An Ethiopia visa costs Indian citizens $62 (approximately INR 5,200) for a 30-day stay or $152 (approximately INR 12,700) for a 90-day stay. These are the official Ethiopian government fees, identical for all nationalities. Indian passport holders can apply online through the official Ethiopia e-Visa portal or obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
This guide covers every Ethiopia visa fee Indian passport holders need to know, including tourist, business, and investment visa costs, payment methods available from India, INR equivalents, and the extra expenses most Indian travelers overlook.
Ethiopia Visa Fee Table for Indian Citizens (2026)
Ethiopia charges a flat visa fee for all nationalities. Here is the complete breakdown for Indian passport holders:
| Visa Type | 30 Days | 90 Days | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (single entry) | $62 (~INR 5,200) | $152 (~INR 12,700) | – | – |
| Business (single entry) | $62 (~INR 5,200) | $152 (~INR 12,700) | – | – |
| Investment | $62 (~INR 5,200) | $152 (~INR 12,700) | $252 (~INR 21,100) | $502 (~INR 42,000) |
| Embassy (single entry) | $60 (~INR 5,000) | – | – | – |
| Embassy (multiple entry) | $150 (~INR 12,500) | – | – | – |
INR amounts are approximate based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 84 INR. Actual charges depend on your bank’s exchange rate at the time of payment.
Key points for Indian citizens:
- All fees are charged in USD, even when paying online from India
- Tourist and business visas cost exactly the same
- The 30-day tourist visa is the most popular choice for Indian travelers
- Investment visas are the only category with 6-month and 12-month options
- Embassy visas are slightly cheaper ($60 vs $62) but require visiting an Ethiopian embassy in person
e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy: Cost Comparison for Indians
Indian citizens have three ways to get an Ethiopia visa. The cost varies slightly by method.
| Application Method | 30-Day Fee | 90-Day Fee | Processing Time | Extra Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (online) | $62 | $152 | Up to 3 business days | Bank forex markup |
| Visa on arrival | $62 | $152 | 15-30 minutes at airport | Currency exchange loss |
| Embassy/consulate | $60 | $150 (multiple) | 5-10 business days | Travel to embassy |
The government fee is the same for e-Visa and visa on arrival. The real difference for Indian citizens lies in how you pay and what it costs in INR:
- e-Visa – Apply from India before your trip. Pay online with an international Visa or MasterCard. Your card issuer converts USD to INR at their rate, typically adding a 2-4% forex markup.
- Visa on arrival – Get it when you land at Bole International Airport. Pay in cash only (USD, EUR, GBP, or CAD). Indian travelers must carry foreign currency notes – INR is not accepted.
- Embassy visa – Slightly cheaper at $60 single entry, but requires visiting the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai. Processing takes 5-10 business days.
For most Indian travelers, the e-Visa is the best option. It eliminates the uncertainty of carrying cash and ensures your visa is approved before you board your flight. Read our guide to Ethiopia visa types for a full comparison.
Payment Methods for Indian Citizens
How you pay depends on where and how you apply. Here is what works from India.
Paying Online (e-Visa)
The official Ethiopian e-Visa portal accepts:
- Visa credit/debit cards (international)
- MasterCard credit/debit cards (international)
Important for Indian applicants: The payment is processed in USD. Your Indian bank will convert the amount to INR at the prevailing exchange rate, plus a foreign transaction fee of typically 2-4%. Cards from most major Indian banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak) work on the portal. Some RuPay-only cards will not work – you need a Visa or MasterCard network card enabled for international transactions.
Before applying, confirm with your bank that:
- Your card is enabled for international online transactions
- You have sufficient credit/payment limit for the USD amount
- You know your card’s foreign transaction fee
Paying on Arrival
At Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the immigration counter accepts only these currencies in cash:
- US Dollars (USD)
- Euros (EUR)
- British Pounds (GBP)
- Canadian Dollars (CAD)
INR is NOT accepted. Indian travelers who choose visa on arrival must carry foreign currency. Exchange INR to USD at a bank or authorized forex dealer in India before departure. Airport forex counters in India typically offer worse rates, so plan ahead.
US dollar bills should be clean, undamaged, and preferably newer series. Torn, heavily worn, or marked bills may be refused by Ethiopian immigration.
Paying at an Embassy
The Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate in Mumbai typically accept:
- Demand drafts payable to “Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia”
- Cash (USD or INR, depending on the office)
Contact the embassy directly to confirm accepted payment methods before visiting.
Ethiopian Embassy and Consulate in India
Indian citizens who prefer to apply in person can visit:
| Office | Address | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy of Ethiopia, New Delhi | 5/50-F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 | All India (except Maharashtra) |
| Consulate of Ethiopia, Mumbai | Contact embassy for current address | Maharashtra |
Tip: Call or email the embassy before visiting. Office hours, accepted payment methods, and processing times can change. An embassy visa costs $60 for single entry – $2 less than the e-Visa – but the time and travel cost to New Delhi or Mumbai often outweigh this small saving for most Indian applicants.
