Ethiopia allows for a convenient eVisa option for travelers from Bangladesh, making it easier for them to enter the country for tourism, business, or even for transit. The eVisa option allows for a quick and efficient entry into the country, eliminating the need for a personal appearance before the embassy.
The Apply Ethiopia eVisa Online for Bangladesh Citizens option allows for easier and quicker planning for travel, as there are minimal requirements for documentation. The eVisa option allows for easier accessibility for Bangladesh citizens to explore the country and all that it has to offer, from culture to historical and natural attractions.
Why is the Ethiopia eVisa the Best Choice for You?
Gone are the days when you had to go to the embassy and stand in long queues to get your travel permit. The e-Visa system is an online platform that helps you get your visa online. For the citizens of Bangladesh, it means that you can get your visa online sitting at your home in Dhaka, Chottogram, or any other place in Bangladesh. It is fast and easy and helps you enter the country via the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
What are the Different Types of Ethiopia eVisas Available?
Depending on the purpose of your visit, Ethiopia offers a wide range of visa categories. Each type has its own specific validity and stay duration. Here is a detailed look at the options available to you:
Tourist and General Visit Visas The most common choice for holidaymakers is the Tourist eVisa. This is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay for up to 30 days. It is perfect for those wanting to experience the culture and natural beauty of the country.
Professional and Work-Related Visas For those traveling for professional reasons, there are several sub-categories:
- Workshop or Conference Visa: This is a single-entry visa with a 30-day stay and 30-day validity, specifically for attending events.
- Private Work Visa: Available as both Single Entry (30 days stay/30 days validity) and Multiple Entry (30 days stay/90 days validity).
- Government Work Visa: Options include Single Entry (30/30) and Multiple Entry (30 days stay with 90-day or 6-month validity).
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Work Visa: Available in Single Entry (30/30) or Multiple Entry (30 days stay/90 days validity).
Investment and Business Visas If you are looking to explore business opportunities or manage investments, the Investment eVisa is tailored for you. You can choose from:
- Single Entry (30 days stay/30 days validity)
- Multiple Entry with validity options of 90 days, 6 months, or even 1 year.
Specialized Visas for Students and Journalists
- Student Visa: A single-entry visa allowing a 30-day stay with a 30-day validity period for those enrolled in educational programs.
- Journalist Visa: A specific single-entry permit for media professionals, valid for 30 days.
Health and Religious Visas
- Medical Treatment Visa: This category is quite flexible, offering Multiple Entry options for 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year, as well as a standard Single Entry for 30 days.
- Religion Visa: Available as Single Entry (30/30) or Multiple Entry (30 days stay/90 days validity).
Sports and Entertainment Visas
- Sports Competition and Training Visa: Can be obtained as Single Entry (30/30) or Multiple Entry (30 days stay/90 days validity).
- Entertainment Industry Visa: Available for performers and crew as Single Entry (30/30) or Multiple Entry (30 days stay/90 days validity).
What are the Basic Requirements for Every Ethiopia eVisa Applicant?
Regardless of the visa type, all Bangladeshi citizens need two key items to comply with Ethiopia eVisa Requirements.
- A Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for six months from the date you intend to enter Ethiopia.
- Passport-Style Photograph: A recent, high-quality digital color photo of yourself.
Which Additional Documents Might You Need for Your Ethiopia eVisa?
Depending on your specific visa category, the Ethiopian immigration authorities will require supporting evidence. Having these ready will prevent delays:
- For Students: An official letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Ethiopia.
- For Business/Investment: A copy of the Business License, a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) Certificate, and a Company Profile or information about the inviting company.
- For Religious Visits: A Support Letter from a recognized Religious Institution.
- For Medical Needs: Both an Invitation Letter from the Health Organization and your own Application Letter addressed to the Health Organization.
- For Work/NGOs: An Application Letter, a Note Verbale (Support Letter), and sometimes a copy of a foreign Investor employee Visa.
How quickly can an Ethiopia eVisa be issued?
One of the biggest concerns for travelers is “how fast can I get it?” We offer three distinct tiers of processing speed to match your travel timeline:
- Standard Processing: Takes 5 to 8 working days. This is best if you are planning well in advance.
- Rush Processing: Takes 2 to 5 working days. Choose this if your trip is just around the corner.
- Super Rush Processing: Takes 1 to 3 working days. This is the emergency option for those who need to fly out immediately.
Can an Ethiopia eVisa be Converted on Arrival?
