Does Ethiopia Require a Visa for New Zealanders in 2026?

Quick answer: Yes. New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Ethiopia, and eligible travellers can apply online for an Ethiopian tourist eVisa through the official eVisa portal. The official tourist visa page lists US$62 for a single-entry 30-day visa and US$152 for a single-entry 90-day visa; the official portal does not publish a guaranteed processing time in the available research, so apply early and confirm the current details before payment.

This guide covers Ethiopia visa requirements for New Zealander citizens travelling for tourism in 2026. It is for holders of an ordinary New Zealand passport; visa rules can differ by passport type, travel purpose, nationality, residence status and intended length of stay. Last checked August 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Visa types and who needs one

Ethiopia’s consular guidance states that foreign nationals seeking to enter Ethiopia are required to obtain a visa, subject to specific exceptions such as eligible airport transit passengers who remain airside. New Zealand passport holders should therefore arrange an Ethiopian visa before travelling unless an official Ethiopian authority confirms that a specific exemption applies to their circumstances.

For a standard holiday, safari, sightseeing trip or other short tourism visit, the relevant option is generally the tourist eVisa. An independent New Zealand nationality guide reports that New Zealand citizens can apply for an Ethiopian eVisa and identifies a 30-day single-entry tourist option. Because eligibility and available visa categories can change, select “New Zealand” as your nationality on the official portal and rely on the result shown during the application process.

Travel purpose	Likely route	What to confirm
Tourism	Online tourist eVisa	Whether the selected duration and entry type match your itinerary on the official portal.
Business, work, study or another non-tourism purpose	Appropriate business, work, study or other visa category	Do not use a tourist visa for a different purpose; confirm the category with Ethiopian immigration or an Ethiopian embassy.
International transit through Addis Ababa	A visa may not be needed in a limited airside-transit situation	You must confirm that you will not leave the airport or pass the immigration desk.

The official Ethiopian eVisa service describes an online process in which applicants apply and pay online and, after approval, receive authorisation to travel; the passport is stamped with the visa on arrival in Addis Ababa. The official FAQ also says that visa-on-arrival and embassy channels may continue for travellers who are eligible, but it does not establish New Zealand-specific eligibility in the available material. Do not assume that an airport visa will be available simply because you hold a New Zealand passport.

If you are comparing requirements by nationality, SafariFind also explains whether Norwegian citizens need a visa for Ethiopia. The answer for another nationality should not be substituted for the rule displayed for your own passport.

How to apply for an Ethiopia eVisa from New Zealand

1. Use the official Ethiopian portal

Start at the Ethiopian government’s official eVisa website rather than an unauthorised intermediary. The official portal provides links for applying for an eVisa, checking status and accessing visa information. Third-party websites may add service charges or display outdated prices, so compare any quoted amount with the government fee shown immediately before payment.

2. Select tourism and your visa duration

Choose the tourist category if your trip is for tourism. The official tourist information page lists two single-entry tourist options: 30 days for US$62 and 90 days for US$152. Select a duration that covers your planned stay and check the visa’s permitted entry window and stay conditions on the application before submitting it.

3. Prepare the application information and documents

The application requires accurate personal, passport and travel information. Research for the Ethiopian eVisa process identifies a passport scan and passport-style photograph among the commonly requested uploads. The same source reports that applicants may also be asked for travel details such as accommodation and return or onward-ticket information, but the exact document list can depend on the application and visa category.

• Passport: Use the passport you will carry to Ethiopia and upload a clear scan of its biographical page. An independent visa guide reports that the passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Confirm this requirement on the official portal before applying.
• Photograph: Prepare a recent, clear passport-style photograph that meets the portal’s file and image requirements. The research describes a colour photograph against a white background as a commonly requested format.
• Accommodation details: Have your Ethiopian accommodation information available if the application requests it.
• Return or onward travel: Have evidence of onward or return travel available if requested by the application or immigration officer.
• Health documentation: A yellow-fever certificate may be relevant when arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country. Requirements depend on your route and recent travel history, not simply on holding a New Zealand passport. Travellers planning an Ethiopia itinerary can also review SafariFind’s guide to vaccines for travellers to Ethiopia as general planning context, then confirm health requirements with an official health or immigration source.

