Ethiopia has confirmed that only citizens of two African nations—Kenya and Djibouti—will be allowed to enter the country without a visa in 2026, according to an official announcement from the Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia. The exemption applies exclusively to holders of valid passports from these two East African countries, who can enter Ethiopia without obtaining a visa in advance.
Visa-Free Access Details
The official Ethiopian e-visa portal lists the full details of the exemption, including eligibility conditions for qualifying nationals. All other travellers, including citizens from the rest of Africa, are required to secure a visa before or upon arrival, depending on their nationality and eligibility under Ethiopia's entry rules. The visa-free policy is part of Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen regional ties with its immediate neighbours.
Requirements for Other Travellers
Citizens of every other African country who wish to visit Ethiopia are not covered by this exemption and must apply for the appropriate visa. Ethiopia operates an official e-visa platform that allows eligible nationals to apply for tourist and other visa categories online before travelling. Travellers are advised to confirm their entry requirements well ahead of their planned trip, as conditions and eligibility criteria are subject to change.
Visa-on-Arrival Programme
In a related development, Ethiopia has also released a list of over 100 countries eligible for its visa-on-arrival scheme. The programme allows eligible travellers to obtain a tourist visa after landing in the country instead of applying for one before travelling. This scheme is available to tourists from approved countries and is subject to Ethiopia's immigration requirements.
