The eastern African country of Ethiopia is one of the many places that many Nigerian citizens spend their time, build businesses, or go for their academic studies. As a Nigerian citizen, you will need a visa before you will be allowed to gain entry into Ethiopia.
However, unlike other foreign countries, Ethiopia is not very strict when it comes to granting visas. Whether you’re going for the first time on a vacation trip, just gained admission to a school in Ethiopia or you’re going for business reasons, you will need to fulfill these Ethiopia visa requirements to gain entry into Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Visa Requirements for Nigerians
Types of Ethiopian Visa
There are different types of visas offered to Nigerian citizens looking to make the trip to Ethiopia. The visa offered will depend on the purpose of the visit and will come with a different set of requirements. Below are the most popular visa types offered to Nigerian travelers.
Employment visa
For Nigerians that have been employed by a company domiciled in Ethiopia, this visa is the best option to go for. You will have to provide proof of employment to be granted a visa.
Student visa
As the name implies, this type of visa is offered to students. If you wish to further your academic studies in Ethiopia, you will be offered a student visa for the duration of your study. The student visa is usually extendable, however, this doesn’t mean all persons will get a chance to extend their stay. The student visa will require you to have received admission from a university or school of study in Ethiopia. You might be required to have completed your school fees payment as well as provide other necessary documents.
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are for people looking to spend their vacation in Ethiopia. This visa allows you to visit tourist destinations but is usually limited to several days. If you wish to spend your holiday by taking tours of historical sites or spending some time at the beach, then this visa could come to be the best option for you.
Business visa
If the main idea behind your visit to Ethiopia is to start your own business or you already have a business in Ethiopia as a Nigerian and you want to relocate to continue your business, you will need the business visa.
Ethiopia Visa Requirements for Nigerians
- Get an application from the Ethiopian embassy
- Fill and complete the form. Ensure your details are carefully and properly documented, then sign and date the form.
- Attach a passport photograph recently take with your image on a plain background. Ensure that your face covers most of the passport photo.
- Attached is a photocopied page of your passport’s data page. This should completely show your data page without obstructions.
- Your international passport must have unused pages and a validity period of at least 6 months from the day of your visa application.
- Bank statements show that you have enough money to take care of yourself when you are in Ethiopia. This will show that you’re not going to become a liability to the government or the people of Ethiopia.
- If your purpose of traveling is for business, you will need to get an invitation letter and have attached to your documents. The invitation letter should come from your host in Ethiopia.
- You will also have to attach your host’s residence card if they are a permanent resident of Ethiopia. If not, then you will have to attach their international passport/national identity card.
- The major health concern for travelers is yellow fever. You will be required to provide an international vaccination certificate showing you’ve been vaccinated against yellow fever.
- Obtain and attach a police clearance letter/certificate
- You will also have to make pay your visa application fee. The cost will be determined by the type of visa you go for.
- With your visa application submitted, you will have to meet the biometric requirement and have a biometric fingerprint capture at the embassy.
Best Places to Live In Ethiopia
Simien Mountains
You will find the spectacular Simiens Mountains nestled in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. The majestic mountains are home to a rich cultural heritage where you will come to find religious sites and encounter a terrific experience when you journey to its jagged peaks.
Churches of Lalibela
Near the small town of Lalibela are some amazing tourist attractions, you won’t want to miss out on. There, you will find eleven medieval churches carved out of massive slabs out of volcanic rock. These churches date as far back as the 12th-century and still remain a popular pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians. The most fascinating of the ancient churches is the House of Saint George. The churches have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gondar
The fabled city of Gondar is another tourist attraction you will encounter when you reach the highest peak in the Simien Mountains. The city is considered the Camelot of Africa due to its impressive structure and architecture. It served as the medieval home to Ethiopian Emperors and Princess that ruled the country for over 1,000 years.
Blue Niles Fall
Another marvelous sight in Ethiopia is the incredible Blue Nile Fall close to the city of Bahir Dar. Tis-Isat Falls as it is called in the local language is translated to Smoke of Fire due to the impressive sight and its size.
Danakil Depression
If you’re more of an adventurous tourist, then you will find Ethiopia’s Danakali Depression to be worth your while. The Depression is part of the great East African Rift Valley. While the conditions might not seem best, the Afar people have been able to thrive here. Keep in mind that the climate can be very harsh and hot with low levels of rain. If you’re up for a terrific touring experience, then touring the unearthly landscape might make for the best memories
The People of the Lower Omo Valley
The Lower Omo Valley will bring you in contact with the indigenous people of Ethiopia and experience diverse cultures unlike ever seen before. There, you will find the Mursi and Hamar people known to be among the proudest of inhabitants.