Blog Hub

Ethiopia is welcoming Spanish tourists more and more as the eVisa system makes traveling easier. Ethiopia e Visa for Spain Citizens This guide will accompany you step by step through all the details such as who can apply, how to apply, travel tips, and safety advice.

Is Ethiopia a Good Destination for Spanish Travelers?

Spain and Ethiopia have very ancient history common and very good culture and vibrant atmosphere as well as the same love for communal dining. Ethiopia is a great place to visit if you want to see the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela or take part in a traditional coffee ceremony that is way better than your morning espresso.

How long does it take for your Ethiopia eVisa to be approved for Spanish Travel?

The processing can be done in three different ways:

Normal Processing: 5-8 working days, easy and cheap, standard.

Rush Processing: 2-5 working days, quicker approval for next destination travels.

Super Rush Processing: 1-3 working days, the fastest option for last-minute traveling.

What documents do I need to travel to Ethiopia?

This section of the application form is where you need to provide your important documents for processing. 

• Passport Bio Page: Kindly provide a good quality scan of the personal data page of your passport.


• Applicant Photo: You need to submit a recent passport size photo of yourself taken against a plain background.

Which is better, eVisa or Visa on Arrival?

If you visit Ethiopia, you can choose between an eVisa and Visa on arrival. Here’s a comparison:

• Convenience: eVisa → Online application before travel; Visa on arrival → Application at the airport.


• Speed: eVisa → Faster processing; Visa on arrival → Longer waiting time.


• Preparation: eVisa → Approved before leaving; Visa on arrival → Approval is at the discretion of immigration.


• Risk: eVisa → Lower risk of rejection; Visa on arrival → Greater risk at the point of entry.

 eVisa is generally better for a smoother, hassle-free journey.

What are the eVisa fees for Ethiopia?

In order to obtain an Ethiopia eVisa Fee, it is necessary to pay a certain fee which is different for every type of visa and duration of stay. 

• The eVisa fees are determined by the selected eVisa category, i.e. tourist, business or transit. 


• If the stay is extended the fee might also be adjusted. 


• The payment is processed through a secure online channel and both credit and debit cards are accepted. 


• Normally, the fees are not refunded once paid. 


• For the latest fee information, it is advisable to check the official website prior to submitting your application.

Can I extend my tourist visa before it expires?

In case you plan to extend your stay in Ethiopia, one of the first things that will cross your mind is whether your tourist visa is extensible or not. The following information will be useful for your decision-making:

• Possibility: Generally, it is possible to submit an application for tourist visa extension before the existing one expires.


• Where to Apply: at the immigration office in Ethiopia.


• Requirements: Justification for stay, financial support, and a copy of the passport.


• Duration: The length of the extension is decided by the immigration officers and varies from case to case.


• Tip: It is wise to apply when your visa is still valid to prevent the imposition of a fine or penalty.

 The tourist visa can be extended, but one must be very careful about the timing of the application and the completeness of the documentation.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine if transiting through Ethiopia?

Travelers passing through Ethiopia will have to present proof of vaccinations depending on their previous destinations.

Yellow Fever Requirement:

• A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers coming from or having recently visited a yellow fever risk country.


• In case of a traveler coming from a country where yellow fever does not exist, it is usually not necessary for him/her to transit through.


• Proof Needed: At the entry point, travelers might be required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination.


• Tip: In case of short transit, it is recommended to carry the vaccination certificate to avoid delays or being denied entry.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for those arriving from risk countries, otherwise it is not needed for transit.

How long before a trip should you buy travel insurance?

Before any journey, purchasing travel insurance at the correct moment guarantees complete protection:

• Timing: Purchase right after making your travel plans.


• Benefits: It includes trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events.


• Advice: First-timers buys safeguards against problems before leaving and keeps investment from being lost.

 Get health insurance for travelers as soon as possible to get the most extensive coverage and lack of worry.

What if my money is deducted but the transaction failed?

In the process of applying for a visa or traveling services, payment problems are at times unavoidable. In case the money is taken from your account, but the transaction does not go through, you should do the following:

• Wait for Confirmation: In many situations, the deducted amount gets to be refunded automatically within a few working days.


• Check Bank Statement: Check if the amount has been marked as either pending or completed.


• Save Proof: Keep screenshots or transaction IDs for your reference.


• Contact Support: Get in touch with the payment provider or the official application support team in case the refund takes too long.


• Avoid Re-payment Immediately: Wait for confirmation to avoid being charged twice.

Most of the time, failed transactions get refunded automatically, but it is the timely follow-up that helps to resolve the issue quicker.

How to know if a passport has biometric ? 

Before making your trip or getting a visa, it is necessary to check if your passport is biometric. Below are some simple ways to verify it:

• Look for the Symbol: The front cover of a biometric passport shows a tiny symbol indicating the presence of a camera/chip.


• Check the Cover Text: The majority of biometric passports write "e-Passport" on the cover.


• Inspect the Data Page: The page containing information about the passport typically shows if it is biometric or not.


• Issued Recently: Passports issued within the last few years are predominantly biometric.

In case your passport has a chip symbol on the cover, it is a biometric (e-passport).

Which private bank is best in Ethiopia? 

Selecting the finest private bank in Ethiopia involves considering factors like the number of branches, the quality of service, and the trustworthiness of the bank. Nevertheless, there are several private banks that are more commonly used than others:

• Awash Bank: It is one of the biggest and most reliable private banks. It is also recognized for having many branches and providing excellent and consistent services.


• Dashen Bank: This bank has gained a reputation for its modern banking services, availability of ATMs, and efficient customer support.


• Bank of Abyssinia: Its name is linked with dependable retail and corporate banking solutions.


• Nib International Bank: This bank is known for providing good services for both personal and commercial banking.


• Zemen Bank: It mainly attracts companies and people interested in the financial markets for its excellent banking and investment services.

Among all the private banks in Ethiopia, Awash Bank is the best overall and the others like Dashen and Abyssinia are great depending on individual or business requirements.

Which network is used in Ethiopia?

When and if you travel to Ethiopia, it is essential to know about the mobile network situation to remain in touch.

• The Primary Network Carrier: Ethio Telecom is the lone national telecom operator in Ethiopia.


• Coverage Area: The company provides mobile network services in most big cities and towns, also covering many rural areas.


• Types of Networks: The company runs 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE), and also rolls out 5G services with limited coverage.


• SIM Card Access: Foreign tourists can buy an Ethio Telecom SIM quite easily at the airport or any city outlet, just by showing their passport.

In Ethiopia, Ethio Telecom is the foremost and the most commonly used mobile network provider.

Which season is best in Ethiopia?

The right season will be the main factor if you were to evaluate the weather and the traveling conditions during your trip to Ethiopia.

• Best Season: the time from October to March is regarded as the best period for visiting Ethiopia.


• Weather: Nice temperatures, bright blue skies, and minimal rain.


• For: Churches, cultural tours, wildlife spotting, and festivals are the main activities.


• Do Not: September to June as it might interfere with your travel plans because of the rains.

The period from October to March is the best for a trip to Ethiopia due to the dry conditions.

Final Thaught

Through the online application process, the Ethiopia eVisa enables Spanish citizens to travel easily and hassle-free without the need to go to a consulate. The eVisa is a time and effort saver because it offers a straightforward application process, fast approval, and different options for tourism or business visits.