Additional Costs Indian Travelers Should Know About
Beyond the visa fee, Indian citizens should budget for these potential expenses:
| Extra Cost | Estimated Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Forex markup (online payment) | 2-4% of fee | Paying with Indian card on e-Visa portal |
| Currency exchange (INR to USD) | 1-2% of amount | Converting rupees for on-arrival payment |
| Passport photos | INR 100-200 | If applying at embassy |
| Visa extension (in Ethiopia) | ~$50-100 | Staying beyond visa validity |
| Overstay penalty | $5-10/day | Exceeding your visa duration |
| Travel insurance | INR 500-2,000 | Recommended, not required for visa |
The forex markup is the hidden cost most Indian travelers miss. If your bank charges 3.5% foreign transaction fee on a $62 visa, you pay roughly INR 200 extra. On a $152 visa, it is about INR 500. To minimize this:
- Use a forex card loaded with USD – these typically have lower markup than credit cards
- Some travel credit cards (like HDFC Regalia or Axis Magnus) offer lower or zero forex markup
- Compare your bank’s exchange rate with the mid-market rate before paying
For full entry requirements including passport validity rules, see our Ethiopia visa requirements page.
Is the Ethiopia Visa Fee Refundable?
No. The Ethiopia visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
This applies to all application methods – e-Visa, visa on arrival, and embassy. The fee covers processing and review, not the visa itself. If your application is rejected, the fee is not returned.
To minimize the risk of denial as an Indian applicant:
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date
- Upload a clear, recent passport-size photo (JPEG or PNG, max 2MB)
- Provide accurate travel details including your accommodation in Ethiopia
- Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip to allow for processing
- Make sure your international debit/credit card has sufficient funds for the USD payment
How to Pay the Ethiopia Visa Fee Online from India
Follow these steps to pay your visa fee on the official e-Visa portal:
- Visit evisa.gov.et – the official Ethiopian e-Visa website
- Create an account with your email address
- Select your visa type – Tourist or Business, 30-day or 90-day
- Fill in your details – passport info, travel dates, accommodation in Ethiopia
- Upload your documents – passport scan and passport-size photo
- Proceed to payment – enter your Visa or MasterCard details (international card enabled)
- Submit – you will receive a confirmation email
The processing takes up to 3 business days. Once approved, you will receive your e-Visa by email as a PDF. Print it and carry it with your passport when you travel.
For a complete step-by-step walkthrough, see our Ethiopia visa application guide.
INR to USD: How Much You Will Actually Pay
The table below shows the approximate total cost in INR for Indian citizens, including a typical 3% forex markup:
| Visa Type | USD Fee | INR (mid-market) | INR (with ~3% forex markup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 30-day | $62 | ~INR 5,200 | ~INR 5,360 |
| Tourist 90-day | $152 | ~INR 12,770 | ~INR 13,150 |
| Embassy single entry | $60 | ~INR 5,040 | ~INR 5,190 |
| Embassy multiple entry | $150 | ~INR 12,600 | ~INR 12,980 |
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check the current USD/INR rate before applying. Rates as of mid-2026.
The difference between paying via credit card (with forex markup) and paying cash in USD at the airport is minimal – usually less than INR 200 for a 30-day visa. Choose the payment method that is most convenient for you.
FAQs About Ethiopia Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
How much does an Ethiopia visa cost for an Indian citizen?
A 30-day tourist visa costs $62 (approximately INR 5,200) and a 90-day tourist visa costs $152 (approximately INR 12,700). Both are single-entry visas available through the online e-Visa portal or on arrival at Addis Ababa airport.
Can Indian citizens pay for an Ethiopia visa in INR?
No. All Ethiopian visa fees are charged in USD. If you apply online, your Indian bank converts USD to INR at their exchange rate. If you pay on arrival, you must bring USD, EUR, GBP, or CAD in cash. Indian rupees are not accepted at the airport.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes. Indian passport holders must have a visa to enter Ethiopia. There is no visa-free entry or visa waiver for Indian citizens. You can apply for an e-Visa online, get a visa on arrival, or apply at the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi.
Which Indian debit and credit cards work for the Ethiopia e-Visa?
Any Visa or MasterCard enabled for international online transactions should work. Cards from SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and Kotak are commonly used. RuPay-only cards will not work. Check with your bank that international transactions are enabled before applying.
Is the Ethiopia visa fee the same for Indians and Americans?
Yes. Ethiopia charges a flat visa fee for all nationalities regardless of citizenship. The 30-day tourist visa is $62 and the 90-day tourist visa is $152 for every applicant, whether Indian, American, British, or any other nationality.
What is the cheapest way for an Indian citizen to get an Ethiopia visa?
The embassy visa is the cheapest at $60 for single entry – $2 less than the e-Visa or visa on arrival. However, it requires visiting the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai, and processing takes 5-10 business days. For most Indian travelers, the $62 e-Visa is more practical.
Are there any hidden fees for Indian citizens applying for an Ethiopia visa?
There are no hidden government fees. The $62 or $152 is the total official cost. However, Indian applicants should account for a 2-4% forex markup from their bank when paying online in USD. This adds roughly INR 150-500 depending on the visa type and your bank’s foreign transaction fee.
How much does it cost to extend an Ethiopia visa for Indian citizens?
Visa extensions in Ethiopia cost between $50 and $100, depending on the extension length. You must apply at the Main Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs in Addis Ababa before your current visa expires. Payment is typically in USD.
