UK citizens need a visa to enter Ethiopia, and the e-Visa is the fastest and most reliable way to get one. British passport holders can apply online through the official Ethiopian e-Visa portal, with processing in up to 3 business days. The visa on arrival is also available, but the e-Visa lets you confirm approval before you fly.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Ethiopia?
Yes. United Kingdom passport holders must obtain a visa before or upon entering Ethiopia. There is no visa-free arrangement between the UK and Ethiopia. The good news is that getting an Ethiopian visa is straightforward for British citizens.
You have three options:
- e-Visa (recommended) – Apply online, receive approval by email, enter through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
- Visa on arrival – Get your visa at the airport upon landing
- Embassy visa – Apply through the Ethiopian Embassy in London
The e-Visa is the most popular choice for UK travelers because it removes uncertainty – you know your visa is approved before boarding your flight. For a full comparison of the first two options, see our guide on Ethiopia e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival.
Ethiopia e-Visa for UK Citizens
The Ethiopian e-Visa is an online visa available to British citizens at evisa.gov.et, the official portal run by Ethiopia’s Main Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs.
Available e-Visa Types
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 30 days | $62 | Single |
| Tourist | 90 days | $152 | Single |
Both visa types are for tourist purposes. UK citizens traveling for business should apply for a business visa instead.
How to Apply for the e-Visa
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the official portal at evisa.gov.et
- Create an account using your email address
- Select your nationality (United Kingdom) and visa type
- Fill in your personal details – full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, passport number
- Upload a passport photo – JPEG or PNG format, maximum 2MB, taken within the last 6 months
- Upload your passport bio page – clear scan or photo of the information page
- Pay the fee online using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard)
- Wait for processing – typically 1 to 3 business days
- Receive your e-Visa approval by email as a PDF document
- Print the approval and carry it with your passport to show at immigration
For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our Ethiopia visa application guide.
e-Visa Processing Time
Most e-Visa applications from UK citizens are processed within 3 business days. Some applications may take longer if additional verification is needed. Apply at least one week before your travel date to allow time for any delays.
You can check your application status on the e-Visa portal after logging in. For more details, see our Ethiopia visa processing time guide.
Ethiopia Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
British passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The fees are identical to the e-Visa:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (single entry) | 30 days | $62 |
| Tourist (single entry) | 90 days | $152 |
Important payment restrictions:
- Accepted currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, or CAD (cash only)
- Not accepted: credit cards, debit cards, Ethiopian birr
- Bring exact or close amounts as change may not be available
The visa on arrival process involves filling out a form at immigration counters and waiting in a queue. Expect 30 minutes to over an hour during busy periods, compared to a few minutes with a pre-approved e-Visa.
Read our detailed visa on arrival guide for the full airport process.
Ethiopia Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Whether you apply for an e-Visa or visa on arrival, British citizens need:
- Valid UK passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your intended entry date
- Recent passport-size photo (JPEG or PNG, under 2MB for e-Visa application)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
- Payment method – credit/debit card for e-Visa, or cash in USD/EUR/GBP/CAD for visa on arrival
You do not need an invitation letter, proof of funds, or travel insurance for a standard tourist visa, though carrying these can help if questioned at immigration.
For the complete list, see our Ethiopia visa requirements page.
Ethiopia Visa Fees for UK Citizens
All fees are the same regardless of nationality (UK, US, EU, etc.):
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa | 30 days | $62 |
| Tourist e-Visa | 90 days | $152 |
| Business e-Visa | 30 days | $62 |
| Business e-Visa | 90 days | $152 |
| Embassy visa (single entry) | Varies | $60 |
| Embassy visa (multiple entry) | Varies | $150 |
Fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied. The e-Visa portal accepts Visa and MasterCard. For a full breakdown, see our Ethiopia visa fee guide.
Embassy Visa Option for UK Citizens
If you prefer to apply in person or need a multiple-entry visa, you can apply through the Ethiopian Embassy in London. Embassy visas cost $60 (single entry) or $150 (multiple entry).
The embassy process takes longer than the e-Visa and requires submitting your passport. Most UK tourist and business travelers find the e-Visa more convenient.
UK Travel Advisory for Ethiopia
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides travel advice for Ethiopia. Key points for British travelers:
- Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking
- Some regions of Ethiopia may have travel restrictions – the e-Visa covers entry to the whole country, but certain areas may require additional permits
- Register with the British Embassy in Addis Ababa if traveling to remote areas
- Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended even though it is not a visa requirement
Tips for UK Citizens Traveling to Ethiopia
- Apply for the e-Visa early – at least one week before departure, not the day before
- Print your e-Visa – immigration officers expect a paper copy, not just a phone screen
- Carry USD as backup – even with an e-Visa, having US dollars is useful for unexpected fees
- Check your passport expiry – the 6-month rule is strictly enforced; renew if your passport expires within 6 months of entry
- Keep your departure card – you will receive one at immigration; keep it safe as you need it to leave Ethiopia
FAQs About Ethiopia Visa for UK Citizens
Do British citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes. UK passport holders must obtain a visa before or upon entering Ethiopia. The easiest option is the e-Visa, which you can apply for online at evisa.gov.et.
How much does an Ethiopia visa cost for UK citizens?
A 30-day tourist e-Visa costs $62 USD and a 90-day tourist e-Visa costs $152 USD. These fees are the same for all nationalities. You can pay by credit or debit card on the e-Visa portal.
How long does it take to get an Ethiopia e-Visa from the UK?
Most e-Visa applications are processed within 1 to 3 business days. Apply at least one week before your travel date to allow for any delays.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia?
Yes. British citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. However, the e-Visa is recommended because it confirms your approval before you travel.
What passport validity do I need for an Ethiopia visa?
Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ethiopia. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying.
Can I extend my Ethiopia visa in Addis Ababa?
Yes. You can apply for a visa extension at the Main Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs in Addis Ababa before your current visa expires. Overstaying your visa results in fines and possible detention.
Is there a British Embassy in Ethiopia?
Yes. The British Embassy is located in Addis Ababa. You can find contact details and services on the GOV.UK website.
Do I need travel insurance for an Ethiopia visa?
Travel insurance is not a requirement for the visa, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Ethiopia are limited outside Addis Ababa, and evacuation to the UK can be very expensive without insurance.
