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Business eVisa (30 days)

For business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities in Ethiopia

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About the 30-Day Business eVisa

The Ethiopia Business eVisa (30 days) is an electronic visa designed specifically for business travelers visiting Ethiopia for short-term business activities. This visa allows you to attend meetings, conferences, explore business opportunities, and engage in business discussions without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Key Features

  • Duration: Valid for a stay of up to 30 consecutive days
  • Entry Type: Single entry only
  • Processing Time: Typically 24-72 hours
  • Validity Period: 90 days from the date of issue (you must enter Ethiopia within this period)
  • Application: 100% online process
  • Delivery: Via email

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Ethiopia Business eVisa (30 days), you must:

  • Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry
  • Be traveling for legitimate business purposes
  • Have a return or onward ticket
  • Have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ethiopia
  • Not be a citizen of a country that is ineligible for the eVisa program
  • Have relevant business documentation (invitation letters, conference registration, etc.)

Requirements

To apply for a 30-day Business eVisa to Ethiopia, you will need the following:

Required Documents

  • Valid Passport: With at least six months validity remaining and at least one blank page
  • Recent Photograph: A digital passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months
  • Business Documentation: One or more of the following:
    • Invitation letter from an Ethiopian company or organization
    • Conference or event registration confirmation
    • Letter from your employer stating the purpose of your trip
    • Documentation of business activities in Ethiopia
  • Travel Itinerary: Details of your planned entry and exit dates
  • Accommodation Information: Hotel bookings or address where you'll be staying
  • Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of your intention to leave Ethiopia

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application form with your personal and business details
  2. Upload the required documents
  3. Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card
  4. Receive your eVisa via email (typically within 24-72 hours)
  5. Print your eVisa to present upon arrival in Ethiopia

For a detailed guide on the application process, visit our How to Apply page.

Important Information

Essential details about the 30-day Business eVisa for Ethiopia

Visa Validity

The 30-day Business eVisa is valid for entry within 90 days from the date of issue. Once you enter Ethiopia, you can stay for up to 30 consecutive days. Your passport will be stamped upon entry with the date by which you must leave the country.

Extensions

The Ethiopia Business eVisa (30 days) cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must exit the country and apply for a new visa. For longer business engagements, consider applying for the 90-day Business eVisa instead.

Entry and Exit

The Business eVisa is a single-entry visa. Once you leave Ethiopia, your eVisa is considered used and no longer valid, even if you have not stayed for the full 30 days. If you plan to leave and re-enter Ethiopia, you will need to apply for a new eVisa.

Permitted Business Activities

What you can and cannot do with a 30-day Business eVisa in Ethiopia

Allowed Activities

  • Attending business meetings and conferences
  • Participating in trade shows and exhibitions
  • Conducting business negotiations and discussions
  • Site visits and business exploration
  • Short-term training or knowledge transfer
  • Meeting with potential business partners or clients

Prohibited Activities

  • Taking up employment or working for an Ethiopian company
  • Receiving payment from Ethiopian sources
  • Establishing a permanent business presence without proper permits
  • Engaging in activities not related to business purposes
  • Journalism or media activities without proper accreditation
  • Any activities that violate Ethiopian laws

Business Opportunities in Ethiopia

Key sectors and opportunities for international business travelers

Agriculture & Agro-processing

Ethiopia offers significant opportunities in coffee production, horticulture, livestock, and food processing. The country's diverse climate zones support a wide range of agricultural activities and investment opportunities.

Manufacturing & Industry

With competitive labor costs and growing industrial parks, Ethiopia is becoming a hub for textile and garment production, leather processing, and light manufacturing. The government offers incentives for foreign investors in these sectors.

Tourism & Hospitality

As home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and diverse cultural attractions, Ethiopia's tourism sector presents opportunities for hotel development, tour operations, and hospitality services.

Energy & Infrastructure

Ethiopia is investing heavily in renewable energy (particularly hydroelectric power) and infrastructure development, creating opportunities for international companies in construction, engineering, and energy sectors.

Technology & Telecommunications

With a growing tech ecosystem and ongoing digital transformation initiatives, Ethiopia offers opportunities in IT services, software development, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure.

Mining & Natural Resources

Ethiopia has untapped potential in minerals including gold, tantalum, potash, and construction materials. The government is working to attract investment in exploration and extraction activities.

Ready to Explore Business Opportunities in Ethiopia?

Apply for your 30-day Business eVisa today and start planning your business trip to one of Africa's fastest-growing economies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the 30-day Business eVisa for Ethiopia

What type of business invitation letter is required?

The business invitation letter should be on the official letterhead of the inviting Ethiopian company or organization and include: your full name as it appears in your passport, the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, the relationship between your company and the Ethiopian company, and contact details of the inviting party. The letter should be signed by an authorized representative of the inviting organization.

Can I combine business and tourism activities with this visa?

Yes, the Business eVisa allows you to engage in tourism activities during your stay in Ethiopia, as long as the primary purpose of your visit is business-related. You can explore tourist attractions and cultural sites during your free time.

What if my business meetings get extended beyond 30 days?

If you anticipate that your business activities might require more than 30 days, it is advisable to apply for the 90-day Business eVisa instead. The 30-day Business eVisa cannot be extended once you are in Ethiopia. If you have already entered with a 30-day visa and need to stay longer, you would need to exit the country and apply for a new visa.

Do I need a separate work permit if I'm attending a conference?

No, a work permit is not required if you are simply attending a conference, business meeting, or trade show. The Business eVisa is sufficient for these activities. However, if you plan to engage in any form of employment or paid work in Ethiopia, you would need the appropriate work permit in addition to your visa.

Can I apply for a Business eVisa without a specific invitation?

Yes, while an invitation letter is preferred, you can still apply for a Business eVisa if you are attending a conference, trade show, or exploring general business opportunities. In such cases, you should provide documentation such as conference registration, event details, or a letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your business trip to Ethiopia.

Is the Business eVisa more expensive than the Tourist eVisa?

Yes, the Business eVisa typically costs more than the Tourist eVisa for the same duration. This reflects the different nature and purpose of the visa. Current fee information can be found on our Fees and Processing page.