Every child – including newborns and infants – needs their own passport and e-Visa to enter Ethiopia. There is no exemption for age, and children cannot be added to a parent’s passport. If you are traveling as a family, each member must have a separate e-Visa application approved before departure.
Do Children Need a Visa for Ethiopia?
Yes. Ethiopian immigration does not grant visa exemptions based on age. Whether your child is 2 months old or 17 years old, they need:
- A valid passport in their own name (minimum 6 months validity from entry date)
- Their own approved e-Visa (or visa on arrival, if eligible)
- A passport-size photo uploaded during the application
This rule applies regardless of the parent’s nationality, visa status, or how the child is traveling (on a parent’s lap, in a car seat, or independently).
For the general entry rules that apply to all travelers, see our Ethiopia visa requirements guide.
Age Rules and Special Cases
| Situation | Visa Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (under 2 years) | Yes | Needs own passport and e-Visa |
| Child (2-17 years) | Yes | Needs own passport and e-Visa |
| Child listed on parent’s passport | Yes, separately | Must still apply for individual e-Visa; some countries no longer allow children on parent passports |
| Newborn with no passport yet | Yes (once passport issued) | Apply for the child’s passport first, then the e-Visa |
| Unaccompanied minor | Yes | Additional documentation may be required at immigration |
Documents Required for a Child’s Ethiopia e-Visa
The child’s e-Visa application requires the same core documents as an adult application:
- Child’s valid passport – must be machine-readable with at least 6 months validity from the planned entry date. Read our Ethiopia passport requirements for full details on validity, condition, and blank page rules.
- Passport-size photo – JPEG or PNG format, maximum 2MB file size. The photo must show the child’s full face against a white background.
- Return or onward flight ticket – proof that the child will leave Ethiopia within the visa validity period.
- Hotel booking or accommodation details – a confirmed reservation covering the child’s stay.
- Parent or guardian passport details – the application form asks for the applicant’s travel companions; include parent information here.
Consent and Documentation for Minors Traveling with One Parent
Ethiopian immigration may ask for additional documentation when a child travels with only one parent or with a guardian other than both legal parents:
- Consent letter from the absent parent – a signed, notarized letter authorizing the child to travel to Ethiopia with the accompanying parent or guardian.
- Birth certificate – to prove the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult.
- Court order (if applicable) – if one parent has sole custody, bring the court order as proof.
These documents are not always checked, but immigration officers have the right to request them. Carrying them avoids delays or denial of entry.
How to Apply for a Child’s Ethiopia e-Visa
The application process for a child is identical to an adult’s, done entirely online at evisa.gov.et:
- Go to the e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.et and select “Apply for e-Visa.”
- Enter the child’s passport details – full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), nationality, passport number, and date of birth.
- Select the visa type – Tourist (30-day or 90-day). Use the same type you would choose for an adult; there is no separate child category.
- Upload the child’s photo – passport-size, JPEG or PNG, max 2MB.
- Provide travel details – planned entry date, accommodation, and flight information.
- Pay the fee – same as adult pricing. See our Ethiopia visa fee guide for current prices.
- Wait for approval – processing takes up to 3 business days, though most applications are approved within 24-48 hours.
Important: You need a separate application for each child. There is no family or group application option on the e-Visa portal. If you are traveling with three children, you will complete four applications total (one for each child plus one for each adult).
For a detailed walkthrough of the entire process, see our Ethiopia visa application guide.
Ethiopia e-Visa Fees for Children
There is no reduced fee for children. The e-Visa fee is the same regardless of age:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 30 days | $62 | Single entry |
| Tourist | 90 days | $152 | Single entry |
For a family of four (two adults, two children) applying for 30-day tourist visas, the total e-Visa cost would be $248 ($62 x 4).
Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application process. The e-Visa portal does not accept cash, bank transfers, or alternative payment methods.
Tips for Traveling to Ethiopia with Children
Before You Fly
- Apply for e-Visas early. Do not wait until the last minute. While processing is usually fast, approvals can occasionally take the full 3 business days. Apply at least one week before departure.
- Print all e-Visa approvals. Each family member’s e-Visa approval email should be printed separately. Immigration at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport checks individual documents.
- Check passport validity for every family member. Adults often check their own passports but forget to verify the children’s. Every passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.
At the Airport (Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Proceed to immigration as a family. Present all passports and e-Visa printouts together. Officers may process the family as a group.
- Have consent documents ready. If traveling with one parent or as a guardian, keep the consent letter and birth certificate easily accessible in your carry-on.
- The airport has family facilities – baby changing rooms are available in the arrivals area, though they are limited.
During Your Stay
- Keep copies of all travel documents – both physical and digital copies of passports, e-Visa approvals, and accommodation confirmations.
- Register with your embassy – some countries offer registration services for families traveling abroad, which can be helpful in emergencies.
FAQs About Ethiopia Visa for Children
Do babies need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own passport and e-Visa to enter Ethiopia. There is no exemption for infants or newborns. Apply for the baby’s passport first, then submit the e-Visa application.
Can I add my child to my Ethiopia e-Visa application?
No. The Ethiopia e-Visa portal does not offer family or group applications. Each traveler – including children – must have a separate application submitted with their own passport details and photo.
Is the e-Visa fee different for children?
No. The fee is the same for all ages. A 30-day tourist e-Visa costs $62 and a 90-day tourist e-Visa costs $152, regardless of whether the applicant is an adult or a child.
What documents does my child need at Ethiopian immigration?
The child needs their own passport with at least 6 months validity, a printed copy of their approved e-Visa, and proof of return or onward travel. If traveling with only one parent, bring a notarized consent letter from the absent parent and the child’s birth certificate.
Can my child travel to Ethiopia on my passport?
No. Ethiopian immigration requires every traveler to have their own passport. Children listed on a parent’s passport may still need a separate e-Visa, and many countries no longer allow children to be included on a parent’s passport at all.
How long does it take to get a child’s e-Visa approved?
Processing typically takes 1-3 business days, the same as adult applications. Most approvals come within 24-48 hours. Apply at least one week before your travel date to allow for any unexpected delays.
Do unaccompanied minors need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes. Unaccompanied minors need the same passport and e-Visa as any other traveler. Ethiopian immigration may also require a letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, plus details of the receiving adult in Ethiopia.
