π§ support@evisa.express
π +48 32 431 00 11
Essential passport criteria and validity requirements for your Ethiopia eVisa application
Apply for Ethiopia eVisa NowWhat you need to know about passport validity and specifications
Your passport is the most important document for your Ethiopia eVisa application. Understanding and meeting the passport requirements is essential to ensure your application is processed smoothly and approved without delays.
The Ethiopian immigration authorities have established specific passport criteria that all eVisa applicants must meet. These requirements are designed to ensure that travelers have valid travel documents throughout their stay in Ethiopia and comply with international travel standards.
Before starting your eVisa application, carefully review these passport requirements to avoid common mistakes that could lead to application rejection or delays.
Key criteria your passport must meet for Ethiopia eVisa
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Ethiopia.
At least 2 blank visa pages required for entry and exit stamps by immigration officials.
Passport must be in good physical condition with no tears, water damage, or missing pages.
All passport information must be clearly legible including photo, personal details, and passport number.
Why the 6-month validity rule is important
Ethiopia requires that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into the country. This is a standard international travel requirement.
Why this matters:
For example, if you plan to enter Ethiopia on March 1, 2026, your passport must be valid until at least September 1, 2026.
Follow these steps to ensure your passport meets the validity requirement:
Important Note: If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, you must renew it before applying for your Ethiopia eVisa. Processing a new passport can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.
In addition to validity, your passport must have at least two completely blank visa pages. These pages are necessary for Ethiopian immigration officials to stamp your passport upon entry and exit.
A blank visa page must be:
Ethiopian immigration requires two blank pages because:
If your passport doesn't have enough blank pages, you should apply for additional pages (if your country offers this service) or obtain a new passport before applying for your Ethiopia eVisa.
Your passport must be in acceptable physical condition
| Condition Check | Acceptable | Not Acceptable |
|---|---|---|
| Cover | Minor wear from normal use | Severely damaged, torn, or separated from binding |
| Pages | All pages intact and securely bound | Missing pages, loose pages, or torn pages |
| Photo Page | Clear, readable with intact lamination | Damaged lamination, water damage, or illegible information |
| Personal Information | All text clearly visible and readable | Faded, smudged, or altered information |
| Passport Photo | Clear image, securely attached | Damaged, peeling, or replaced photo |
| Passport Number | Clearly visible and machine-readable | Damaged, altered, or illegible number |
Important: If your passport shows signs of significant damage, contact your country's passport issuing authority for a replacement before applying for an Ethiopia eVisa.
Which passports are accepted for Ethiopia eVisa
Regular or ordinary passports issued to citizens for international travel are fully accepted for Ethiopia eVisa applications.
Official or service passports issued to government employees may be accepted, but requirements may vary.
Diplomatic passport holders typically have different visa procedures and may not need an eVisa.
How to prepare your passport scan for upload
When applying for your Ethiopia eVisa online, you'll need to upload a digital scan of your passport's biographical page. Follow these guidelines:
You can use a flatbed scanner, scanning app, or high-quality camera to create the digital copy.
Your passport scan file must meet these technical requirements:
Important: The information on your passport scan must exactly match the details you enter in your eVisa application form. Any discrepancies can lead to rejection.
Also ensure you have a compliant passport photograph ready for upload.
Avoiding problems with your Ethiopia eVisa application
Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, not from your date of exit. This means if you plan to stay in Ethiopia for 30 days, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from when you arrive, which provides ample coverage for your entire stay. If your passport will expire during your planned stay, you must renew it before applying for the eVisa.
No, applications with passports that have less than 6 months validity from the intended entry date will be automatically rejected. This is a strict requirement that cannot be waived. You must renew your passport before applying for an Ethiopia eVisa. Check the common rejection reasons to avoid other application issues.
If you renew your passport after your eVisa has been approved, your eVisa becomes invalid because it is linked to your old passport number. You will need to apply for a new eVisa using your new passport details. Always ensure your passport will remain valid for the entire period you plan to use your eVisa, plus the required 6-month buffer.
If your passport lacks the required two blank visa pages, you have two options: 1) Some countries offer a service to add additional pages to your existing passport, or 2) Apply for a completely new passport. The option available depends on your country's passport regulations. Contact your national passport office to determine which service is available. Do not attempt to travel to Ethiopia without the required blank pages, as you may be denied entry.
Emergency or temporary travel documents are generally not accepted for eVisa applications. These documents are typically issued for urgent travel needs and have limited validity. Ethiopia requires a full-validity regular passport for eVisa applications. If you only have an emergency passport, contact the Ethiopian embassy or consulate in your country for guidance on alternative visa options.
Ensure your passport meets all requirements and start your application today
Apply for Ethiopia eVisaUnderstanding which nationalities can apply for Ethiopia eVisa
Not all passport holders are eligible for the Ethiopia eVisa program. Eligibility is determined by your passport nationality, not your country of residence or birth.
Before preparing your passport documents, verify that your nationality is eligible for an eVisa:
Review the complete list of eligible countries to confirm your nationality qualifies for the eVisa program. If you hold multiple passports, you can choose which one to use for your application, as long as that nationality is eligible.
If you hold passports from multiple countries:
Everything you need for your Ethiopia eVisa application
Verify your passport meets all these criteria:
If your passport doesn't meet any of these requirements, address the issue before starting your application.
Beyond your passport, prepare these items for your eVisa application:
Having all documents ready before starting your application ensures a smooth process. Learn about processing times to plan your application timeline.
Your passport meets the requirements? Apply now and receive your eVisa within 3 business days
Apply Now - Fast & Secure