Ethiopia entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and other designated entry points in Ethiopia. You pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the counter, and receive a stamp valid for up to 90 days. This has been the standard procedure since 2024.
Apply for Ethiopia eVisaOfficial portal: Ethiopia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Apply for an Ethiopian eVisa at evisa.gov.et before you travel. The visa on arrival is available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for most nationalities, but the eVisa lets you skip the queue. Processing takes up to 3 business days, and the fee is around $52 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity | Your Latvian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ethiopia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Addis Ababa Bole Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Ethiopia. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card to show you can cover your stay. ATMs in Addis Ababa dispense Ethiopian birr, but exchange rates at the airport are better if you bring USD or EUR. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD or EUR in cash — small bills preferred. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
E-visa available for airport arrivals
If you prefer to skip the queue, apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.et before your trip. It costs about $52 USD, takes 3 business days, and is valid for 30 days. Note: e-visa only works for arrivals at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport — not land borders.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before passport control. Join the queue — it can take 20-40 minutes during peak hours.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll receive a small paper form. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and hotel address. Keep it simple — no need to list every city.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash (USD or EUR). The officer will issue a receipt and stamp your passport. No change given for large bills — bring small denominations.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the fresh visa stamp, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. The officer may ask your purpose of visit — 'tourism' is fine.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. Welcome to Ethiopia.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. $52 USD)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy before travel; allows single entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$82 USD (approx. $82 USD)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$72 USD (approx. $72 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company; apply at embassy.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Varies (approx. $200–$500 USD)
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
Varies (approx. $100–$300 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (approx. $500–$2,000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in USD or Ethiopian Birr at the airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no official cap but may be negotiated. | 100 ETB per day (approx. $2 USD per day) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not officially available for visa on arrival; overstay is the only option for longer stays. | Unknown |
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or needing to clear immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Ethiopian visa or visa on arrival may leave the airport.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration are exempt.
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 at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderCholeraConsider
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
Common in high-altitude areas like Addis Ababa (2,355m) and the Simien Mountains; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas below 2,500m, including Addis Ababa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and payment.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Branch)
Around Mexico Square, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles routine visa matters; may have shorter queues than head office.
Practical information for LV 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
As of 2025, a 30-day single-entry visa costs around $50 USD (or equivalent in EUR). You pay at the counter in cash — no cards. Longer stays or multiple entries cost more, but the standard tourist visa is $50.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must visit the Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa (near Bole Airport) before your visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time, costing around $20-30 USD. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and cash.
Visa on arrival is available at most major land crossings, including Moyale (Kenya border) and Galafi (Djibouti border). The process is the same — cash payment and a form. But availability can vary, so check with the nearest Ethiopian embassy if you're planning a land entry.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Latvian citizens traveling directly from Europe don't need it, but if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America within 6 days before arrival, you'll need to show the yellow card. Otherwise, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
Yes, business travelers can also get a visa on arrival. The process is the same — just state 'business' as your purpose. You may be asked for a letter of invitation from your Ethiopian host, but it's not always required. For longer business stays, consider applying for an e-visa or business visa in advance.
Overstays are fined at the immigration office when you leave. The fine is around $20-30 USD per month overstayed, payable in cash. It's not a criminal offense, but it can cause delays at the airport. Best to extend or leave on time.
Yes, Ethiopia offers an e-visa for citizens of many countries, including Latvia. You can apply online at evisa.gov.et before you travel. The e-visa costs about $52 USD and is processed within 3 business days. It's valid for 30 days and allows entry only via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you're arriving by land, you'll need the visa on arrival instead.
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.