Ethiopia entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and other designated entry points in Ethiopia. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee at the counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport | Get your visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Pay the fee in USD cash (around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa). Have a passport photo ready — the visa office has a photo booth if you forget.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ethiopia | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Ethiopia. Airlines at Incheon check this strictly — they won't let you board without it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bole Airport ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they check this every time. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have your hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but they can — and if they do, you need a printed copy or a clear email on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, bank statement, or card | Carry at least $200 in USD cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration almost never checks this for short visits, but it's smart to have it. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa on arrival counter at Bole Airport does not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring enough USD, EUR, or GBP in cash. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they may not work with foreign cards.
Photo not always required — but bring one
Some officers ask for a passport photo, others don't. Having one in your bag saves you a trip to the photo booth (which is available but costs extra).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD)
Follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs after you get off the plane. You'll find a dedicated counter before immigration.
2
Fill out the application form
Grab a form at the counter or from a desk nearby. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and address in Ethiopia.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo (if asked), and cash. The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer stamps or sticks the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to immigration
Take your passport with the new visa to the immigration desk. They'll stamp you in, and you're free to enter.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (paid on arrival or in advance)
Standard option for tourism; can be obtained on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; apply at Ethiopian embassy in Seoul.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$70 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Provides residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD at the airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (no additional currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is penalized daily; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | $20 USD per day (no cap specified) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension may be possible at immigration offices for up to 30 days. | Approximately $50 USD (subject to immigration approval) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
South Korean passport holders transiting through Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) 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, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBole International Airport (ADD), Addis Ababa
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; otherwise not mandatory for South Korea holders.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolio (adult booster)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
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.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
High-altitude destinations like Lalibela and the Simien Mountains can cause symptoms; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most areas below 2,500 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all 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 Citizenship Service (Head Office)
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Immigration Office (Bole Branch)
Bole Sub-city, near Edna Mall, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for short extensions; less crowded than head office.
Practical information for KR 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 = 156.04 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
The fee is typically around $50–$80 USD. Exact amount can change, so bring a bit extra in cash. They accept USD, EUR, and GBP — no credit cards.
Yes, but it's not guaranteed at all land crossings. The safest bet is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Some land borders (like Moyale) do issue visas, but you may face delays or refusal. Stick to Bole if you can.
Usually up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, but it's not automatic. Visit the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa (near Bole Airport) before your visa expires. You'll need a reason (e.g., tourism, volunteering) and pay a fee. Extensions are usually granted for 30 more days.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. South Korea is not a yellow fever country, so you won't need it if you fly directly. But if you've been in an endemic country recently, you'll need the certificate. Check the latest WHO guidelines before you go.
You'll be fined per day overstay. The fine is around $20–$30 USD per day, payable at immigration when you leave. Avoid it — overstays can also get you blacklisted for future visits.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.