type of visa that can be obtained at the port of entry in Ethiopia. This means that you don’t have to apply for a visa in advance of your trip. Instead, you can simply show up at the airport or land border and apply for a visa on arrival.
It’s important to note that not all countries are eligible for on arrival visas in Ethiopia. Before you travel, you should check to see if your country is on the list of eligible countries. If your country is not on the list, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your trip.
Eligible Countries for On Arrival Visas in Ethiopia
As of 2021, the following countries are eligible for on arrival visas in Ethiopia:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea (Republic of)
- Kuwait
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Russian Federation
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
If your country is not on this list, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your trip.
How to Obtain an On Arrival Visa for Ethiopia
If you are from an eligible country, you can obtain an on arrival visa for Ethiopia by following these steps:
- When you arrive in Ethiopia, go to the visa on arrival desk at the port of entry.
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Pay the visa fee (currently $50 USD for a single-entry visa).
- Wait for the visa to be processed.
- Once your visa is approved, you will be able to enter Ethiopia.
It’s important to note that the visa on arrival desk may be crowded, especially during peak travel times. You should be prepared to wait in line and allow for extra time in case of delays.
Documents Required for an On Arrival Visa in Ethiopia
When you apply for an on arrival visa in Ethiopia, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
- A return ticket or onward ticket to another country
- Proof of accommodation in Ethiopia (such as a hotel reservation)
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Ethiopia
It’s important to have all of these documents readily available when you arrive in Ethiopia. If you don’t have the required documentation, you may be denied entry into the country.
Duration and Validity of On Arrival Visas in Ethiopia
When you obtain an on arrival visa in Ethiopia, you will be issued a single-entry visa. This means that you can only enter Ethiopia once with this visa.
The validity of the visa will depend on the length of your stay in Ethiopia. Currently, the maximum duration of stay on an on arrival visa is 90 days. If you need to stay in Ethiopia for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa extension.
Conclusion
Obtaining an on arrival visa for Ethiopia can be a great option for travelers who are from eligible countries. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can obtain a visa quickly and easily when you arrive in Ethiopia. However, it’s important to make sure that you have all of the required documentation and that your country is eligible for an on arrival visa before you travel.
