Required documents for Ethiopia eVisa application - passport and paperwork

Required Documents for Ethiopia eVisa

Complete checklist of all documents needed for your Ethiopian electronic visa application

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Essential Documents for Your Ethiopia eVisa Application

Everything you need to prepare before starting your application

Applying for an Ethiopia eVisa is a straightforward online process, but having all the required documents ready before you start is crucial for a smooth and successful application. The Ethiopian electronic visa system requires specific documentation to verify your identity, travel plans, and eligibility for entry into the country.

This comprehensive guide provides a complete checklist of all documents needed for your Ethiopia eVisa application. Whether you're traveling for tourism, business, or attending a conference, understanding these requirements will help you avoid delays and ensure your application is processed efficiently within the standard 3 business days.

Complete Document Checklist

Ensure you have all these items ready before starting your application

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

Every applicant must provide the following documents regardless of their nationality or purpose of visit:

  • ✓ Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from intended entry date
  • ✓ Passport biographical page scan (clear, readable digital copy)
  • ✓ Recent passport-sized photograph meeting specific requirements
  • ✓ Valid email address to receive eVisa approval
  • ✓ Payment method (credit or debit card for visa fee)
  • ✓ Travel information including arrival date and accommodation details

Important: All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Scanned documents should be clear, legible, and in color format (JPEG or PNG).

Passport Requirements in Detail

Your passport is the most critical document for your eVisa application

Validity Requirements

Your passport must meet specific validity criteria to be accepted for an Ethiopia eVisa application:

  • Minimum 6 months validity from your intended date of entry into Ethiopia
  • At least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
  • Machine-readable passport (MRP) with biographical data page
  • Undamaged condition - no torn pages or water damage

The passport you use for the eVisa application must be the same one you present upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Any discrepancy will result in entry denial.

Passport Scan Specifications

When uploading your passport scan, ensure it meets these technical requirements:

  • File format: JPEG or PNG
  • File size: Maximum 2MB
  • Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for clarity
  • Color: Full color scan (not black and white)
  • Content: Entire biographical page visible
  • Quality: All text and photo clearly readable

For detailed passport requirements, visit our dedicated passport requirements page.

Passport Photo Requirements

Your photo must meet strict specifications to avoid application rejection

Photo Specifications

The Ethiopia eVisa system requires a recent passport-style photograph that meets the following criteria:

  • Size: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
  • Background: Plain white or off-white
  • Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
  • Head position: Facing camera directly, neutral expression
  • Eyes: Open and clearly visible
  • Glasses: Allowed if no glare on lenses
  • Head covering: Only for religious purposes
  • File format: JPEG or PNG
  • File size: Between 10KB and 300KB
Example of correct Ethiopia eVisa passport photo requirements

Photos that do not meet these specifications are the most common reason for application delays or rejection. For comprehensive photo guidelines and examples, please visit our photo requirements page.

Additional Documents by Visa Type

Depending on your purpose of visit, you may need extra documentation

Tourist eVisa

For Leisure Travel

In addition to the mandatory documents, tourist visa applicants should prepare:

  • Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
  • Return flight ticket or itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient funds for stay
  • Travel itinerary (optional but recommended)

Learn more about different visa types available.

Conference/MICE eVisa

For Business Events

Conference and business visa applicants must provide:

  • Invitation letter from event organizer or host company
  • Conference registration confirmation
  • Hotel reservation proof
  • Company letter (if applicable)

The invitation letter must include event details, dates, and organizer contact information.

NGO/Journalist Visa

For Special Purposes

Specialized visa categories require additional documentation:

  • Official invitation from Ethiopian NGO or organization
  • Press credentials (for journalists)
  • Assignment letter from employer
  • Detailed purpose of visit statement

These visas may require pre-approval before eVisa application.

Have All Your Documents Ready?

Start your Ethiopia eVisa application now with confidence

Begin Your Application

Payment Method and Contact Details

Final requirements to complete your application

Accepted Payment Methods

To pay the eVisa processing fee, you will need one of the following payment methods:

  • Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
  • Debit cards: International debit cards with online payment capability

The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration:

  • 30-day Tourist eVisa: $82
  • 90-day Tourist eVisa: $202
  • Conference eVisa: $52

Important: Credit card payments are not accepted for applicants from Afghanistan, Cuba, Iraq, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Valid Email Address

A valid and active email address is essential for your eVisa application:

  • Application confirmation sent immediately after submission
  • eVisa approval document delivered electronically
  • Status updates throughout the processing period
  • Important notifications if additional information is needed

Ensure you:

  • Use an email address you check regularly
  • Check spam/junk folders for eVisa communications
  • Add support@evisa.gov.et to your contacts
  • Keep the email accessible during your travel

You can check your application status online at any time.

