How to Check Ethiopia Visa Status Online

You can check your Ethiopia e-Visa status in under 2 minutes at the official portal evisa.gov.et. All you need is your passport number and application reference code. This guide walks you through every step, explains what each status means, and covers what to do if something goes wrong.

How to Check Your Ethiopia e-Visa Status

The Ethiopian Main Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs provides an online status checker on the official e-Visa portal. Here is exactly how to use it:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to evisa.gov.et from any device. The site works on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers.

Step 2: Click “Check Status”

On the homepage, you will see three quick-action cards: “Continue to a Payment,” “Download Visa,” and “Check Status.” Click Check Status. Alternatively, use the top navigation menu and select Status.

Step 3: Enter Your Details

The status checker requires two pieces of information:

Step 4: Submit and View Results

Click Submit. The system will display your current application status immediately. No login is required.

Ethiopia e-Visa Status Meanings

After checking, you will see one of several status messages. Here is what each one means:

What You Need to Check Your Status

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Your passport number – exactly as entered in the original application
• Your reference code – the alphanumeric code from the confirmation email sent after submission
• A working internet connection – the portal is accessible worldwide

If you cannot find your reference code, check your email inbox (including spam and junk folders) for a message from the e-Visa system. The subject line typically contains “Application” or “e-Visa.” The reference code is also sometimes called an application number or tracking ID.

How Long Does Processing Take?

The standard Ethiopia e-Visa processing time is up to 3 business days. Most applicants receive a decision within 24 to 48 hours. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding Ethiopian public holidays.

If your status still shows “Processing” after 3 business days, you should:

1. Double-check your email spam folder for an approval notification
2. Verify you are entering the correct passport number and reference code
3. Contact the immigration office directly (see below)

For a detailed breakdown of processing timelines, see our guide on Ethiopia visa processing time.

Common Problems and Solutions

“No Record Found” Error

This usually means either the passport number or reference code was entered incorrectly. Double-check both fields, paying attention to:

• Letter O vs number 0
• Letter I vs number 1
• Leading or trailing spaces
• Upper vs lowercase letters (the system may be case-sensitive)

Lost Reference Code

If you have lost your application reference code:

1. Search your email for messages from the e-Visa system
2. Check the spam, junk, and promotions folders
3. Look for a payment confirmation email from your bank or card provider – it may reference the transaction
4. Contact support at [email protected] with your full name, passport number, nationality, and approximate application date

Status Stuck on “Pending Payment”

If your payment did not go through:

1. Visit the homepage and click Continue to a Payment
2. Enter your reference code and passport number
3. Complete the payment using a valid international card

The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Union Pay, Google Pay, AliPay, and WeChat Pay. If your card keeps declining, try a different card or contact your bank to authorize the international transaction.

Application Rejected

A rejected application is not the end of the road. Common rejection reasons include:

• Incomplete application form
• Blurry or non-compliant passport photo
• Invalid passport (less than 6 months validity remaining)
• Incorrect personal details

You can correct the issue and submit a new application. There is no waiting period between applications, but you will need to pay the fee again. Read our complete visa requirements checklist before reapplying.

Contacting the Immigration Office

If online status checking does not resolve your issue, you can reach the Ethiopian immigration office directly:

When contacting support, always include:

• Your full name (as on passport)
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Application reference code
• A clear description of the issue

Can You Check Status at the Airport?

No. The e-Visa status check is available online only through evisa.gov.et. Airport immigration officers verify your visa electronically when you arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, but there is no public terminal or kiosk for applicants to check status themselves.

If you arrive at the airport without a confirmed visa and were unable to check your status online, the immigration desk can look up your application. However, this is not guaranteed and may result in delays. Always check your status before traveling.

Visa on Arrival as a Backup

If your e-Visa application is still processing and your travel date is approaching, Ethiopia offers a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. This option is available to most nationalities and costs the same as the e-Visa ($62 for 30 days, $152 for 90 days).

Key differences from the e-Visa:

For a full comparison, read our guide on e-Visa vs visa on arrival. If you need to understand the full application process, see our step-by-step application guide.

Downloading Your Approved e-Visa

Once your status shows “Approved,” you can download your visa immediately:

1. Visit evisa.gov.et
2. Click Download Visa on the homepage
3. Enter your passport number and reference code
4. Download the PDF and print it

Carry the printed visa with your passport. Immigration officers at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport will verify it upon arrival. Having a digital copy on your phone is a good backup but is not a substitute for the printed version.

Tips for a Smooth Status Check Experience

• Save your reference code immediately after applying. Store it in your email, notes app, or a screenshot.
• Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow time for processing and any potential issues.
• Use the same device and browser you used for the application if possible.
• Check status during Ethiopian business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM EAT) for the most up-to-date information, as statuses may update during working hours.
• Print your visa as soon as it is approved to avoid last-minute stress before your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions