Entry/Exit Requirements

Travelers are advised to obtain a valid Ethiopian visa at the nearest Ethiopian Embassy prior to arrival. You must obtain a visa prior to arrival if you plan to enter Ethiopia by any land port-of-entry. Ethiopian visas ARE NOT available at the border crossing point at Moyale or at any land border crossing points in Ethiopia. Visit the Embassy of Ethiopia website for the most current visa information. The Embassy of Ethiopia is located at 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 364-1200; fax (202) 587-0195.

Ethiopian tourist visas (one month or three month, single entry) are available to U.S. citizens upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The on-arrival visa process is available only at Bole International Airport and is not available at any of the other airports in Ethiopia. The visa fee at Bole International Airport is payable in U.S. dollars. Current visa fees are $50 for one month and $70 for 3 months – both are only for single entry. Business visas of up to three months validity can also be obtained at Bole International Airport upon arrival, but only if the traveler has a sponsoring organization in Ethiopia that has made prior arrangements for issuance through the Ethiopian Main Department for Immigration & Nationality office in Addis Ababa. In some instances, U.S. tourist and business travelers have not been permitted to receive visas at Bole International Airport or have been significantly delayed. A Government of Ethiopia policy prevents travelers born in Eritrea, regardless of their current nationality, from receiving tourist visas at the airport.

Current visa extension fees are $100 for a first time one month extension, $150 for a second time 15 day extension, and $200 for a third time 10 day extension. Travelers whose entry visa expires before they depart Ethiopia must obtain a visa extension through the Main Immigration Office in Addis Ababa. Currently, there is a overstay penalty fee of $5 a day from 1 up to 15 days and $10 a day after 15 days. Such travelers may also be required to pay a court fine of up to 4000 ETB (300 USD) before being permitted to depart Ethiopia. Court fees must be paid in Ethiopian Birr. Travelers may be detained by immigration officials and/or required to appear in immigration court, and are required to pay the penalty fee before they will be able to obtain an exit visa (20 USD, payable in dollars) permitting them to leave Ethiopia.

Business travelers or employees of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who intend to stay for 90 days or more must apply for a residence card/work permit in order to continue working and living in Ethiopia. Travelers must apply for this permit within the first 30 days of their stay in Ethiopia and must not work until this permit is approved

Travelers should check with their sponsoring organization to ensure they have the correct documentation in place, or risk penalties, including detention, fines, and deportation. The Government of Ethiopia’s regulations also allow for similar penalties for those who assist others to reside illegally in Ethiopia.

Following the failed October 2013 bombing attempt in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for which the U.S. government-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, the U.S. Embassy received reports that ALL individuals of Somali origin, including naturalized U.S. citizens, were being stopped for questioning when entering and exiting Ethiopia.

If you plan to stay in Ethiopia for a prolonged period of time, you are advised to contact the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington prior to traveling. Some long-term visitors may be eligible to apply for a residence permit before they depart for Ethiopia.

Customs requirements: Non-residents traveling to Ethiopia must declare any/all foreign currency in excess of $3000 USD (or its equivalent). Non-residents departing Ethiopia may carry a maximum of $3000 USD (or its equivalent), unless they can produce a customs declaration, bank slip showing the purchase of foreign currency, or letter confirming that they were paid by an Embassy or foreign organization in Ethiopia. Residents of Ethiopia must produce a bank slip showing the purchase of foreign currency, or customs declaration that is not more than 45 days old, in order to carry any foreign currency out of Ethiopia.

Any traveler entering or exiting Ethiopia may carry a maximum of 200 Ethiopian Birr on their person or in their luggage.

Ethiopian customs rules limit the amount of precious metals or minerals imported or exported for personal use to a) 100 grams for gold and other precious metals; b) 30 grams for precious stones; c) 100 grams for semi-precious stones.

Individuals bringing recording equipment into the country are advised to seek the necessary clearances from the Ethiopian Ministry of Communications prior to their arrival. Journalists entering Ethiopia require clearance from the Ethiopian Ministry of Communications to bring recording equipment into the country. Ethiopian Customs occasionally prohibits individuals from bringing cameras and other equipment into the country for personal use. The Embassy cannot assist with the return of such confiscated equipment, or help individuals obtain the necessary clearances from the Ethiopian Ministry of Communications.

Permits are required before exporting either antiques or animal skins from Ethiopia. Antique religious artifacts, including "Ethiopian” crosses, require a permit for export. These permits can be processed by the Export Section of the Airport customs office. Even tourist souvenirs, especially crosses, may require such documentation if customs authorities deem it necessary, and/or may be confiscated by customs authorities if in excess of the allowable limit of precious metals as noted above. Animal skins must have an export permit, which can be obtained from the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. Please also note that large Ethiopian crosses may not be taken on aircraft as hand luggage, as some airlines consider them to be potential weapons.

The ivory trade is banned in Ethiopia. Recently, travelers wearing ivory jewelry have been detained, even if the jewelry pre-dates the ivory ban. Jewelry has been confiscated and fines imposed for violating this ban.

Travelers found violating any of the above customs rules have been detained at the airport and in some cases have been sentenced to prison terms of three months or more.

For the most current visa and travel information, visit the Ethiopian Embassy website or the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority website. U.S. citizens located overseas may also inquire at the nearest Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate.

Yellow Fever and Polio Information:

All travelers over one (1) year of age coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission are required to show proof of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination, known also as a yellow card.)

It is recommended that all travelers over nine (9) months of age be vaccinated before traveling outside of the provinces of Afar and Somali. Daytime insect precautions are essential for unvaccinated travelers.

According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, in 2013, 10 cases (one case in 2014) were reported from the Somali Region of Ethiopia. These are the first wild poliovirus cases reported in Ethiopia since 2008.

The CDC recommends that all travelers to Ethiopia be fully vaccinated against polio. In addition, adults who have been fully vaccinated should receive a single lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. As of May 5, 2014, people of all ages staying in Ethiopia for longer than 4 weeks may be required to show proof of polio vaccination when departing Ethiopia. Polio vaccine must be received between 4 weeks and 12 months before the date of departure from Ethiopia and should be officially documented on a yellow vaccination card (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis). Travelers should talk to their doctor about making sure they are properly prepared for any requirements they may face exiting Ethiopia.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.