4. Check every field before payment

Make sure your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport expiry date and email address match your passport exactly. The official FAQ specifically addresses incorrect personal information, including full name, nationality, passport number and email address, and provides guidance for applicants who have entered details incorrectly. A mismatch can cause problems at check-in or on arrival, so correct errors through the official channel before travelling rather than submitting an informal amendment request to a third-party website.

5. Pay and save the approval

Pay the amount displayed by the official portal for the visa selected. The portal shows international payment options including Visa, Mastercard and other listed payment services. After approval, save the email and approval letter, and carry a printed copy with your passport. The official Ethiopian Embassy describes the approval email as authorisation to travel and says the passport is stamped upon arrival in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia visa fees and payment

Tourist visa	Entry type	Official listed fee
30-day tourist visa	Single entry	US$62
90-day tourist visa	Single entry	US$152

These are the fees shown on the official tourist visa information page available for this article. The final amount may be affected by the visa category selected, payment processing or changes made after publication, so confirm the current fee on the official portal before submitting payment. Do not rely on the US$82 figure published by some independent travel websites because it conflicts with the official Ethiopian tourist visa page.

Ask for a receipt or save the payment confirmation. If payment has been made but no confirmation email arrives, the official FAQ has a specific question for this situation and directs applicants to the eVisa service’s support channels. Use the status-check function on the official portal and contact the official support address rather than paying a second time immediately.

Processing times and visa validity

The official FAQ lists “What is the processing time for Ethiopian e-Visa?” but the available research does not provide a government-published number. One non-government visa information source reports a typical processing time of 5–7 business days for New Zealand applicants. This is not a government guarantee, so apply at least one to two weeks before departure where possible and allow additional time for document checks, weekends, public holidays or a request for further information.

Do not book a non-refundable departure on the assumption that an application will be approved by a particular date. Check the application status through the official portal, and confirm the current processing guidance before submitting an urgent application.

For duration, the official portal lists tourist visas for a single-entry stay of 30 or 90 days, with the corresponding fees above. An independent guide reports that the 30-day tourist visa permits up to 30 days in Ethiopia and that the validity period is connected to the issue date, but the official portal’s visa conditions should take priority for your individual approval. Read the dates and permitted stay printed on the approval letter carefully.

On arrival in Ethiopia: what immigration checks

Enter through the location permitted by your visa and follow the instructions on your approval letter. The official Ethiopian Embassy explains that approved eVisa travellers receive authorisation to travel online and have the passport stamped with the visa on arrival in Addis Ababa.

At check-in and immigration, be ready to show:

• the passport used in the application;
• your approved eVisa or approval letter, preferably as a printed copy;
• your accommodation details and return or onward travel evidence if requested; and
• any health certificate required because of your arrival route or recent travel history.

Immigration officers make the final decision on admission and may check that your documents, passport details, travel purpose and intended stay are consistent. A visa is permission to seek entry, not a guarantee of admission. Carry the same passport used for the application; if it is replaced after approval, contact Ethiopian immigration or the issuing authority before travelling.

Transit, extensions and overstays

Transit through Addis Ababa

Passengers connecting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport do not need a visa when they remain in the airport and do not pass the immigration desk, according to Ethiopian consular guidance. If you need to collect baggage, change to a separate ticket, leave the airport, pass immigration or stay overnight outside the airside transit area, confirm whether you need a visa before departure. The airline and Ethiopian immigration authorities should verify the arrangement for your exact itinerary.

