Yes, a visa is required to travel from France to Ethiopia.
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Do I need a visa for Ethiopia from France?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
French nationals need a visa for Ethiopia. The recommended route is the tourist e-Visa, applied for online on the official portal evisa.gov.et before departure.
This guide is for French travellers planning a tourist trip to Ethiopia. Ethiopia issues an electronic visa (e-Visa) through its national portal, to be obtained before boarding most flights to Addis Ababa. A visa on arrival may be offered at Bole International Airport, but the pre-arranged e-Visa is more reliable; confirm the exact fee and validity on the official source.
Do you need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes: a French passport does not allow visa-free entry to Ethiopia. The recommended option is the tourist e-Visa, applied for online before travelling. Depending on your entry point, a visa on arrival may also be available, notably at Bole Airport, but it is better not to rely on it. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
How and where to apply
The process is done entirely online, from France, on the official portal evisa.gov.et before departure. You complete the form, upload a photo and your passport bio page, then pay the fee by card. Once approved, the e-Visa is emailed to you: print it and present it to immigration on arrival.
Documents and fees
Prepare a French passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages, a recent digital ID photo, an accommodation address and a return or onward ticket. This guide does not guarantee the visa amount: check the current official fee on evisa.gov.et before confirming payment.
Processing time and practical tips
Processing time is not fixed here: submit your application several days before departure to absorb any delay. Proof of yellow-fever vaccination may be required depending on your itinerary — verify this on the official source. Keep your approved e-Visa (paper and digital) for check-in and border control.
Common mistakes
Use only the official portal evisa.gov.et: many third-party sites charge extra fees with no added value. Check the accuracy of your details and your passport validity (at least 6 months) before submitting. Do not automatically count on a visa on arrival if your airline requires a visa before boarding.
Official sources
- Ethiopia e-Visa — portail officiel (Ethiopian Immigration)
- Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service
- France Diplomatie — Conseils aux voyageurs, Éthiopie
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 France?▾
A visa on arrival is issued to travellers from France 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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