An Ethiopia visa costs US citizens $62 for a 30-day stay or $152 for a 90-day stay. These are the official government fees – no extra charges, no hidden markups. You can apply for your visa online through the official Ethiopia e-Visa portal or get one on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Both options cost the same.
This guide breaks down every Ethiopia visa fee US passport holders need to know, including the differences between tourist, business, and investment visas, what payment methods work from the US, and the extra costs most travelers overlook.
Ethiopia Visa Fee Table for US Citizens (2026)
The Ethiopian government publishes set fees for all visa categories. Here is the complete breakdown:
| Visa Type | 30 Days | 90 Days | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (single entry) | $62 | $152 | – | – |
| Business (single entry) | $62 | $152 | – | – |
| Investment | $62 | $152 | $252 | $502 |
| Embassy (single entry) | $60 | – | – | – |
| Embassy (multiple entry) | $150 | – | – | – |
Key takeaways for US citizens:
- Tourist and business visas cost the same
- The 30-day option is the most popular choice for short trips
- Investment visas are the only type with 6-month and 12-month options
- Embassy visas are slightly cheaper for single entry ($60 vs $62) but require visiting an Ethiopian embassy or consulate in person
e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy: Cost Comparison
US citizens have three ways to get an Ethiopia visa. The cost depends on which method you choose.
| Application Method | 30-Day Fee | 90-Day Fee | Processing Time | Extra Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (online) | $62 | $152 | Up to 3 business days | None |
| Visa on arrival | $62 | $152 | 15-30 minutes at airport | Possible queue wait |
| Embassy/consulate | $60 | $150 (multiple) | 5-10 business days | Travel to embassy |
The e-Visa and visa on arrival cost the same government fee. The main differences are convenience and payment methods:
- e-Visa – Apply from home before your trip. Pay online with a credit or debit card. Your visa is approved before you fly.
- Visa on arrival – Get it when you land at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. Pay in cash only.
- Embassy visa – Slightly cheaper ($60 single entry), but you must visit an Ethiopian embassy in person. Takes longer to process.
For most US travelers, the e-Visa is the best option. You avoid airport queues and know your visa is approved before departure. Learn more about all available options in our guide to Ethiopia visa types.
Payment Methods for US Citizens
How you pay depends on where and how you apply.
Paying Online (e-Visa)
The official Ethiopian e-Visa portal accepts:
- Visa credit/debit cards
- MasterCard credit/debit cards
The payment is processed in USD, so there are no currency conversion surprises for American applicants. Your bank may apply a small foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%), depending on your card.
Paying on Arrival
At Bole International Airport, the immigration counter accepts only these currencies in cash:
- US Dollars (USD)
- Euros (EUR)
- British Pounds (GBP)
- Canadian Dollars (CAD)
Important: Credit cards are NOT accepted for visa on arrival payments. Bring exact cash if you plan to get your visa at the airport. US bills should be in good condition – torn or heavily worn bills may be refused.
Paying at an Embassy
Ethiopian embassies and consulates in the US typically accept money orders or cashier’s checks. Some may accept personal checks or cash. Contact the specific embassy for their accepted payment methods before visiting.
Additional Costs to Know About
Beyond the visa fee itself, US citizens should budget for these potential extra expenses:
| Extra Cost | Estimated Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photos | $10-15 | If applying at embassy |
| Bank foreign transaction fee | 1-3% of fee | Paying online with US card |
| Visa extension (in Ethiopia) | ~$50-100 | Staying beyond visa validity |
| Overstay penalty | $5-10/day | If you exceed your visa duration |
| Travel insurance | $30-80 | Recommended, not required for visa |
The most commonly overlooked cost is the overstay penalty. If you stay even one day past your visa validity, you will be charged per day at the airport when departing. Overstays of more than 30 days can result in detention and deportation.
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 both e-Visa applications and fees paid at the embassy. When you submit your application and pay, the fee covers the processing and review – not the visa itself. If your application is rejected for any reason (incomplete documents, ineligibility, etc.), the fee is not returned.
To minimize the risk of denial:
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date
- Upload a clear, recent passport-size photo that meets specifications
- Provide accurate travel details (dates, accommodation)
- Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip to allow for processing
For a complete guide covering every aspect of the application, read our Ethiopia e-Visa complete guide.
How to Pay the Ethiopia Visa Fee Online
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
- Upload your documents – passport scan and passport-size photo
- Proceed to payment – enter your Visa or MasterCard details
- 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.
US citizens looking for step-by-step application help should check our complete guide for US citizens traveling to Ethiopia.
FAQs About Ethiopia Visa Fees for US Citizens
How much is an Ethiopia visa for a US citizen?
A 30-day tourist visa costs $62 and a 90-day tourist visa costs $152. Both are single-entry visas. You can apply online via the official e-Visa portal or get one on arrival at Addis Ababa airport.
Is the Ethiopia visa fee the same for e-Visa and visa on arrival?
Yes. The Ethiopian government charges the same fee regardless of how you apply: $62 for 30 days and $152 for 90 days. The e-Visa is more convenient because you can pay by card and have it approved before you travel.
Can US citizens pay for an Ethiopia visa with a credit card?
Yes, if you apply online through the official e-Visa portal. It accepts Visa and MasterCard. However, if you get a visa on arrival at the airport, you must pay in cash (USD, EUR, GBP, or CAD only).
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Yes. US passport holders must have a visa to enter Ethiopia. There is no visa-free entry or visa waiver for American citizens. You can apply for an e-Visa online, get a visa on arrival, or apply at an Ethiopian embassy.
What is the cheapest way for a US citizen to get an Ethiopia visa?
The cheapest option is an embassy visa at $60 for single entry – $2 less than the e-Visa or visa on arrival. However, the embassy process takes 5-10 business days and requires an in-person visit, so the time and travel cost often outweigh the small savings.
Are there any hidden fees for the Ethiopia visa?
There are no hidden government fees. The $62 (30-day) or $152 (90-day) is the total official cost. However, your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee of 1-3% when paying online. If you overstay your visa, expect to pay $5-10 per day in penalties at the airport.
Does Ethiopia offer visa fee waivers or discounts for US citizens?
No. Ethiopia does not offer fee waivers or discounts for US citizens. The visa fee is a flat rate set by the Ethiopian government and applies to all nationalities equally. Diplomatic and official passport holders may qualify for different arrangements through their government.
How much does it cost to extend an Ethiopia visa?
Visa extensions in Ethiopia typically cost between $50 and $100, depending on the extension length. You must apply for the extension at the Main Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs in Addis Ababa before your current visa expires.
