Ethiopia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia. You'll handle it at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport after landing. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Ethiopia eVisa Portal | Apply online at evisa.gov.et before you fly. The eVisa costs around $52 USD for a 30-day single entry and takes 1–3 business days to process. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Addis Ababa Bole will stamp you in from that letter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Ethiopia strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, the airline will deny boarding in Malta. Two blank pages are also required for the entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bole International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Overland exit plans won't satisfy this — they want a confirmed flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying on arrival, especially if you're a solo traveller. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200–$300 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. ATMs in Addis Ababa dispense Ethiopian birr but can be unreliable for foreign cards. US dollars are widely accepted for visa fees and airport expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD or Ethiopian birr in cash. ATMs are available after passport control, but you'll need the visa first.
Visa on arrival only at Addis Ababa airport
This facility is only available at Bole International Airport. If you're entering Ethiopia by land or through other airports, you must get an e-visa or embassy visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Land 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 for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and passport photo. Pay the visa fee in USD or Ethiopian birr. You'll get a receipt.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Then go to the regular passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You're in.
Download Ethiopia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Apply at Ethiopian embassy before travel; faster than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. €73)
Ideal for multiple visits; apply in advance.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. €64)
Requires invitation letter from Ethiopian company.
work visa
Ethiopia Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by an Ethiopian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Ethiopia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €91) plus university fees
For enrolled students at recognized Ethiopian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ethiopia Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €457) plus investment capital
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Ethiopian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or Ethiopian Birr at airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Available for longer stays; pay at immigration counter. | $80 USD (approx. €73) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; avoid to prevent future bans. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18), max $200 USD |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible at immigration offices; subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. €46) per 30 days |
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
Malta 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 a visa on arrival or in advance.
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 airside.
Transit hubsBole International Airport (ADD), Addis Ababa
Health & vaccines for Ethiopia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderRoutine 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; use mosquito repellent.
Altitude SicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude regions like Addis Ababa (2,355m) and the Simien Mountains; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most areas below 2,000m, including Addis Ababa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, 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
Main Immigration Office (Addis Ababa)
Bole Road, near Bole International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
Handles visa extensions and overstay payments; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (Headquarters)
Kirkos Sub-city, Woreda 08, Addis Ababa
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00
Main office for complex cases; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for MT 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–$60 USD or equivalent in Ethiopian birr. Exact amount can change, so bring a bit extra. Pay in cash only.
Usually up to 30 days. It's a single-entry visa. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Addis Ababa.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa (near the airport). Extensions cost around $20–$30 USD and can add up to 30 days.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Malta.
Visa on arrival is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If you enter by land or through other airports, you must get an e-visa or visa from an Ethiopian embassy beforehand.
Yes, Ethiopia offers e-visas for tourists. Apply online before travel. The e-visa costs about $52 USD and is processed in 3–5 business days. It's valid for 30 days.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a passport photo, a return/onward ticket, and cash for the fee. Accommodation proof is helpful but not always required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.