By Post or Courier
If you are not able to apply for a visa in person, you may also apply via post or courier service. We recommend that you allow extra time for postal applications.
1. Length of stay under transit visas.
The following options are available under transit visas:
- Single transit visas
- Double transit visas
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
- Allow enough time for postage, if applying by post or courier.
- The number of days in advance of your travel that you have applied.
Transit visa applications can be made in person at the Consular Section, by post or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
You can apply for a visa at the Embassy at any time during working hours. Click here for further information. You do not require an appointment to apply for a visa at the Embassy.
2. Download and complete the visa application form.
If you are experiencing problems downloading the visa application form, please contact the consular section to request a copy by email.
Note: Please be aware that the Embassy email address as listed on the visa application form is incorrect. It should read info@ethioembassy.org.uk. We apologise for this error.
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.
You are required to submit the following documents in support of your application:
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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. Your passport or travel document must also 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 (45mm x 35mm) colour photograph.
One recent, passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) 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 ticket.
A copy of your ticket for the onward destination from Ethiopia. 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.
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If applying for a visa by post...
If applying for a visa by post or 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.
4. Visa Fees and Payment.
The correct fee must be enclosed with your visa application.
The following methods of payment are accepted:
- Cash
- Banker’s Draft
- Postal Orders – made payable to “The Ethiopian Embassy”.
| Duration of Transit | Fee |
|---|---|
| 12 hours | £18.00 |
| 24 hours | £28.00 |
| 48 hours | £35.00 |
| 72 hours | £42.00 |
| Double entry for nor more than 24 hours | £35.00 |
5. Submit your application to the Embassy.
You may submit your application to the Embassy either via Royal Mail or through your chosen courier service.
If submitting by Royal Mail, we recommend that you send your application to us using recorded delivery, to allow you to track the delivery of your passport.
Please allow extra time for postal applications.
Please make sure that you bring all the required documents.
6. Processing times and return of passport
Postal applications take slightly longer to process as compared to applications made in person.
We recommend that you allow enough time for your application, taking into account the length of time it takes for the post to reach the Embassy, the time it takes to process the visa and the length of time it takes for post to reach you from the Embassy. You should also be aware that some applications take longer to process.
Please make a note of any tracking numbers as we are not able to provide these to you once your documents have been sent.
We cannot guarantee visa issuance by a set date, neither can we post-date visas.
we appreciate your help.