Ethiopia entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Ethiopia. The process is entirely online, and you must apply before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits.
Apply for Ethiopia eVisaOfficial portal: Ethiopia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Ethiopia eVisa | Apply online at the official Ethiopia eVisa portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism or business visits and takes up to 3 business days to process. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Addis Ababa Bole Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Colombian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the date you enter Ethiopia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a copy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ethiopia | Immigration officers at Addis Ababa Bole Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you risk being refused entry or sent back. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ethiopia. Immigration may ask for it during the entry interview, especially if you are arriving without a pre-booked tour. A simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Ethiopia is a cash-heavy country — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
eVisa processing can take up to 3 business days, and there's no expedited option. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, return ticket, and hotel booking on your phone. Also keep printed copies in your carry-on. Immigration at Bole Airport may ask to see them.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Ethiopian eVisa website (evisa.gov.et). Fill out the application form, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Immigration at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport will check it when you arrive.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
4
Go through immigration at Bole Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'eVisa Holders'. Present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. $52 USD)
Standard eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$72 USD (approx. $72 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$82 USD (approx. $82 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labor approval.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Colombian passport holders. | $52 USD (approx. $52 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $72 USD (approx. $72 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $20 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)eVisa cannot be extended; must leave and reapply. | Not available for eVisa |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Ethiopia
No transit visa needed
Colombian passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover, you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBole International Airport (ADD), Addis Ababa
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists but can occur during outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high in all regions below 2,000m, including the Rift Valley and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Office
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Branch)
Megenagna, near the African Union
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalAddis Ababa
LanguageAmharic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEthiopian birr (ETB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 159.48 ETB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Usually 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is evisa.gov.et.
No, Colombian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option for CO passport holders.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Colombian passport holders, expect around $52 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the official site for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs office in Addis Ababa before your visa expires.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport first. The eVisa application will be rejected otherwise.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Colombia is not considered a risk country, but check current requirements before travel.
No, the standard eVisa is single-entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Ethiopia, you'll need a new eVisa each time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.