♡
🇿🇦→🇪🇹

Do South African citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?

Visa on arrival

Yes, available on arrival.

South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia, at the airport or land border. Carry cash for the fee, a passport photo and proof of onward travel. Some airports also let you pre-apply online to skip queues.

🏛️ Apply: Ethiopia e-Visa ↗

    🔒 Official government websites only. Beware of look-alike "visa agency" sites that charge extra fees.

    Before you go

    • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, with blank pages
    • Return or onward ticket
    • Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
    • Check vaccination and health entry rules

    Last checked 2026-09-30. Rules can change without notice; confirm with the Ethiopia embassy or official immigration website. Report an error

    🧭 Plan your trip to Ethiopia

    Currency converter →
    💱 Local currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB)1 ZAR ≈ 9.902 ETB
    ZAR=…ETB

    🛂 Visa & entry (official)

    Ethiopia e-VisaOfficial portal · Immigration & Citizenship Service

    ✈️ Flights

    Google FlightsSouth Africa → EthiopiaSkyscannerCompare airlines & datesKayakFlight price alerts

    🛏️ Stays

    Booking.comHotels & apartments in EthiopiaAirbnbHomes & monthly stays

    🚌 Buses

    BookawayBuses, transfers & ferries

    🚗 Car hire

    RentalcarsCompare car hire

    🚕 Getting around

    BoltRides in many African cities

    🗺️ Compare all routes

    Rome2rioEvery way to get there: plane, train, bus, ferry

    🧳 Travel essentials

    Airalo eSIMMobile data for EthiopiaSafetyWingTravel & nomad health insuranceWiseSpend & send money abroad at real rates

    Links open official sites and trusted booking platforms. Prices and availability are set by each provider.

    Check another destination

    →

    Other visa-free trips for South Africa passport holders

    🇵🇸 Palestine🇧🇯 Benin🇲🇺 Mauritius🇱🇸 Lesotho🇨🇷 Costa Rica🇵🇦 Panama🇭🇳 Honduras🇬🇩 Grenada🇭🇹 Haiti🇪🇨 Ecuador🇸🇻 El Salvador🇬🇦 Gabon

    Ethiopia visa rules for every nationality →

    Ethiopia visa for South African citizens: FAQ

    Do South African citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?

    Yes, available on arrival. South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia, at the airport or land border. Carry cash for the fee, a passport photo and proof of onward travel. Some airports also let you pre-apply online to skip queues.

    Can South African citizens get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia?

    Yes. South African citizens can get a visa on arrival at the airport or land border. Carry cash for the fee, a passport photo and proof of onward travel. You can also pre-apply online at www.evisa.gov.et.

    What documents do South African citizens need to travel to Ethiopia?

    A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and funds. Check vaccination and health rules too.

    What currency is used in Ethiopia?

    Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Convert ZAR to ETB.

    🔔 Get alerted when visa rules change

    One short email when a rule changes for your passport. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.