Yes, a visa is required to travel from Switzerland to Ethiopia.
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Do I need a visa for Ethiopia from Switzerland?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Swiss nationals need a visa for Ethiopia, which is easily obtained online through the official e-Visa before departure.
A Swiss traveller cannot enter Ethiopia without a visa, whether for tourism or business. The e-Visa, applied for on the official government portal, is the recommended solution. Some entry points such as Addis Ababa airport also offer a visa on arrival, but applying in advance avoids many uncertainties.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. Swiss citizens must hold a valid visa to travel to Ethiopia. The electronic e-Visa covers tourism and short stays and is obtained entirely online before the flight. The Swiss passport must remain valid for at least six months after entry into the country.
How and where to apply
Applications are made on the official portal evisa.gov.et: you open a file, upload the documents, pay by card and receive the authorisation by email. A visa on arrival may be issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, but applying online in advance reduces queues and uncertainty.
Documents and fees
Prepare a Swiss passport valid for at least six months, a recent digital passport photo, an address of accommodation in Ethiopia and a valid email address. The fee depends on the duration chosen and is not confirmed here: check the official rate shown on evisa.gov.et. Depending on your itinerary, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate may be required.
Processing and practical tips
Processing of the Ethiopian e-Visa is usually quick, but the exact timeframe is not guaranteed, so apply several days before departure. Print the confirmation and keep a copy on your phone. Make sure the name and passport number you enter match your travel document exactly.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid unofficial intermediary sites that add fees: use only evisa.gov.et. Do not travel on a passport with less than six months of remaining validity. Finally, do not automatically rely on visa on arrival — always confirm the current conditions on the official source before you leave.
Official sources
- Ethiopia e-Visa — official government portal
- Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service
- Swiss FDFA — travel advice Ethiopia
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential Ethiopia information
Ethiopia is a landlocked country in East Africa, cradle of human civilization with sites like Lucy. It is Africa's second most populous nation, known for its ethnic and linguistic diversity. Its economy is growing rapidly despite security and climate challenges.
Weather in Addis Ababa
Practical travel information
- Amharique
- Oromo
- Tigrinya
- Somali
Essential preparations
- Police : 991
- Ambulance : 907
- Fire brigade : 922
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Ethiopia from Switzerland?▾
A visa on arrival is issued to travellers from Switzerland directly at the Ethiopia border (allowed duration: 3 months).
How long can you stay in Ethiopia?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 3 months.
What other visa types exist for Ethiopia?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Ethiopia offers among others: Student visa, Investor visa, Business eVisa, Work visa.
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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