Many travelers visit Ethiopia yearly for various reasons, such as adventure tourism, business, or family visits. For such travelers, obtaining a multiple-entry visa for Ethiopia can be a convenient and cost-effective option.
A multiple-entry visa allows travelers to enter and exit Ethiopia multiple times within a specified period. This type of visa is suitable for individuals who need to travel frequently to Ethiopia for business or personal reasons. With a multiple-entry visa, travelers can avoid the hassle of obtaining a new visa for each visit, saving time and money.
The validity period of a multiple entry visa for Ethiopia can vary depending on the visa type and the purpose of the visit. Typically, the validity period ranges from three months to one year, with each stay limited to 30-90 days.
In this article, we will discuss the requirements for obtaining a multiple-entry visa for Ethiopia, the processing time, requirements, and other essential information. Whether you are a frequent traveler or planning a long-term stay in Ethiopia, this article will guide you through the visa application process.
Applying for an Ethiopian visa
To obtain an Ethiopian visa, applying at an Ethiopian Embassy is essential, particularly if you plan to enter through an entry point other than the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. This applies to all countries except Djibouti and Kenya. Additionally, if you require a multiple-entry visa instead of a single-entry visa, an application at the embassy is necessary.
It is essential to note that Ethiopia's eVisas or Visas On Arrival are issued solely for single entries and short-term stays and only if you are entering the country through the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Therefore, if you plan to enter the country through other entry points or require a multiple-entry visa, you must visit an Ethiopian embassy to obtain the appropriate visa.
Who qualifies for an Ethiopia evisa (electronic visa)?
Anyone from any nation may apply for an Ethiopia eVisa, provided they only plan to visit the country once and remain for no more than 90 days. Tourist and business trips to Ethiopia are the only types of travel that need an eVisa. An Ethiopia Business Visa can only be requested by people older than 18 years of age.
You cannot use the online visa application system to apply for a long-term, multiple-entry visa to Ethiopia.
Duration of an Ethiopia visa
Short-stay visas for Ethiopia are single-entry visas that may be given for up to 90 days. Your permitted stay in Ethiopia will begin on the day of your arrival, not the date your visa is processed.
However, the Ethiopia Investment Visa, which is valid for up to a year and allows for numerous entries, seems to be an exception. The visa may be awarded for multiple entries and up to six months if you enter Ethiopia to work temporarily for an Ethiopian government institution.
Documents required for multiple entry visa for Ethiopia
Obtaining a multiple-entry visa can save time and money if you plan to visit Ethiopia frequently for business or personal reasons. However, to apply for this type of visa, you must provide certain documents to the Ethiopian embassy. Below are the documents required for a multiple-entry visa for Ethiopia:
A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry
A completed visa application form
Two passport-sized photographs
A copy of your flight itinerary
A letter explaining the reason for your frequent visits to Ethiopia
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
A letter of invitation from a business partner or family member residing in Ethiopia (if applicable)
A copy of your work contract or business license (if applicable)
Payment of the visa fee
Processing time of multiple entry visa for Ethiopia
If you plan to apply for a multiple entry visa for Ethiopia, you must know the processing time required to obtain the visa. The processing time for a multiple-entry visa for Ethiopia may vary depending on various factors, such as the purpose of the visit and the embassy's workload. Typically, it can take up to 5-10 business days for the visa application to be processed.
If you are unsure about the visa application process or require assistance, you may consider using a visa agency such as VisaHQ. VisaHQ can provide guidance on the visa application process and handle the entire application process on your behalf, including submitting the necessary documents and fees to the embassy. This can save you time and reduce the chances of errors or omissions that could result in a visa denial.
A visa extension for Ethiopia
If you are in Addis Ababa, you may extend your 30-day visa to the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs.
You will be fined if you overstay your visa without extending it. There is a US$50 visa cost for the first 15 days and then an additional US$5 per day if you overstay your visa in Ethiopia. If you overstay your visa by more than 15 days, you'll have to pay an additional US$10 daily.