The Ethiopia Business Visa (BRV) lets foreign nationals enter Ethiopia for business activities, conferences, and professional engagements. It costs $62 for a 30-day single-entry or $152 for a 90-day multiple-entry, and you can apply entirely online through the official e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.et.
If you are traveling to Ethiopia for a business meeting, trade conference, joint venture, or professional assignment, you need a business visa – not a tourist visa. The Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) requires all business travelers to apply for the Business and Related Studies Visa (BRV), which is a separate category from the tourist e-Visa.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, what documents are required, how much it costs, how to apply online step by step, and what to expect when you arrive in Addis Ababa.
What Is the Ethiopia Business Visa?
The Ethiopia Business Visa, officially called the Business and Related Studies Visa (BRV), is issued to foreign nationals who visit Ethiopia for business purposes. This includes attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, professional training, and exploring investment opportunities.
The BRV is distinct from the Investment Visa (IV), which is specifically for individuals who have already committed to investment activities in Ethiopia and hold documentation from the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
Key points about the business visa:
- It is not issued to individuals under 18 years old. Parents traveling on business visas must apply for tourist visas for their children.
- You must have a reference code from the inviting Ethiopian organization or company before applying.
- The visa validity starts counting from your intended entry date, not the date of issuance.
- Business visa holders should not be found working at any organization in Ethiopia without the appropriate work visa.
Ethiopia Business Visa Requirements
Before starting your application, gather the following documents:
Mandatory Documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry into Ethiopia
- A recent passport-size color photograph (scanned digital copy)
- A scanned color copy of your passport bio-data page
- An official application letter from the inviting organization in Ethiopia, addressed to the Immigration and Citizenship Service
- A support letter from the nearest Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate confirming your business travel purpose
- A business license of the inviting Ethiopian company or organization
- A reference code registered and approved by the inviting organization on the e-Visa portal
Additional Requirements:
- Valid email address for receiving the e-Visa approval
- Credit or debit card for online payment (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Union Pay)
- Travel itinerary showing your intended arrival date in Ethiopia
For a complete breakdown of all visa documentation, see our Ethiopia visa requirements guide.
Ethiopia Business Visa Fees (2026)
The business visa fees are set by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service and are paid in USD during the online application.
| Entry Type | Maximum Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 Days | $62 |
| Multiple Entry | 90 Days | $152 |
| Multiple Entry | 6 Months | $252 |
| Multiple Entry | 12 Months | $502 |
Extension Fees (if you need to stay longer):
| Entry Type | Extension Duration | Extension Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 Days | $102 |
| Multiple Entry | 90 Days | $302 |
All fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Payment is processed online during the application. For more details on visa pricing across all categories, visit our Ethiopia visa fee guide.
How to Apply for an Ethiopia Business Visa Online
The application process is handled entirely through the official e-Visa portal. Here is how to apply step by step:
Step 1: Get Your Reference Code
Before you can apply, the Ethiopian organization inviting you must register on the e-Visa portal and generate a reference code for your visit. Contact your business partner or host organization in Ethiopia and ask them to complete this step first. Without the reference code, you cannot proceed with the application.
Step 2: Visit the Official e-Visa Portal
Go to evisa.gov.et and select the Business Visa option. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra processing fees – the official portal is the only authorized application channel.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. This includes your full name, date of nationality, passport number, and contact information. You will also need to enter the reference code provided by your Ethiopian host organization.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload a scanned color copy of your passport bio-data page and a recent passport-size photograph. The photo should be clear, taken against a white background, and show your full face.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay using one of the accepted payment methods. The portal supports Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Union Pay.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes up to 3 business days. You will receive an email notification when your e-Visa is approved. Check our Ethiopia processing time guide for more details on what to expect.
