Ethiopia Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK nationals must obtain an e-visa before travelling to Ethiopia. The e-visa costs $82, allows a stay of up to 90 days, and is processed through the official Ethiopian e-visa portal.
United Kingdom passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Ethiopia.
Apply for the Ethiopia e-visa at evisa.gov.et. You will need a valid UK passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival, a digital passport photo, a scan of your passport data page, a return or onward ticket, and a credit or debit card to pay the $82 fee. Processing typically takes 3 working days but can take longer; apply at least 2 weeks before departure. Print the approval letter to show at the airport. The e-visa is valid for a single or multiple entry depending on the type selected.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Ethiopia: What You Need to Know
Ethiopia is East Africa's most populous country and a major hub for African Union diplomacy and international aviation via Addis Ababa. UK nationals are required to obtain an e-visa before arrival. The country offers significant historical and cultural attractions, including the ancient city of Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, and the Omo Valley. However, significant parts of northern Ethiopia, including Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions, have experienced armed conflict since 2020; the FCDO advises against all travel to those areas. The e-visa system covers entry to the rest of the country including Addis Ababa.
Practical Tips
Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport is one of Africa's busiest and best-connected hubs; Ethiopian Airlines operates extensive regional and international routes. The Ethiopian birr (ETB) is the local currency; US dollars are useful for tourist payments but local currency is required for most transactions. ATMs are available in Addis Ababa but unreliable elsewhere. Altitude in Addis Ababa is approximately 2,355 metres; give yourself time to acclimatise. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK nationals need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes. UK nationals must obtain an e-visa before travel through the official portal at evisa.gov.et. The e-visa costs $82 and allows a stay of up to 90 days.
How long does the Ethiopia e-visa take to process?
Processing usually takes around 3 working days, but can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure and print or save your approval letter to present on arrival.
Is Ethiopia safe for UK travellers?
The FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions due to ongoing armed conflict, and against all but essential travel to areas near the borders with Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan. Addis Ababa and most tourist sites (Lalibela, Simien Mountains, Omo Valley) in accessible regions are visited regularly. Always check current FCDO guidance.
What vaccinations are required for Ethiopia?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended outside Addis Ababa. Consult a travel health clinic at least 8 weeks before departure.