Ethiopia visa requirements for Kenyan citizens
Kenyan citizens do not need a visa for Ethiopia. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 365 days.
KEN
Kenya
ETH
Ethiopia
No visa needed
Citizens of Kenya and Djibouti can enter without a visa.
- Visa
- Not required
- Max stay
- 1 year
- Fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for Kenyan citizens in Ethiopia
Kenyans can visit Ethiopia visa-free for up to one year
- No visa needed for stays up to one year.
- Visa-free entry also applies at land borders.
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in Ethiopia.
Ways into Ethiopia
Visit for a holiday, family visit or other non-business trip.
Visa not required For your passportVisa-free entryCitizens of Kenya and Djibouti can enter without a visa.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Travel with your valid passport.
- Show it at the border.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- The guide does not state the longest allowed stay.
eVisa30-day tourist eVisaAn online visa for holidays and other non-business visits.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Fee
- US$62
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Apply on the official visa website.
- Upload your documents and pay.
- Download your approved visa before travel.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months from arrival
- Colour passport scan
- Recent colour passport photo
- Enter only through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
- Your visa starts on your planned arrival date.
eVisa90-day tourist eVisaAn online visa for longer holidays and other non-business visits.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- US$152
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Check that the website offers 90 days.
- Apply online, upload documents and pay.
- Download your approved visa.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months from arrival
- Passport scan
- Recent passport photo
- Enter only through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport; validity starts on planned arrival.
- The fee list includes this option, but online availability was not confirmed.
Visa requiredEmbassy visit visaAn embassy visa for holidays or family visits.
- Processing
- 1–3 days
How to apply
- Check the embassy's visit visa rules.
- Follow its application steps.
Official pageDocuments required
- Passport valid 6 months
Sources (31)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Immigration and Citizenship Service
- Official immigration application portal
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: travel page and Visa Services navigation
- Official Ethiopian e-Visa portal
- General e-visa requirements and notices
- E-visa terms and conditions
- Official e-visa application form
- Visa status and download instructions
- Tourist Visa
- Tourist Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemptions
- Embassy in Washington: Visa Service Details
- Embassy in Paris: Visas
- Official Ethiopian Consulate in Norway: e-Visa
- Immigration and Citizenship Service guideline hosted by Ethiopian Airlines
- Business and Related Studies Visa
- Workshop/Conference Visa
- Investment Visa
- Food Summit Conference Visa
- Food Summit event announcement
- Student Visa
- Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa
- Non-Governmental Organisations Work Visa
- Government Institutions Short Task Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Entertainment Industry Visa
- Medical Treatment Visa
- Religion Visa
- Sports Competition and Training Visa
- Residence Visa
- Temporary Residence Permit Through Marriage
- Ethiopian Origin ID
Coming from Kenya
- Plugs C E F LAdapter needed
- MoneyETB Br
- TimeSame timeSame as home
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageAmharic
- Emergency911 police
Planning your Ethiopia trip
Best time to go: October to February is the dry, sunniest season in Addis Ababa. Many highland tourist sites have a similar climate, while lower areas can be much hotter.
- LalibelaSee churches cut into rock.
- AxumSee huge stone monuments called obelisks.
- GondarVisit its castles and historic religious sites.
- HararExplore historic mosques and cultural heritage.
Scams to watch for in Ethiopia
- Higher tourist prices and market brokersSellers may quote foreigners higher prices. Brokers steer you towards certain shops and receive a payment from the seller. Their involvement can make it harder to negotiate a lower price.
- Sales-tray distraction theftSomeone holds up a tray of goods with one hand while using the other hand to reach into your pocket. The goods draw your attention away from your belongings.
- Pickpocketing in crowds and shared transportThieves take belongings while people are crowded together or distracted. Visible cameras, backpacks and other tourist items can attract attention.
About Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a landlocked federal republic in the Horn of Africa, on a high interior plateau.
- Capital
- Addis Ababa
- Money
- Ethiopian birr (Br)
- Languages
- Amharic
- Time zone
- UTC+03:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +251
Other Africa passports
Going to Ethiopia
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Ethiopia with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for Kenyan citizens visiting Ethiopia?
Kenyan passport holders can visit Ethiopia without a visa for up to 1 year, including when entering by land.
Do kenyan citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
Kenyan citizens do not need a visa for Ethiopia. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 365 days.
How long can kenyan citizens stay in Ethiopia?
Up to 365 days each visit with the no visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Do ethiopian citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Ethiopian citizens do not need a visa for Kenya. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Ethiopia?
Djibouti, Algeria, Angola, Benin Botswana, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Ethiopia are easier for kenyan citizens?
Burundi, Eritrea, Malawi, Mauritius Mozambique, and 3 more let kenyan citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Ethiopia?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in Ethiopia?
Ethiopian birr (Br). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Ethiopia?
Amharic.
How strong is the Kenya passport?
It ranks #68 and reaches 64 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck