Ethiopia
United States
United States visa for Ethiopian citizens
Entry requirement
Ethiopian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at et.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Ethiopia
- Embassy of the United States in Addis Ababa Today · Closed
The United States has 1 mission in Ethiopia, with its embassy in Addis Ababa.
US visas issued to citizens of Ethiopia
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 20,168 | 16,712 |
| Student (F, M) | 1,854 | 1,285 |
| Exchange (J) | 336 | 255 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 360 | 357 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 1,407 | 1,410 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 918 | 902 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 842 | 632 |
| Other | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 25,885 | 21,554 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 51.2% | 53.6% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 21,554 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Ethiopia, the 54th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 78%, transit and crew visas 7% and student visas 6%. That is 17% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (25,885).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Ethiopia received 3,452, 65% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 53.6% for citizens of Ethiopia in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 51.2%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Ethiopia anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Ethiopia.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Ethiopia
United StatesEthiopia Visa on arrival Ethiopia visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Ethiopia to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long Ethiopian citizens can stay in the United States
How long Ethiopian citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Ethiopian citizens apply
In Ethiopia, applications go to the US embassy in Addis Ababa, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Ethiopian citizens
Canada, Mexico and Cuba require Ethiopian citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Ethiopia
US citizens receive their visa for Ethiopia at the border; it covers up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Ethiopian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in Ethiopia?
The US embassy in Ethiopia is in Addis Ababa.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
US citizens receive their visa for Ethiopia at the border; it covers up to 90 days.
Can Ethiopian citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Ethiopian citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.