Vietnam visa for Ethiopian passport holders is mandatory, but the process is now straightforward and fully compliant with Vietnam’s latest immigration policy. Ethiopian citizens can apply for a 90-day e-visa (single or multiple entry) online via the official government portal or through authorized visa consultants, which is the simplest and most reliable option. Visa on arrival may be used for air travel with a prior approval letter, though it involves extra steps at the airport. Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry and have two blank pages. For most travelers, the e-visa remains the fastest and safest solution.
Vietnam Visa For Ethiopian Passport Holders Eligibility And Guide
Ethiopian nationals must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam for any purpose and any length of stay. This applies to tourism, business, transit, and long-term purposes.
| Visa Type | Requirement for Ethiopian Passport |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa | Required |
| Business visa | Required |
| Transit visa | Required (if leaving the transit area) |
According to the latest 2025 regulations in Law No. 23/2023/QH15 [1], Ethiopia is not on Vietnam’s unilateral visa-exemption list. Visa-free entry does not apply to Ethiopian citizens.
Basic entry conditions (often overlooked by applicants):
- Passport validity: at least 6 months beyond the arrival date.
- Blank pages: minimum 2 pages.
- Compliance with the approved entry port stated on the visa.
A critical detail most applicants overlook is that airline staff will deny boarding if the visa information does not match the passport exactly.

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Vietnam E-visa Requirements For Ethiopia Citizens
Under the revised Vietnam immigration policy, Vietnam e-visa is available to citizens of all countries, including Ethiopia.
Key legal features of Vietnam e-visa
| Criteria | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Maximum validity | Up to 90 days |
| Entry type | Single entry or multiple entry visa |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, short visits |
| Application method | Online only |
| Official portal | evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn |
From our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, we confirm that any source still mentioning 30-day e-visas is outdated and legally incorrect.
Documents required
- Ethiopian passport scan (bio page).
- Portrait photo (white background, no glasses).
- Completed e-visa application form.
- Declared entry/exit checkpoint.
Applicants departing from Ethiopia, especially via Addis Ababa, should double-check airline transit rules if connecting through third countries.
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Instruction For Ethiopian Nationals To Apply For Vietnam Visa
Option 1: Apply for Vietnam E-visa (Recommended)
Based on our 20+ years of practical experience, this is the most stable and transparent route for Ethiopian passport holders.
Step-by-step process
- Access the official e-visa portal or work with a licensed visa consultant.
- Upload passport and Vietnam visa photo, select the entry port, and confirm travel dates.
- Pay the government fee and wait for electronic approval.
- Print the e-visa and present it upon arrival.
A critical detail most applicants overlook is the entry port consistency. You must enter Vietnam through the exact checkpoint registered on the e-visa.
Option 2: Business Visa With Sponsorship Letter
Ethiopian citizens traveling for business must have a Vietnamese sponsor.
Legal requirement
- A valid sponsorship letter issued by a Vietnamese company.
- Approval from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Procedure
- Sponsor submits Forms NA2 and NA16.
- Immigration approval issued within 7–10 working days.
- Applicant receives visa stamping at a Vietnamese diplomatic mission.
From our daily practice, incomplete sponsor documents are the most common cause of delays.
Option 3: Embassy / Diplomatic Mission Visa
Vietnam does not currently maintain a resident embassy in Ethiopia. Ethiopian applicants usually apply via a diplomatic mission in a third country. This option suits long-term work or study cases but involves higher costs and longer processing times.
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Vietnam Visa Processing Fees For Ethiopian Passport Holders
Official government e-visa fees
| Visa validity | Entry | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days | Single | 25 |
| Up to 90 days | Multiple | 50 |
These are non-refundable government fees, regardless of approval outcome.
Professional assistance fees (reference range)
| Service | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Standard e-visa support | 5–7 working days |
| Urgent processing | 2–3 working days |
Based on our experience handling tens of thousands of cases, professional review significantly reduces rejection risks caused by technical errors.
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Transit, Entry Ports, and Airport Considerations
Ethiopian travelers often transit through the Middle East or Asia before reaching Vietnam.
- A transit visa is required if you leave the international transit zone.
- Approved Vietnamese airports include Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City).
- Departure from Bole International Airport is common; ensure transit visas are checked per airline policy.
A critical detail most applicants overlook is that airlines apply immigration rules strictly at check-in, not at arrival.
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Temporary Residence Declaration in Vietnam
According to Vietnamese law, all foreign visitors must declare temporary residence within 24 hours of arrival.
- Hotels usually handle this automatically.
- Private stays require landlord registration with local police.
Failure to comply may affect visa extensions or future applications.
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Important Travel Tips For Ethiopian Citizens Visiting Vietnam
Based on our daily advisory work:
- Use only official government portals or licensed consultants.
- Avoid “guaranteed approval” claims; they are a common scam pattern.
- Match passport details exactly, including spacing and order of names.
- Keep printed copies of e-visa and onward tickets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ethiopian citizens get a Vietnam e-visa?
Yes. Ethiopian passport holders are eligible to apply for a Vietnam e-visa, which can be issued with a validity of up to 90 days, depending on the selected option.
How much is the Vietnam visa fee for Ethiopian nationals?
The official government fee ranges from USD 25 for single-entry to USD 50 for multiple-entry visas. Additional service fees may apply if using a visa agency.
What are the passport requirements to enter Vietnam?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and contain a minimum of two blank pages for immigration stamps.
Is there a Vietnam embassy in Ethiopia?
Currently, Vietnam does not have a resident embassy in Ethiopia. Visa applications are handled through Vietnamese diplomatic missions in third countries or via the online e-visa system.
How long can Ethiopians stay in Vietnam on a tourist visa?
Ethiopian travelers may stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, subject to the validity and conditions stated on the approved e-visa.
Can Ethiopians apply for visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival is limited and requires prior approval before travel. For most travelers, the e-visa is the recommended and legally preferred option.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
Vietnam government visa fees are non-refundable in case of refusal. Applicants may reapply after correcting any errors or missing information in their application.
With over 20 years of experience (since 2003), Tan Van Lang has successfully handled tens of thousands of complex visa cases for African and Middle Eastern passport holders. Our team provides in-depth legal assessment, careful document review, and compliant visa solutions tailored to each applicant’s profile.
If you need secure and professional assistance with a Vietnam visa for an Ethiopian passport, contact Tan Van Lang now for case-by-case legal evaluation and fast, reliable processing.
Contact now: 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp)





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