Ethiopia entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity

Entry and overstay fines

Ensure that the Ethiopian authorities stamp your passport when you arrive.

If you need to extend your stay beyond the period authorized by your visa, you must apply for an extension at the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa before your visa expires.

You will face heavy fines and possibly arrest and detention if you do not comply. These fines increase each day you remain in Ethiopia without a stamped passport or after the period permitted by your visa.

You will not be permitted to leave Ethiopia until you have paid all entry and overstay fines in full.

Dual citizenship

Ethiopia does not recognize dual citizenship. Persons who acquires Canadian citizenship will automatically lose their Ethiopian citizenship, including the right to reside in Ethiopia.

This also applies to children born in Ethiopia, including those who have Ethiopian parents. Confirm with immigration authorities that you and your child are authorized to stay in Ethiopia.

Failure to maintain a valid immigration status results in fines, which increase with each day of non‑compliance.

Useful links

Dual citizens

About consular services

Working and volunteering

You cannot perform any type of work, including volunteer work, on a tourist visa. Make sure you obtain a visa that matches the purpose of your stay; otherwise, you may face heavy fines and possible detention.

Land border crossings

Authorities may request additional documents if you enter Ethiopia by vehicle at certain border crossings. Contact local authorities to determine specific entry requirements at land border crossings.

Immigration officials may not be present at some border crossings when you arrive.

• Cross only at official crossings
• Always ensure that your passport is stamped upon entry
• Immediately declare your presence to the nearest local authorities if you were unable to obtain an entry stamp

Failure to have your passport stamped upon entry could result in arrest, detention, and heavy fines.

Electronics and military equipment

You may not bring or transit through Ethiopia with many consumer electronics, including items that customs officials could consider having military applications. This could apply even to items commercially purchased, with no obvious military applications. Items include but are not limited to:

• satellite phones
• binoculars
• drones
• rangefinders

If you attempt to enter Ethiopia with any of these items without prior authorization, customs officials may confiscate them. You could also face arrest and detention. Confiscated items on entry may not be returned upon departure.

Foreign representatives in Canada

Cell phones

You may bring one mobile phone into Ethiopia for personal use, but it must be registered with the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority for it to function. Phones can be registered at Bole International Airport or at any shop of the main cellular provider. Any additional devices are subject to both a customs fee and an activation fee.

Computers and audiovisual equipment

You must declare all laptop computers and video equipment other than those for personal use upon arrival and departure. Some recording devices may require special customs permits.