Step 7: Print Your e-Visa
Once approved, download and print your e-Visa. You will need to present it along with your passport at the immigration counter when you arrive in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Business Visa vs Investment Visa
Many travelers confuse the Business Visa (BRV) with the Investment Visa (IV). Here is how they differ:
| Feature | Business Visa (BRV) | Investment Visa (IV) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meetings, conferences, trade activities | Active investment in Ethiopia |
| Document needed | Reference code from host organization | Support letter from Ethiopian Embassy + Investment Commission letter |
| Fee range | $62 – $502 | $62 – $502 |
| Age restriction | Not issued to under 18 | Not issued to under 18 |
| Employment allowed | No | No (separate work visa required) |
If your primary purpose is to explore or carry out investment activities, the Investment Visa is the correct choice. For general business travel, conferences, and professional meetings, the Business Visa (BRV) applies.
For a full overview of all visa categories, see our Ethiopia visa types guide.
Where to Enter Ethiopia on a Business e-Visa
Business e-Visa holders must enter Ethiopia through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). This is the only port of entry that accepts e-Visas. If you plan to enter through a land border or a different airport, you will need to apply for a traditional visa through an Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate.
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, proceed to the immigration counter with your printed e-Visa and passport. Ethiopian officials at the port of entry reserve the right to deny entry even with a valid e-Visa.
Business Visa Extension
If you need to stay in Ethiopia longer than your visa allows, you can request an extension:
- Expired 1 to 15 days: Apply for extension online through the e-Visa portal
- Expired more than 15 days: Visit the head office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa in person
Overstaying your visa without an approved extension results in fines and legal penalties. Apply for an extension before your visa expires to avoid complications.
Important Restrictions and Rules
Keep these rules in mind when traveling on an Ethiopia business visa:
- No employment – A business visa does not authorize you to work at any Ethiopian organization. For employment, you need a separate work visa (such as WV, NV, or GIV).
- Age restriction – Business visas are not issued to applicants under 18 years old.
- Tourist activities – Business visa holders can engage in tourism during their stay, but the primary purpose of travel must be business-related.
- Expired residence ID holders – If you previously held a residence ID that has expired, you must apply for the same business visa type you held before (e.g., NGO Work Visa, Government Institution Visa, or Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa).
FAQs About Ethiopia Business Visa
How long does it take to get an Ethiopia business visa?
Standard processing takes up to 3 business days after submitting your application through the official e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.et. Apply at least 3 days before your intended travel date.
Can I convert my tourist visa to a business visa in Ethiopia?
No, you cannot convert a tourist visa to a business visa while in Ethiopia. You must apply for the correct visa type before traveling. If you entered on a tourist visa and need to conduct business, you will need to leave Ethiopia and apply for a business visa from outside the country.
Do I need a reference code for the Ethiopia business visa?
Yes, the inviting Ethiopian organization or company must register on the e-Visa portal and generate a reference code for your visit. This is a mandatory requirement – you cannot complete the application without it.
Can US citizens get an Ethiopia business visa on arrival?
All travelers, including US citizens, are strongly encouraged to apply for the e-Visa online before departure. While some nationalities may be eligible for visa on arrival, applying through the e-Visa portal in advance ensures smoother entry and avoids potential delays at the airport.
What is the difference between a business visa and an investment visa in Ethiopia?
The Business Visa (BRV) is for general business activities like meetings, conferences, and trade events. The Investment Visa (IV) is specifically for individuals engaged in or exploring investment opportunities in Ethiopia, and requires additional documentation from the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
Can I work in Ethiopia on a business visa?
No, a business visa does not authorize employment in Ethiopia. If you need to work at an Ethiopian organization, you must obtain the appropriate work visa (WV, NV, or GIV). The business visa is strictly for short-term business activities.
What payment methods are accepted for the Ethiopia business e-Visa?
The official e-Visa portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Union Pay. Note that credit card payments from certain countries (including Cuba, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Syria) are not accepted.
Can I extend my Ethiopia business visa?
Yes. If your visa expired 1-15 days ago, you can apply for an extension online. If it has been more than 15 days since expiry, you must visit the Immigration and Citizenship Service head office in Addis Ababa in person. Extension fees are $102 for 30-day single entry and $302 for 90-day multiple entry.
What documents does the inviting company in Ethiopia need to provide?
The inviting company must provide an official application letter addressed to the Immigration and Citizenship Service, a copy of their business license, and register a reference code on the e-Visa portal for the applicant.
Is the Ethiopia business visa fee refundable if my application is denied?
No, all e-Visa application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.
