Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced e-Visa System
Ethiopia's e-Visa platform has been upgraded for faster processing (typically 3-5 days) and supports more nationalities with a $50-82 fee depending on visa type. Apply online via the official portal at least two weeks before travel to ensure smooth approval and avoid airport delays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Ethiopia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to prevent issues at immigration.
Always verify passport condition, as damaged documents can lead to denied entry; renew early if needed.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of Kenya and Djibouti enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, while nationals from Uganda, Israel, and a few others get simplified on-arrival options. For most other nationalities, including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, an e-Visa is required for tourist stays up to 30-90 days.
Business travelers may need additional invitations from Ethiopian hosts to qualify for exemptions.
Visa Applications
Apply for the e-Visa online through the official Ethiopian Immigration website, providing a passport scan, photo, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation; fees range from $50 for single-entry tourist visas. Processing usually takes 3-7 business days, but apply early during peak seasons to account for potential backlogs.
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for travelers from endemic areas, and proof of onward travel is strictly enforced.
Border Crossings
Airports like Addis Ababa Bole International offer e-Visa processing on arrival for approved applicants, but land borders with Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia require pre-arranged visas and can involve longer waits due to security checks. Overland travelers should use registered transport and carry multiple ID copies for checkpoints.
Popular routes like Moyale from Kenya are efficient but monitor travel advisories for regional stability.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas like the Simien Mountains), trip delays, and theft; opt for policies with at least $100,000 in emergency coverage. Many insurers offer Ethiopia-specific plans starting at $30-50 for a two-week trip, including high-altitude trekking add-ons.
Declare pre-existing conditions and ensure coverage for adventure activities like rock-hewn church visits in Lalibela.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Main Immigration Office in Addis Ababa, requiring a valid reason like extended trekking or cultural immersion, along with a $20-50 fee. Applications must be submitted at least seven days before expiration, with supporting documents such as hotel bookings or tour itineraries.
Overstays incur fines of about 500 ETB per day, so plan accordingly for flexible travel schedules.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Addis Ababa by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes from Europe or the Middle East.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at traditional tej bets or street vendors for kitfo and tibs under 200 ETB, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on meals. Visit local markets like Merkato in Addis for fresh fruits, spices, and ready-to-eat wat stews at bargain prices.
Opt for set lunch menus (beyaynetu) which offer variety for around 150 ETB and support community eateries.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared minibuses (wazez) for intercity travel at 100-300 ETB per leg, or the Addis-Djibouti railway for efficient long-haul journeys at 500 ETB. City buses in Addis cost just 5-10 ETB per ride, making daily transport under 100 ETB feasible.
For national parks, join group tours to split vehicle costs, reducing fees by 40-50% compared to private hires.
Free Attractions
Explore ancient sites like Axum's obelisks or Gondar's castles, which have low or no entry fees for self-guided visits, providing rich history without extra costs. Wander through Addis Ababa's parks, Orthodox churches, and coffee ceremonies hosted by locals for authentic, budget-friendly immersion.
Many UNESCO sites offer free access on national holidays, enhancing your cultural experience at zero additional expense.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and airlines, but cash (ETB) is king for markets, rural areas, and small vendors; exchange USD at banks for the best rates. ATMs are available in cities but often dispense low amounts, so carry crisp $100 bills for black market exchanges if needed (use caution).
Avoid dynamic currency conversion fees abroad and notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
Site Passes
Purchase a multi-site ticket for the Historic Route (Lalibela, Gondar, etc.) at around 2,000 ETB for 7 days, covering multiple UNESCO locations and saving 20-30% versus individual entries. For national parks like Simien, a combined guide and permit package costs 1,500 ETB, ideal for multi-day treks.
These passes often include transport discounts, making them essential for circuit travelers.
Smart Packing for Ethiopia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable layers for high-altitude chills in the highlands (like Bahir Dar) and heat in the lowlands; include long sleeves and pants for cultural respect at churches and mosques. Modest attire is crucial—women should cover shoulders and knees, while men avoid shorts in rural areas.
Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for dusty trails, and a scarf serves dual purposes for sun protection and as a head covering for religious sites.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C, F, J, or L plugs (220V), a solar charger for remote areas without reliable power, and a VPN app for unrestricted internet access. Download offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) and translation tools for Amharic, plus a rugged camera for capturing landscapes like the Blue Nile Falls.
Power banks (10,000mAh+) are vital for long bus rides where outlets are scarce.
Health & Safety
Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit with altitude sickness meds (for Simien treks over 3,000m), antidiarrheal, and malaria prophylaxis for lowlands; include a yellow fever certificate if required. High-SPF sunscreen (50+), lip balm, and wet wipes are essential due to intense sun and limited facilities.
Travel insurance docs and a personal medical summary ensure quick care in emergencies, especially in areas with basic clinics.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable backpack with rain cover for dusty roads and sudden showers, plus a reusable water bottle with purification tablets (tap water isn't safe). Include a money belt for cash security, multiple passport copies, and a lightweight sleeping bag liner for variable guesthouse conditions.
Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting in Awash National Park, and a headlamp is handy for power outages in rural spots.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for rugged terrains like the Danakil salt flats or Harar walls, paired with breathable sandals for city exploration in Addis. Waterproof options are key for rainy season paths, and extra socks prevent blisters on long walks to gelada monkey habitats.
Break in shoes before travel to avoid discomfort during multi-day cultural circuits.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized insect repellent (DEET 30%+ for tsetse flies in parks), biodegradable soap, and moisturizer for dry highland air; a small towel and laundry soap aid in keeping clothes fresh on the road. Include earplugs for noisy buses and a reusable straw for safe street food sampling.
Feminine hygiene products may be scarce outside cities, so bring ample supplies for extended trips.
When to Visit Ethiopia
Dry Season (October-March)
The peak travel period features clear skies and mild temperatures of 15-25°C, ideal for trekking in the Simien Mountains and visiting Lalibela's rock churches without rain interruptions. Festivals like Timkat (Epiphany) in January add vibrant cultural celebrations with fewer crowds in early months.
Wildlife viewing in national parks is excellent, though prices peak around Christmas and New Year.
Short Rains (February-May)
Shoulder season brings blooming landscapes and temperatures of 20-30°C, perfect for birdwatching in the Rift Valley lakes and fewer tourists at sites like Axum. Light showers are brief, making it great for photography and coffee harvest experiences in Yirgacheffe.
Accommodations are 20-30% cheaper, but check road conditions for highland access.
Main Dry Period (December-February)
Cool, sunny days around 18-22°C suit outdoor adventures like camel treks in the Danakil Depression and exploring Harar's hyena feeding rituals. This time avoids the intense heat, offering comfortable conditions for the Historic Route circuit from Gondar to Bahir Dar.
Genna (Christmas) festivities provide unique cultural immersion, though northern areas can dip to 10°C at night.
Rainy Season (June-September)
Affordable travel with lush greenery and 20-28°C temps, best for indoor cultural pursuits like Addis museums or Orthodox Easter (Fasika) celebrations. Heavy afternoon rains limit trekking but enhance waterfalls in the Blue Nile region and reduce dust for clearer views.
Budget travelers save on tours, but flights may delay; pack for humidity and potential road closures in lowlands.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Notes in denominations up to 200 ETB; USD cash useful for exchanges. Cards accepted in cities but cash preferred elsewhere.
- Language: Amharic is official, with English widely used in tourism and business. Regional languages like Oromo and Tigrinya common in rural areas.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C, F, J, L plugs (mix of European and African standards)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, ambulance, or fire; 9071 for tourism police in Addis
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, 20-50 ETB for guides/porters
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; use bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Available in cities (look for "Mekina Bet" signs); stock basic meds but bring prescriptions