Document Preparation Best Practices

Tips to ensure your documents are accepted without issues

Before You Start Your Application

Follow these best practices to avoid common document-related issues:

Scanning and Uploading Tips

  • Use a scanner or high-quality camera: Smartphone photos are acceptable if clear and well-lit
  • Ensure proper lighting: Avoid shadows, glare, or reflections on documents
  • Scan in color: Black and white scans may be rejected
  • Check file size: Compress large files while maintaining quality
  • Verify readability: Zoom in to ensure all text is legible before uploading
  • Save backup copies: Keep digital copies of all submitted documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Uploading expired passport scans
  • Using old photographs (older than 6 months)
  • Submitting documents with incorrect file formats
  • Providing incomplete or partial scans
  • Using heavily edited or filtered photos
  • Forgetting to include required additional documents for specific visa types

For guidance on correcting errors after submission, visit our application correction guide.

Pro Tip: Prepare all your documents in advance and save them in a dedicated folder on your computer. This makes the online application process much faster and reduces the chance of errors.

Health and Entry Documentation

Additional documents you may need upon arrival in Ethiopia

Health Requirements

While not required for the eVisa application itself, you should prepare these health documents for entry into Ethiopia:

  • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: Required if traveling from or transiting through endemic countries
  • COVID-19 documentation: Check current requirements before travel
  • Travel insurance: Highly recommended for medical emergencies

Countries requiring Yellow Fever vaccination certificate include most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. Travelers arriving from these regions must present valid proof of vaccination.

Documents to Carry Upon Arrival

When you arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, have these documents ready:

  • Printed eVisa approval: Essential, even though it's electronic
  • Valid passport: Same one used for application
  • Return or onward ticket: Proof of departure from Ethiopia
  • Accommodation confirmation: Hotel booking or host address
  • Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statements or cash
  • Health certificates: If applicable

Immigration officers may request any of these documents during the entry process. For more information, see our ports of entry guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Required Documents

Quick answers to common document-related questions

If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your intended entry date, your eVisa application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying for an Ethiopia eVisa. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced to ensure travelers have valid documentation throughout their stay and potential delays.

Yes, you can use a smartphone to take your passport photo, provided it meets all the photo requirements. Ensure proper lighting, a plain white background, and that your face is clearly visible. Many applicants successfully use smartphone photos, but professional passport photos are recommended for best results.

Yes, you need to provide details of your intended accommodation in Ethiopia during the application process. This can be a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or the address of your host if staying with friends or family. While you may not need to upload proof during the online application, you should have confirmation available upon arrival.

If you don't have a credit card, you can use an international debit card with online payment capability. Cards from Visa, Mastercard, and American Express networks are accepted. Alternatively, you may ask a friend or family member to make the payment on your behalf using their card. For detailed fee information, visit our eVisa fees page.

All documents submitted for the Ethiopia eVisa must be in English or accompanied by certified English translations. This includes invitation letters, hotel confirmations, and any supporting documentation. Your passport biographical page should already be in English or include English translations as per international standards.

The standard processing time for an Ethiopia eVisa is 3 business days after submission of complete and correct documentation. However, it's recommended to apply at least 7 days before your intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays or requests for additional information.

Ready to Apply?

Now that you know what documents you need, here's what to do next

Next Steps After Preparing Your Documents

Once you have gathered all the required documents, follow these steps:

  1. Review your documents: Double-check that everything meets the specifications
  2. Verify your eligibility: Confirm your nationality is on the eligible countries list
  3. Complete the online application: Fill out the form carefully with accurate information
  4. Upload your documents: Submit clear, high-quality scans of all required documents
  5. Pay the visa fee: Use a valid credit or debit card for payment
  6. Receive confirmation: Check your email for application confirmation
  7. Track your application: Monitor the status online
  8. Receive your eVisa: Print the approval document when it arrives

The entire application process takes approximately 10-15 minutes if you have all documents prepared. For a detailed walkthrough of each step, visit our comprehensive application process guide.

Important Reminders

Key points to remember about your Ethiopia eVisa documents

Critical Document Requirements

  • Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from entry date
  • The passport used for application must be the same one presented at arrival
  • All scanned documents must be clear, legible, and in color
  • Photos must be recent (within 6 months) and meet exact specifications
  • You must print your eVisa approval and carry it when traveling

Understanding Visa Validity vs. Duration of Stay

It's important to understand the difference between your eVisa's validity period and your allowed duration of stay:

  • Validity period: The timeframe during which you can enter Ethiopia (typically 30 or 90 days from issue)
  • Duration of stay: How long you can remain in Ethiopia once you enter (30 or 90 days)

For detailed information about these terms, visit our visa validity and stay duration guide.

What If You Need Help?

If you have questions about required documents or need assistance with your application, our support team is available to help:

  • Email support: Available 24/7 for document-related queries
  • Application assistance: Guidance on preparing and uploading documents
  • Technical support: Help with file formats and upload issues

Visit our contact support page for assistance options.

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