Ethiopian Visa for Ghana Nationals

As of November 2018, the Ethiopian government rolled out the visa-on-arrival plan for all African citizens and permanent residents with aim of facilitating peace, the free movement of people, and economic integration. The Citizens of Ghana and holders of a Ghanaian permanent residency are eligible for a visa-on-arrival and can also apply for an Ethiopian electronic visa, or eVisa. Often, individuals still opt for the eVisa from iVisa, as it allows them to skip the immigration que and hassle upon arrival at the airport.

What is the Ethiopian Visa-on-Arrival?

The Ethiopian visa-on-arrival is an official document issued by the Ethiopian government to Ghanaian nationals and individuals holding permanent residency upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The visa-on-arrival eliminates the need to apply beforehand. The visa on arrival is valid for 90 days, and its validity begins at the time that it is granted.

How to obtain an Ethiopian Visa on Arrival?

The Ethiopian visa-on-arrival is as simple as it sounds. It can only be obtained upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. All you need to do is visit the immigration kiosk and fill out the designated application. Once the application is filled out, there is a brief interview with an immigration officer, who then offers you the visa-on-arrival.

Required Documents

1. An original signed copy of your Ghanaian passport containing two blank pages and remaining valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Ethiopia.
2. The visa fees, preferably in cash. It is advised that applicants check and confirm the visa-on-arrival prices.
3. Applicants are required to provide two recent digital passport-sized photos.
4. Be warned that in some instances immigration officials reserve the right to ask applicants for evidence of means of financial subsistence. Often, a bank statement suffices.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ethiopian Visa-on-Arrival

In the event that you need to travel last minute, the visa-on-arrival offers applicants flexibility, as it eliminates the need to apply beforehand. Another advantage is that the visa-on-arrival is valid for 90 days. However, the visa-on-arrival is single entry and can only be obtained at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Moreover, some travelers may find queueing at immigration upon arrival to be an exhausting nuisance.

Important Information to Know!

1. The visa-on-arrival is single entry and valid for 90 days. It expires upon exiting the country. Unlike the electronic visa, a 30-day option is not available.
2. In addition, the visa on arrival is ONLY available if your first port of entry is the designated Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. No other port of entry is allowed.
3. Strictly, NO employment is permitted with the visa-on-arrival.
4. Individuals visiting Ethiopia for the purpose of attending a seminar, convention, meetings, or workshops arranged by the African Union and or the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa can be granted a visa-on-arrival provided they are able to submit a letter of invitation as proof.