Extending an Ethiopian visa

The official eVisa website provides an eVisa extension service link. The available research does not state that every tourist visa can be extended or guarantee approval. If you need more time, apply through the official extension channel before your authorised stay expires and follow the decision issued by Ethiopian immigration.

Overstaying

Do not remain in Ethiopia beyond the permitted stay shown on your visa. The research does not provide a reliable official penalty figure, so this article does not quote one. Contact Ethiopian immigration before the expiry date if your plans change, rather than assuming that an application in progress automatically authorises continued stay.

Common mistakes and reasons applications may fail

• Using an unofficial website: Apply through the government portal and compare the displayed fee with the official tourist fee page.
• Choosing the wrong visa purpose: A tourist visa is not a substitute for a business, work, study or other permission. Confirm the category before payment.
• Entering passport details incorrectly: Names, nationality and passport numbers must match the travel document. The official FAQ specifically addresses corrections to these details.
• Uploading unclear files: Use a legible passport scan and a photograph that meets the portal’s requirements.
• Applying too late: Reported processing times are not guaranteed. Allow a buffer before your flight and check the official portal for current instructions.
• Assuming visa on arrival is automatic: Ethiopian guidance says arrival visas are available only to eligible travellers, while the available official material does not confirm New Zealand-specific eligibility.
• Ignoring your route: Transit, yellow-fever-document and entry requirements can depend on where you are travelling from and whether you pass immigration.

Once your visa and health documentation are confirmed, you can compare safari packages on SafariFind and plan Ethiopia experiences around your permitted travel dates. Recheck the visa approval, passport and route before leaving New Zealand.

Information notice: This article is informational content, not legal advice. Ethiopian entry requirements, fees, processing times and document rules can change. Last checked August 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do New Zealander citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?

Yes, New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Ethiopia. For tourism, eligible travellers can apply for an eVisa through Ethiopia’s official portal; confirm the current nationality eligibility and visa conditions before applying.

How much is an Ethiopia tourist visa for New Zealand citizens?

The official Ethiopian tourist visa page lists US$62 for a single-entry 30-day visa and US$152 for a single-entry 90-day visa. Confirm the current fee on the official portal before payment because independent websites may show different amounts.

How long does an Ethiopia eVisa take for New Zealanders?

The official research available here does not state a guaranteed processing time. One independent source reports 5–7 business days for New Zealand applicants, so apply at least one to two weeks before travel and allow extra time for checks.

Can New Zealand citizens get an Ethiopia visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival is available only to travellers who are eligible, but the official material provided does not confirm that New Zealand passport holders qualify. Confirm directly with Ethiopian immigration or the nearest Ethiopian embassy before relying on this option.

How long can New Zealanders stay in Ethiopia on a tourist eVisa?

The official tourist page lists single-entry tourist visa options for 30 days and 90 days. Your approved visa letter controls the permitted stay, so check its dates and conditions before travelling.

What documents do New Zealanders need for an Ethiopia eVisa?

Applicants should prepare the passport used for travel, a clear passport biographical-page scan and a passport-style photograph. The application may also request accommodation and return or onward-travel information; confirm the exact checklist in the official portal.

How long must my New Zealand passport be valid for Ethiopia?

An independent visa guide reports that the passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Confirm the six-month rule and any blank-page requirement on Ethiopia’s official portal before applying.

Do I need an Ethiopia visa for an Addis Ababa transit connection?

You may not need a visa if you remain airside at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and do not pass the immigration desk. If you leave the airport, collect baggage or pass immigration, confirm the requirement for your exact itinerary.

Can I extend my Ethiopia tourist eVisa?

The official eVisa website provides an eVisa extension service, but the available research does not guarantee that every tourist visa can be extended. Apply through the official extension channel before your authorised stay expires.

Is a yellow-fever certificate required for New Zealand travellers to Ethiopia?

A yellow-fever certificate may be relevant when arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country. The requirement depends on your route and travel history, so confirm it with an official health or immigration source before departure.