Ethiopia travel guide for Australians

Yes, Australians must obtain a visa for Ethiopia. An e‑visa is the easiest option; you can also receive a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole Airport for a fee.

Apply for an e‑visa on the official Ethiopian immigration portal (evisa.gov.et). Processing normally takes 2–3 business days. Visa on arrival is available for Australian passports at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, but expect a short queue and a cash fee.

Passport must be valid for at least six months. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and can be extended once in Ethiopia at the immigration office.

Australia does not have a resident embassy in Ethiopia. The nearest Australian diplomatic mission is the High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya.

Contact details (check before travel):

Australian High Commission, Nairobi – Phone: +254 20 722 4000; Email: [email protected].

Visa e‑fee: approx AUD 100 (USD 70).

Round‑trip flight from Sydney to Addis Ababa (economy, one‑way): AUD 1 800–2 200, total ≈ AUD 3 600–4 400.

Mid‑range accommodation: AUD 50–80 per night.

Meals: AUD 15–30 per day.

Transport (domestic flights, car hire, guides): AUD 200–400 per region.

Sydney to Addis Ababa: typical one‑stop routes total 15–18 hours travel time.

Ethiopia is UTC+3; Sydney is UTC+10 (or +11 in daylight‑saving). Expect a 7‑hour time difference.

Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.

Plug types: C, E, F, L. Bring a universal adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a step‑down converter.

Restaurants: round up the bill or leave 5–10 %.

Guides and drivers: AUD 5–10 per day is customary.

Hotel staff: small tips for luggage handling are appreciated.

Police: 991

Ambulance: 907

Fire: 939

Australian High Commission (Nairobi) – +254 20 722 4000