Ethiopia entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or short business trips. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Apply for Ethiopia eVisaOfficial portal: Ethiopia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Ethiopia eVisa | Apply for an Ethiopia eVisa at evisa.gov.et before you fly. The standard tourist eVisa costs $52 USD for 30 days single entry. Processing takes 3 business days — do not wait until the last minute. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Madagascar passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Ethiopia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | 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. | 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 where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have cash (USD or Ethiopian birr) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but $50–$100 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No cards, no Ethiopian birr. Bring crisp, undamaged $50–$60 USD bills. ATMs at the airport may not work with foreign cards.
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Madagascar (a yellow fever endemic country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main immigration booths. Queue there first.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to fill in basic details: name, passport number, flight info, hotel address. Use black ink. Keep it simple.
3
Submit form, passport, and photos
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and two passport photos. The officer will process your visa sticker. Have your US dollars ready to pay the fee.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay $50–$60 USD in cash. Get a receipt. Keep it with your passport.
5
Proceed to immigration control
With the visa sticker in your passport, join the main immigration queue. Present your passport, boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, hotel booking).
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After the immigration officer stamps you in, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're in.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits within validity period.
Long-stay Visa (business/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of study program (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD / year
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD / year
For foreign investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (typically $100,000+). Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for most nationalities at Bole International Airport. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day beyond authorized stay. | $20 USD per day (approx. $20 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $200 USD (approx. $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Ethiopia do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be needed.
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) · Dire Dawa International Airport (DIR)
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (Madagascar is not endemic, but transit through endemic countries may trigger requirement).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio, Influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ethiopia, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Ethiopia, with highest risk in lowland areas below 2,000m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 Sub-city, near Bole International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Immigration Office (Downtown)
Churchill Avenue, near Meskel Square
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for MG 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
The fee is around $50–$60 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars only. Bring crisp, undamaged bills. No card payments accepted at the visa counter.
Visa on arrival is available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. For land border crossings, it's not guaranteed. Check with the nearest Ethiopian embassy before traveling overland.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Addis Ababa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Ethiopian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Madagascar), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Carry it with your passport.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. Visit the Immigration and Citizenship Service office in Addis Ababa (around Bole area). The process takes a few days and costs extra. Best to plan your trip within 30 days.
Ethiopia offers e-visas for many nationalities, but Madagascar is not currently eligible. Visa on arrival is the standard method.
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.