Complete checklist of all documents needed for your Ethiopian electronic visa application
Apply for Ethiopia eVisa NowEverything 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.
Ensure you have all these items ready before starting your application
Every applicant must provide the following documents regardless of their nationality or purpose of visit:
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).
Your passport is the most critical document for your eVisa application
Your passport must meet specific validity criteria to be accepted for an Ethiopia eVisa application:
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.
When uploading your passport scan, ensure it meets these technical requirements:
For detailed passport requirements, visit our dedicated passport requirements page.
Your photo must meet strict specifications to avoid application rejection
The Ethiopia eVisa system requires a recent passport-style photograph that meets the following criteria:
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.
Depending on your purpose of visit, you may need extra documentation
In addition to the mandatory documents, tourist visa applicants should prepare:
Learn more about different visa types available.
Conference and business visa applicants must provide:
The invitation letter must include event details, dates, and organizer contact information.
Specialized visa categories require additional documentation:
These visas may require pre-approval before eVisa application.
Start your Ethiopia eVisa application now with confidence
Begin Your ApplicationFinal requirements to complete your application
To pay the eVisa processing fee, you will need one of the following payment methods:
The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration:
Important: Credit card payments are not accepted for applicants from Afghanistan, Cuba, Iraq, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
A valid and active email address is essential for your eVisa application:
Ensure you:
You can check your application status online at any time.
Tips to ensure your documents are accepted without issues
Follow these best practices to avoid common document-related issues:
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.
Additional documents you may need upon arrival in Ethiopia
While not required for the eVisa application itself, you should prepare these health documents for entry into Ethiopia:
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.
When you arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, have these documents ready:
Immigration officers may request any of these documents during the entry process. For more information, see our ports of entry guide.
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.
Now that you know what documents you need, here's what to do next
Once you have gathered all the required documents, follow these steps:
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.
Key points to remember about your Ethiopia eVisa documents
It's important to understand the difference between your eVisa's validity period and your allowed duration of stay:
For detailed information about these terms, visit our visa validity and stay duration guide.
If you have questions about required documents or need assistance with your application, our support team is available to help:
Visit our contact support page for assistance options.
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