Another question is whether it is possible to change the type of visa once you land in Ethiopia. The answer is no, you cannot change the type of Ethiopia eVisa once you land in the airport in Ethiopia. This means that if you have applied for a Tourist Visa, you cannot change it to a Work Visa or an Investment Visa once you land in Ethiopia. However, if your circumstances change significantly once you land in Ethiopia, you should contact the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs in Addis Ababa.
Can I Arrive on a Different Date After Ethiopia eVisa Approval?
Yes, you can. The validity of your eVisa is from the “Intended Date of Entry” you entered in your application. If you have to arrive a few days after your intended date due to some changes in your plans, your visa would still be valid. It is, however, important to note that your stay in the country should not exceed the total validity period of your visa, which is 30 days from the date of entry. If you have to arrive much later, you should consider applying for a new visa.
What are the Specific Photo Requirements for Ethiopia eVisa?
The online form also demands that your photograph should comply with the Ethiopia eVisa Photo Requirements, failing which your e-Visa process is most likely to get delayed.
- Dimensions: The photograph should be of 35mm x 45mm in size.
- Background: The background should be plain white.
- Recency: The photograph should be taken within 3 to 6 months.
- Facial Expression: You should have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.
- Face Position: The photograph should cover 70-80% of your face, with your eyes wide open.
- Glasses/Headgear: It is recommended to remove your glasses to avoid any glare on your photograph. Headgear is allowed only for religious purposes, provided your face is not covered.
- File Size: The photograph should be of high resolution, with a DPI of 600 or higher, in the format of JPG, JPEG, or PNG, with a file size of less than 2MB.
What Activities are Allowed in an Ethiopia eVisa Tourist Category?
The Tourist eVisa is only for non-business purposes. You can use it to sightsee, visit friends or family, or participate in cultural tours. You cannot use it to work, whether for pay or for free, or to engage in any kind of business negotiations or to sign any contracts. For any kind of work, whether for an organization or as a volunteer, you would need to get a Work/NGO visa.
How Many Ethiopia eVisa Entries are Allowed Each Year?
For citizens of Bangladesh, most eVisas, such as the Tourist one, are Single Entry. This implies that when the citizen leaves the country, the eVisa is deemed invalid even if they have not stayed for the full 30 days. However, there is no restriction on the number of eVisas that can be obtained in one calendar year. The only condition is that the visit must be legitimate and that the citizen has not overstayed in the country.
What if I Applied but Have Not Used the Ethiopia eVisa Yet?
If you have an approved eVisa but your trip was postponed, thereby failing to enter Ethiopia, you may still make use of it provided that the “Validity Period” indicated on your document has not expired. If your validity period has expired, then your visa is void. However, you cannot reactivate your unused or expired visa. You have to apply for a brand new visa, which requires you to pay the fees.
Is an International Driving Permit Valid with an Ethiopia eVisa?
If you are a driver, you should know that a Bangladeshi driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) alone is not valid for long-term driving. For short-term tourists, some car rental companies may allow an IDP, but in reality, foreigners are expected to get their driving licenses authenticated through their embassy and then obtain a temporary driving permit from the Ministry of Transport. It is highly recommended to hire a driver, which is common for travelers.
Can the Ethiopia eVisa Arrival Airport be Changed After Approval?
Standard eVisas issued to Ethiopia are only valid for entry into the country through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. If your project or travel plans change and you wish to enter the country through the land border or other airports in different regions, your eVisa will not be approved. It is therefore essential to plan your entry into Ethiopia through Addis Ababa. If your project requires entry into the country through other points, this should be planned in advance with the immigration department during the application process.
How Do Agents Ensure Compliance with Ethiopia eVisa Eligibility Criteria?
Experienced visa agents are instrumental in ensuring that Bangladeshi applicants meet all the necessary legal and technical requirements. Agents perform a “pre-check” for the applicants, ensuring that the passport of the applicant possesses the necessary six months of validity and a minimum of one blank page. Agents are also instrumental in ensuring that the photographs of the applicants are of a very high standard, as they need to match the official specifications of a white background, no wearing of glasses, and a high-resolution image. Agents also check that all supporting documentation, such as business or invitation letters, are legitimate and of the correct format.
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Bangladesh to Ethiopia is a thrilling experience, and the eVisa system makes the entire process easier. With eVisa, you can have a hassle-free experience as you are informed of all the requirements, from documentation to the activities you are eligible to perform. It’s always recommended that you print your eVisa and keep your supporting documents ready for a unique experience of the hospitality of the Horn of Africa.