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Ethiopia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens may obtain a visa on arrival for Ethiopia at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport; tourist visa on arrival is USD 50 for up to 30 days (single entry), valid 3 months from issue; processing at the counter typically 15–60 minutes.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least one blank visa page.
  • Specific forms: no pre-application required; a visa on arrival form may be provided at the airport immigration desk and should be completed if requested.
  • Financial proof: not required as a formal document for visa on arrival; however, carry sufficient funds to cover your stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: not mandatory to enter on visa on arrival, but having hotel details and an onward/return ticket is recommended.
  • Photo spec: 1 recent passport photo (35x45 mm or 2x2 inches) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: yes; biometric data (fingerprints/photo) may be collected at the immigration desk on arrival.
  • Travel health insurance: not required by policy for VOA, but strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival (single-entry): validity 3 months from issue; maximum stay 30 days; fee USD 50.
  • Business visa on arrival (single-entry): validity 3 months from issue; maximum stay 30 days; fee USD 50.

Visa on arrival

  • How to apply: visa on arrival is issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport upon arrival. Steps: 1) Disembark and proceed to immigration with passport; 2) present passport and, if requested, a completed visa on arrival form and one passport photo; 3) pay the visa fee in USD cash at the visa on arrival counter; 4) receive visa stamp and proceed to immigration clearance. Fees: USD 50 for tourist on arrival (single-entry); currencies accepted: USD cash at the counter. Processing time: typically 15–60 minutes depending on queue and airline arrival timing.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (tourist on arrival): USD 50 (single entry).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for visa on arrival; this is issued directly at the airport.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 50 for the visa itself, plus any incidental airport charges if applicable.
  • Standard processing time: 15–60 minutes depending on queue.
  • Express/priority option: not typically offered for visa on arrival; processing time depends on airport operations.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: for visa on arrival there is no pre-application; plan travel with enough buffer for potential queue times at the airport.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants specifically: issues with passport validity (less than 6 months remaining), lack of blank pages, or insufficient funds at the point of entry; carry supporting documents if available and ensure passport details match travel documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: visa on arrival is issued directly at the airport; no prior embassy appointment is needed for VOA. If you prefer to apply online, Ethiopia also offers eVisa via https://www.evisa.gov.et/ (not applicable to VOA).
  • Any current travel advisories or bilateral notes: check the UK government travel advice for Ethiopia and ensure awareness of any entry requirements or health advisories before travel.
  • Extension options inside Ethiopia: visa on arrival stays can be extended from the Addis Ababa immigration office before the initial 30 days expire; typical extension periods may add up to 30 additional days; verify current extension rules locally.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.