Visa for the United States from Ethiopia: price, documents and processing time 2026
Yes, a visa is required: citizens of Ethiopia apply at the embassy or consulate before departure.
Data updated on
Indicative information: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Have your application checked before you submit it
A person reads your documents and tells you in writing what is missing or inconsistent: insurance, accommodation, dates, funds, where to apply.
- You pay €29 by card, secure payment by Stripe.
- You email your documents to [email protected] from the address you paid with.
- You get our written reply within 48 hours, or your money back.
The €29 does not include the appointment, the submission or the visa fees. IziVisas is not a consulate: only the consulate decides.
Pay €29 and have my application checkedOfficial fee
185 USD
Our guide to the United States visa from Ethiopia
Ethiopian nationals need a B1/B2 visitor visa to travel to the United States. Ethiopia does not take part in the Visa Waiver Program.
The United States requires Ethiopian travellers to obtain a visa in advance, as their country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. The B1/B2 visa covers business (B1) and tourism or family visits (B2). The process combines an online form, a fee payment, and an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. An Ethiopian traveller must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before travelling to the United States for tourism, family visits or business. ESTA does not apply, because Ethiopia is not among the Visa Waiver Program countries.
How much does a visa for the United States cost from Ethiopia?
185 USD
Official government fee only. Providers and visa centres add their own service charge on top.
What does a visa for the United States really cost?
- Government fee185 USD
- Application centre feeVariable, set by the operator
- Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
- ExtrasVariable
What documents are required for a visa for the United States?
Documents required for a visa for the United States:
- Passport valid 6 months beyond stay
- Online application (no paper form)
- Digital photo (recent)
- Visa fee payment
- Interview at embassy or consulate
- Biometric data (fingerprints)
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Employment certificate or proof of activity
Documents and fees
Bring a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation, proof of MRV fee payment, and a compliant photo. Prepare evidence of funds, employment and ties to Ethiopia. Do not assume the exact MRV fee amount, check the current official price on travel.state.gov before you pay.
How to apply for a visa for the United States from Ethiopia
- 1Book an appointment at the embassy, consulate or visa application centre.
- 2Assemble the complete file before the appointment.
- 3Submit the file and provide your biometric data.
- 4Track the processing and wait for the decision.
- 5Collect your passport with the visa sticker.
How and where to apply
Complete the DS-160 form online, print the confirmation page, then pay the visa (MRV) fee. Next, book an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate responsible for Ethiopia. The interview with a consular officer is a central step in the decision.
Where do you apply for a visa for the United States from Ethiopia?
A consular visa for the United States is filed with the diplomatic post accredited for Ethiopia, or with the application centre that post has appointed.
- The competent post is the one accredited for Ethiopia, which is not always the nearest one geographically.
- An application centre collects the file and the biometrics. It does not decide, it cannot speed up a case, and it is not an agency.
- Appointments are booked with the post or the centre directly. A slot is never sold, and no one can guarantee one.
What if the United States has no embassy in Ethiopia?
Then the application goes to the post accredited for Ethiopia, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.
You live in Ethiopia on another passport?
The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Ethiopia but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.
Pick your nationality to see the rule
How long does a visa for the United States take?
No verified processing time is published for this route. Apply as early as your travel dates allow, and never book non-refundable travel before the visa is granted.
Processing and tips
Timelines depend mainly on interview appointment availability, which can vary widely by season. Book your slot as early as possible and check the estimated wait times published by the consular post. A consistent file and clear answers at interview make approval easier.
Before you fly, and at the border
Passport validity, border checks, minors, overstays: the rules common to every trip are gathered on our travel tips page. Formalities before you leave
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent cause of refusal is failing to demonstrate strong ties to Ethiopia that prove intent to return. Many applicants also make errors or inconsistencies in the DS-160, which weigh heavily at the interview. Finally, do not buy non-refundable tickets before the visa is actually issued.
Plan your trip
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Flights (Trip.com)
Compare flights and airlines for your trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
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Other visa types for United States
A tourist stay is not the only purpose. These are the other permits the destination issues and that your nationality is eligible for, each with its own fee and processing time.
Official sources
Guide generated automatically on July 26, 2026, from the verified catalogue.
Medical costs and repatriation during your stay. If the consulate asks for insurance, check the required amount before buying.
- Medical costs covered up to $250,000
- 180+ countries, United States as an option
- Can be bought once you have left
- Pre-existing conditions not covered
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Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Other visas from Ethiopia
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