Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
Official Requirement
Visa on arrival
for South Africa citizens travelling to Ethiopia
Certain nationalities may be eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at designated Ethiopian ports of entry. Travellers should confirm eligibility before departure.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Simien Mountains
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Ethiopia
- Requirement
- Visa on arrival
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Ethiopia
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Prepare for the border desk in Ethiopia: the visa is issued on arrival, so bring whatever the official page lists, including a means to pay any fee.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: FCDO advises against all travel to within:
Updated 2026-01-31
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Apply for your Ethiopia eVisa
Official eVisa application — processed in minutes with instant confirmation.
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Ethiopia
Yes, but it is issued at the border. South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Through the official application page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Ethiopia uses ETB. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →