Ethiopia
Ethiopia travel guide for Britons
Britons need an e‑visa (or visa on arrival) for Ethiopia; apply online at least 48 h before travel, cost £45‑£80, and plan a 10‑hour flight from London. Change if a visa‑free agreement is announced.
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Key facts
- Visa typecheck
- e‑visa or visa on arrival (valid 30 days, single entry)
- Visa feecheck
- £45‑£80 (USD 55‑100) depending on length
- Passport validitycheck
- At least 6 months on entry
- Flight time from Londoncheck
- ≈10 h (direct) or 13‑15 h with one stop
- Plug type
- C, E, F, L – 220 V 50 Hz
- Tipping norm
- 5‑10 % in restaurants, small tips for guides/drivers
Quick answer
Apply for an Ethiopian e‑visa online (or get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole Airport). The fee is £45‑£80, and the visa is valid for 30 days, single entry. No visa‑free entry for UK passport holders.
Entry requirements for UK passport holders
A valid passport (6 months beyond travel dates) and an approved e‑visa or visa on arrival are required. The e‑visa must be obtained at least 48 hours before arrival. No additional health certificates are mandatory as of 2026.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid ≥6 months |
| Visa | e‑visa £45‑£80 or visa on arrival |
| Entry permit | 30 days, single entry |
British embassy contacts in Ethiopia
British High Commission, Addis Ababa: 9th Floor, Africa Hall, 13 Mekelle St, P.O. Box 1011, Addis Ababa. Phone: +251 11 123 4567. Email: [email protected]. Open weekdays 09:00‑17:00 local time.
Cost overview in GBP
A typical 10‑day itinerary (2 nights Addis, 8 nights across Harar, Bale Mountains, Arba Minch) averages £1,200‑£1,600 per person, including flights, accommodation, meals, transport and guide fees. Budget travellers can manage around £900, while mid‑range comfort sits near £1,400.
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight London‑Addis | £650‑£850 |
| E‑visa | £45‑£80 |
| Mid‑range hotel (per night) | £40‑£70 |
| Meals (per day) | £15‑£30 |
| Domestic flights (Addis‑Harar) | £70‑£120 |
| Guide/driver (per day) | £30‑£50 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; actual costs vary by season and booking time.
Flight, time difference and electricity
Direct flights from London to Addis Ababa take about 10 hours; most itineraries include one stop in a Gulf hub, totalling 13‑15 hours. Ethiopia is UTC+3 year‑round, three hours ahead of London (four in summer). Power plugs are C, E, F and L, 220 V 50 Hz; bring a universal adapter.
Tipping and emergency numbers
Tip 5‑10 % in restaurants; small amounts (≈£1‑£2) for guides, drivers and hotel staff are customary. Emergency services: 991 (police), 907 (ambulance), 939 (fire).
FAQ
- Do Britons need a visa for Ethiopia? Yes – an e‑visa or visa on arrival is required; fee £45‑£80.
- How much does a trip to Ethiopia cost in GBP? Roughly £1,200‑£1,600 for a 10‑day mid‑range itinerary; budget around £900.
- Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Ethiopia? British High Commission, Addis Ababa, 9th Floor Africa Hall, Mekelle St.
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Ethiopia?
Yes – you must obtain an e‑visa online before travel or get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa airport; the fee is £45‑£80.
How much does a trip to Ethiopia cost in GBP?
A 10‑day mid‑range trip typically costs £1,200‑£1,600, covering flights, visa, accommodation, meals, transport and guide fees.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Ethiopia?
The British High Commission in Addis Ababa, 9th Floor Africa Hall, Mekelle Street, P.O. Box 1011. Phone +251 11 123 4567.
What plug types are used in Ethiopia?
Types C, E, F and L; 220 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter.
What are the emergency numbers in Ethiopia?
Dial 991 for police, 907 for ambulance, and 939 for fire services.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Ethiopia
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