South Africa passport → Ethiopia

Ethiopia visa for citizens of South Africa

Visa on arrivalVisa on Arrival (Tourist/Single Entry)

Citizens of South Africa can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa on Arrival (Tourist/Single Entry)
How to apply	Get your visa at the border
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	On arrival
Government fee	$50
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required

How to apply

1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Visa on arrival is only obtainable at this specific airport.
2
Proceed to visa on arrival counter
Locate the designated visa issuance desk before immigration.
3
Complete application form
Fill out the visa application form provided on site.
4
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over passport, photos, onward ticket, and pay the visa fee in USD cash.
5
Receive visa and proceed to immigration
Officer will process and issue visa sticker; then proceed to passport control.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid South African passport
Must have at least 6 months validity from date of entry and at least one blank visa page.
Passport-sized photographs
One recent color photograph, 35x45mm, white background.

Travel

Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Ethiopia within authorized stay.
Visa application form (on arrival)
Completed upon arrival at the airport before immigration.

Financial

Visa fee (cash USD)
Payable in USD cash only; approximately $50 for 30-day single entry.

Supporting

Proof of accommodation
Optional
Hotel booking or letter of invitation may be requested.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Required if traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country; otherwise recommended.

Good to know

Visa on arrival is only available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, not at land borders or other airports.
e-Visa holders must also arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Fees and policies are subject to change; confirm before travel.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient passport validity (less than 6 months).

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.

Lack of onward/return ticket.

Have printed proof of a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Insufficient funds or incorrect fee payment (non-USD).

Bring exact USD cash for the visa fee; no other currencies accepted.

Previous visa violations or immigration issues.

Maintain clean travel record; carry supporting documents if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Ethiopia?

Citizens of South Africa can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia. Visa type: Visa on Arrival (Tourist/Single Entry).

How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Ethiopia?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the Ethiopia visa cost for citizens of South Africa?

Government fee: $50.

What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Ethiopia?

Valid South African passport; Return or onward ticket; Passport-sized photographs; Visa application form (on arrival); Visa fee (cash USD); Yellow fever vaccination certificate; and 1 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for Ethiopia?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Ethiopia

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Ethiopia.

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