Understanding Your Visa Duration and Options
Understanding the duration and validity of your Ethiopia eVisa.
The Ethiopia eVisa has two important time periods that travelers must understand:
This refers to the window of time during which you can enter Ethiopia. For example, if your eVisa is valid from June 1 to August 31, you must enter Ethiopia within this three-month period. If you do not enter Ethiopia during this validity window, your eVisa expires and cannot be used.
This refers to how long you are permitted to remain in Ethiopia after entry. For example, a 30-day tourist eVisa allows you to stay in Ethiopia for up to 30 days from the date of entry, regardless of when during the validity period you enter.
Important: The duration of stay begins from the date you enter Ethiopia, not from the date the visa was issued. Your passport will be stamped with your entry date, which serves as the starting point for calculating your permitted stay.
Different types of Ethiopia eVisas have different validity periods and durations of stay:
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Duration of Stay | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (30 days) | 90 days from issue | Up to 30 days from entry | Single Entry |
| Tourist eVisa (90 days) | 120 days from issue | Up to 90 days from entry | Single Entry |
| Business eVisa (30 days) | 90 days from issue | Up to 30 days from entry | Single Entry |
| Business eVisa (90 days) | 120 days from issue | Up to 90 days from entry | Single Entry |
| Transit eVisa | 30 days from issue | Up to 3 days from entry | Single Entry |
To determine when you must leave Ethiopia:
Example: If you enter Ethiopia on June 15 with a 30-day tourist eVisa, you must leave on or before July 15.
Understanding the regulations governing entry to and exit from Ethiopia.
When entering Ethiopia with an eVisa, you should be prepared for the following procedures:
Present your passport and printed eVisa to immigration officials. They will verify the authenticity of your eVisa and check that your passport matches the details on the visa.
Complete an arrival card or immigration form, which will be provided either on your flight or at the port of entry. This form typically asks for basic information about your stay in Ethiopia.
At major entry points like Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, your fingerprints and photograph may be taken as part of the entry process.
Your passport will be stamped with the date of entry, which is crucial for calculating your permitted duration of stay.
Complete a customs declaration form if you are carrying currency exceeding $3,000 USD or goods that need to be declared.
Tip: Keep a copy of your eVisa and entry stamp (take a photo with your phone) as a backup in case of passport loss or for reference when calculating your exit date.
When leaving Ethiopia, be aware of the following exit procedures and requirements:
Most Ethiopia eVisas are issued as single-entry visas, meaning:
Important: If you plan to visit neighboring countries and return to Ethiopia during your trip, ensure you understand the entry restrictions of your visa. If you have a single-entry visa and exit Ethiopia, you will need a new visa to re-enter.
Options for extending your stay in Ethiopia beyond your initial visa duration.
If you wish to stay in Ethiopia longer than your initial visa permits, you can apply for an extension through the Ethiopian Immigration, Nationality, and Vital Events Agency (INVEA) in Addis Ababa or at regional immigration offices in major cities.
Note: The extension process typically takes 3-5 business days. You may be issued a temporary extension receipt while your application is being processed.
To apply for a visa extension in Ethiopia, you will need to prepare the following documents:
Visa extension fees and possible durations vary based on the type of visa and requested extension period:
| Original Visa Type | Possible Extension | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (30 days) | Up to 90 days (in 30-day increments) | $20-30 per month |
| Tourist eVisa (90 days) | Up to 90 additional days | $30-40 per month |
| Business eVisa | Up to 90 additional days | $40-50 per month |
| Transit eVisa | Up to 7 days | $15-20 flat fee |
Important: Fees are subject to change and may vary based on nationality and current immigration policies. It's advisable to confirm the current fees at the immigration office.
Understanding the penalties and implications of staying in Ethiopia beyond your authorized period.
Remaining in Ethiopia beyond the expiration date of your visa or permitted stay can result in serious consequences:
Warning: Intentional overstaying is considered a violation of Ethiopian immigration law and is taken seriously by authorities. Always ensure you either exit the country before your visa expires or obtain a legal extension.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have overstayed your visa, follow these steps to minimize potential consequences:
Voluntarily report to the nearest immigration office as soon as possible. Self-reporting is viewed more favorably than being discovered during exit immigration checks.
Provide a clear and honest explanation for your overstay. If there were extenuating circumstances (such as medical emergencies), bring supporting documentation.
Be prepared to pay all applicable overstay fines. Payment is typically required in Ethiopian Birr, so ensure you have access to local currency or the ability to exchange money.
After resolving your overstay status, make immediate arrangements to leave the country. You may be given a specific timeframe within which you must depart.
To avoid overstaying your visa:
Start your application today and plan your journey to Ethiopia with confidence.
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