Quick Facts
Requirement
evisa
Visa Fee
UGX 192,400
(~$52)
VOA Fee
Processing Time
3–5 working days
Appointment Wait
~0 weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 30 days
E-Visa
Available online
Ethiopia is one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations for Ugandans. The e-visa costs $52 (30 days) or $72 (90 days), takes 3 working days to process, and Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Entebbe (EBB) to Addis Ababa (ADD) in under 2 hours. The key requirement that Ugandan travelers often overlook is the mandatory yellow fever vaccination card — Ethiopia enforces this strictly at Addis Ababa airport.
Key Warnings
- Yellow fever card is MANDATORY for Ugandans entering Ethiopia. Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country and Ethiopia's immigration officers at ADD check certificates strictly. Do not fly without your original physical yellow card — arriving without it risks refusal of entry.
- Apply for the e-visa before travel at evisa.ethiopia.gov.et — it is the same cost as VOA but gives you a confirmed entry document before you board. VOA is a backup if you could not apply in advance, but it means queuing at the ADD counter.
- Addis Ababa is at 2,355 metres altitude. If you come from Kampala (altitude ~1,190m), you may feel mild breathlessness or fatigue on arrival. Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.
Insider Tips
- The 90-day multiple-entry e-visa at $72 is excellent value for East African travelers who want to explore Ethiopia fully — or who are using Addis Ababa as a base for onward travel. $20 more than the 30-day option for three times the flexibility.
- Ethiopian Airlines' hub at ADD is Africa's most connected — direct flights from Addis Ababa to dozens of African, Asian, and European cities. Use a direct Entebbe–Addis flight and book onward connections from ADD for excellent fares.
- Lalibela's rock-hewn churches (UNESCO World Heritage), the Simien Mountains, and Addis Ababa's Merkato market are world-class highlights reachable in a 30-day visa. For a full Ethiopia tour including the Danakil Depression and Omo Valley, the 90-day visa is worth it.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Apply for e-visa at evisa.ethiopia.gov.et (strongly recommended)
Visit evisa.ethiopia.gov.et at least 5 days before your flight. Complete the online form, upload your Ugandan passport scan and photo, and pay the fee ($52 for 30-day single, $72 for 90-day multiple) by card. Receive your e-visa approval letter by email — download and print it or save it to your phone.
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Ensure your yellow fever card is ready
Before travel, confirm you have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card). Uganda is classified as a yellow fever endemic country and Ethiopia will require it on arrival. If you have not vaccinated, go to Mulago National Referral Hospital or Entebbe Airport Port Health Office.
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Board your flight from Entebbe (EBB) to Addis Ababa (ADD)
Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Flight time is approximately 1.5–2 hours. Have your e-visa approval letter ready at check-in.
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Arrive at ADD — e-visa or VOA lane
On arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, follow Immigration signs. E-visa holders proceed to the e-visa lane (faster). VOA applicants go to the Visa on Arrival counter in the arrivals hall and pay before immigration.
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Present yellow fever card and entry documents
Immigration officers will verify your visa, passport, and yellow fever card. Have your return ticket and accommodation address ready if asked. Processing is typically 3–5 minutes per traveller.
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Collect baggage and explore Ethiopia
Collect your luggage and proceed to the exit. Addis Ababa city centre is a 20–30 minute drive from ADD. Taxis, Ride apps, and the Addis Ababa Light Rail serve the city. Your visa validity begins from the entry date.
Health Requirements
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. MANDATORY. Ethiopia requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers arriving from Uganda, which is a yellow fever endemic country. You must carry the original physical International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). This is checked on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Vaccinate at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Entebbe Airport Port Health Office, or any Ministry of Health-approved centre in Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ugandans need a yellow fever card to enter Ethiopia?
Yes, absolutely. Ethiopia requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers arriving from Uganda, because Uganda is classified as a yellow fever endemic country. You must carry the original physical yellow card — digital copies are not accepted at ADD airport. If you do not have one, get vaccinated at Mulago National Referral Hospital or Entebbe Airport Port Health Office before your trip.
Should Ugandans use the e-visa or visa on arrival for Ethiopia?
Both options work and cost the same price. The e-visa (apply at evisa.ethiopia.gov.et at least 5 days before travel) is strongly recommended because it gives you a confirmed entry document before you board. E-visa holders also use a faster dedicated lane at ADD airport. The 30-day e-visa costs $52 (~192,400 UGX) and the 90-day multiple entry costs $72 (~266,400 UGX). Visa on arrival is a backup option at ADD airport for applicants who couldn't apply online.
Are there direct flights from Uganda to Ethiopia?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). The flight takes approximately 1.5–2 hours — making it one of the shortest international trips from Uganda. Addis Ababa is also a major transit hub, connecting to dozens of African, Asian, and European destinations.
Is the Ethiopia 90-day multiple-entry e-visa worth it for Ugandans?
If you plan to stay more than a few weeks, or want flexibility to travel in and out of Ethiopia, the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa at $72 (~266,400 UGX) is excellent value — only $20 more than the 30-day option. It is particularly useful for travelers exploring East Africa who want to use Addis Ababa as a base, or who are on extended travel combining Ethiopia with Kenya, Rwanda, or other countries.