To visit another country from Ethiopia, most countries require a valid visa, which they must have issued before you are allowed to enter. In most cases, it is uncomfortable knowing that you may need a visa and other valid travel documents before entering the country.
However, there are many countries that you can travel to without a visa as long as you have an Ethiopian passport. Most of these countries would allow you entry without a visa, or they would issue you with an entry visa that can be valid for a certain number of days. This length of stay depends on the reason for travel and in some cases is determined by the immigration officer. In some cases there is the possibility of an extension if you run out of time.
Below is a list of countries that would allow you entry without a visa but only with your Ethiopian passport. However, you must ensure that you check with the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to travel to as visa policies change from time to time.
Countries that do not require a visa from Ethiopian citizens
Dominica
Ecuador
Haiti
Kenya
Micronesia
Philippines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Singapore
More countries around the world issue visas or visas on arrival to citizens of other countries depending on the diplomatic relations between the two countries. However, it is important to note that the fact that you have been granted a visa does not guarantee entry, it only means that, barring other restrictive circumstances, you are granted access to the country for one specified on the visa period is granted.
Countries issuing entry visas to Ethiopian citizens
Bolivia – 90 days
Burundi – 30 days; Available at Bujumbura International Airport
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Comoros
Djibouti
Guinea-Bissau – 90 days
Laos – 30 days
Madagascar – 90 days
Maldives – 30 days
mali
Mauritania
Mauritius – 60 days
Mozambique – 30 days
Nicaragua – 90 days
Oman
Palau – 30 days
Saint Lucia – 6 weeks
Samoa – 60 days
Seychelles – 1 month
South Sudan
Tajikistan – 45 days
Thailand – 15 days
Timor-Leste – 30 days
Togo – 7 days
Tuvalu – 1 month
Uganda
What you need to know before traveling to a visa-free country
The countries listed above would do well to grant visa-free entry for Ethiopian citizens with a valid Ethiopian passport at least 6 months before expiry. However, before you embark on the trip, make sure you have a good motive for your trip. Otherwise, you may be turned back when trying to enter the country of your choice.
Normally, some countries, despite not having a visa, would require proof of the length of your stay to be sure that you will not be staying much longer than you initially claimed. Basically, the main mechanism used by the relevant authorities of a visa-free country is to ask for your return ticket. If you can’t purchase a return ticket before you travel, you may want to wait until you can to avoid airport embarrassment.