Applying in Person
CUSTOMER NOTICE
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and until further notice, the Embassy is currently not accepting visa applications in person. Please apply for your visa either by post, online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
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You can apply for a tourist visa at the Embassy at any time during working hours.
You do not require an appointment to apply for a visa in person.
1. Length of stay under tourist visas
The following options are available under tourist visas:
- Single entry visa valid for up to 30 days
- Single entry visa valid for 3 months
- Multiple entry visa valid for 3 months
- Multiple entry visa valid for 6 months
When choosing the length of visa, please be aware that the visas are valid from the date of issue and not the date of entry into Ethiopia. It is no longer possible to post-date visas, so please give careful consideration which length of visa will be suitable for your stay.
As your visa is valid from the date it is processed at the Embassy, you must take the following into account:
- The time it takes to process your visa application
- If applying by post or courier, please allow enough time for postage
- The number of days in advance of your travel that you have applied
For example, if you are visiting Ethiopia for 20 days, and you are applying for a single entry tourist visa more than a week in advance of your departure, you must take into account the length of time it takes for post to reach the Embassy, the time it takes to process the visa, the length of time it takes for post to reach you from the Embassy and consider exactly how many days in advance of your journey you have applied. If the total exceeds the 30-day limit, you must apply for a multiple entry 3-month visa.
If you wish to stay in Ethiopia for a longer period than that which has been indicated in your visa, you are required to apply for an extension at the Main Department for Immigration Office in Addis Ababa.
2. Download and complete the visa application form
Completing the Visa Application Form
Complete the visa application form for each person travelling to Ethiopia.
The form must be completed in BLOCK CAPITAL letters in either blue or black ink.
You must:
- Complete the form to the best of your ability, answering all the required questions clearly. Your application may not be processed if you fail to provide all necessary information
- Sign and date the form, where asked
- Include your daytime telephone number and/or email address in case we need to contact you regarding your application.
If you have any questions concerning your application, please contact the consular section via the contact form.
3. Gather the required documents
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A completed visa application form
A completed Visa Application Form.
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Your passport or travel document
Your passport or travel document.
Your passport or travel document must be valid for a minimum of 6 months and also have two blank pages.
Please note that we cannot issue a visa unless you submit your passport.
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A photocopy of your passport
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One recent, passport-sized colour photograph
The photograph should be full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons.
The photo should be attached to the visa application form by paper clip or another non-permanent means.
DO NOT staple the photograph to the application form.
Please write your name on the back of the photograph in BLOCK CAPITAL letters. Please note that we may not accept photographs that do not meet these specifications.
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The visa application fee
A list of the fees can be found here.
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A copy of your return ticket
A copy of your return ticket if you are travelling on a tourist or business visa, or a confirmed flight ticket for the onward destination from Ethiopia, if you are travelling on a transit visit.
Please do not include the original ticket. The Embassy cannot take responsibility for any items lost in the post.
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Evidence of your status in the United Kingdom
Evidence of your status in the United Kingdom, if you are not a U.K. passport holder.
As E.U. nationals have the right to stay in the U.K., E.U. passport holders are required to submit proof of residency such as a utility bill, council tax or letter from your employer or school. Bank statements cannot be accepted as proof of residency.
If you wish for your passport to be returned to you by post, you must include a pre-paid, self-addressed special delivery envelope. The Embassy cannot accept responsibility for any items lost in the post.
The Home Office travel document is an international travel document issued by the UK Home Office to an alien resident of United Kingdom who is unable to obtain a national passport.
4. Visa Fees and Payment
The correct fee must be submitted with your visa application.
We accept payment by debit or credit card only.
| Type of visa | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single entry for 30 days | £34.00 |
| Single entry for 3 months | £50.00 |
| Multiple entry for 3 months | £59.00 |
| Multiple entry for 6 months | £67.00 |
By special arrangement with the US government, American citizens receive a two-year multiple entry visa for both business and tourist purposes, for which the fee is £56.00.
5. Submit your application to the Embassy
You may submit your application at any time during the Consular Section’s working hours.
You do not require an appointment to submit your application.
All UK Home Office Travel Document holders are required to submit their applications in person at the Embassy at least 15 days prior to travelling to Ethiopia. What is this? The Home Office travel document is an international travel document issued by the UK Home Office to an alien resident of United Kingdom who is unable to obtain a national passport.
6. Processing times and return of passport
Applications made in person at the Embassy are processed within three working days. Some applications, however, may take longer.
We cannot guarantee visa issuance by a set date. Visas are valid from the date of entry, i.e. the date you plan to arrive into Ethiopia.
At the time you submit your application, you will be notified when to come and collect your passport. If you wish for your passport to be returned to you by post, you will be required to submit a pre-paid, self-addressed special delivery envelope.
we appreciate your help.