France Visa RequirementsFor Ethiopia passport holders
Ethiopian citizens must obtain a Schengen visa through the French Embassy in Addis Ababa for visits to France and the broader Schengen Area.
Ethiopia passport holders require a visa to enter France.
Apply at the French Embassy or through a designated visa application centre in Addis Ababa. Submit the application form, 2 passport photos, financial proof (3 months bank statements), travel insurance (min EUR 30,000 coverage), hotel bookings, return flight tickets, and employment letter. The fee is EUR 80. Processing usually takes 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days.
France is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Ethiopia to France: What You Need to Know
France requires Ethiopian citizens to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (type C), valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The French Embassy in Addis Ababa processes these applications. The fee is EUR 80 (approximately USD 87). France has historical cultural and educational ties with Ethiopia, and Paris is a common transit or destination point for Ethiopian travelers heading further into Europe.
Practical Tips
A Schengen visa granted by France allows travel throughout the 27 Schengen member states, not just France. Apply at the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the most time. Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across the Schengen Area is mandatory. Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights from Addis Ababa to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for France?
Yes. Ethiopian citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) to enter France. The fee is EUR 80 and the visa is valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
Where do Ethiopian citizens apply for a French Schengen visa?
Applications are submitted at the French Embassy in Addis Ababa or through a designated visa application centre. You will need to attend in person to submit biometric data.
Does Ethiopian Airlines fly to Paris?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle, making France one of the more accessible European destinations.
Can a Schengen visa issued by France be used in other European countries?
Yes. A valid Schengen visa issued by France allows travel to all 27 Schengen member states, including Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, within the 90-day limit.