Ethiopia e Visa for Brazil Citizens

For Brazilian travelers dreaming of exploring the ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Ethiopia, securing the necessary travel authorization is the exciting first phase of the journey. The introduction of the electronic visa, or eVisa, has transformed this process, offering a straightforward and entirely online path to your Ethiopian adventure.

What types of Ethiopia eVisas can Brazilian citizens apply for

The electronic visa system is designed to facilitate entry for travelers primarily arriving at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). The available eVisa types are primarily categorized by the purpose of the visit, with the main categories being Tourist and Business visas.

1. Tourist eVisa (VT)

This is the most popular category for Brazilian citizens planning leisure travel. It is a Single Entry visa with two duration options:

• Tourist eVisa for 30 Days This option is suitable for short holidays, visiting family, or quick sightseeing tours.

• Tourist eVisa for 90 Days This option is for travelers who want a deeper, longer immersion in the country’s culture and geography, allowing for up to three months of exploration.

2. Business eVisa (BRV and others)

For individuals traveling for professional or commercial reasons, Ethiopia offers electronic visas that fall under the Business umbrella. These are Single Entry visas as well. The types available on the eVisa portal can include:

• Business Visa (30 Days and 90 Days) This is for standard business activities such as attending meetings, signing agreements, or conducting negotiations.

• Workshop/Conference Visa For those invited to attend an international conference, seminar, or workshop organized in Ethiopia.

• Journalist Visa For foreign journalists, media correspondents, or filmmakers who plan to work or report within the country.

Important Note Certain other specialized visa categories like NGO Work Visa or Investment Visa may also be available on the eVisa platform, depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances and the inviting organization’s reference code. However, for a typical Brazilian traveler, the Tourist eVisa (30 or 90 days) is the relevant choice, while the Business Visa is the primary alternative for commercial travel.

What documents do I need to submit when applying for an Ethiopia eVisa from Brazil

The eVisa application is entirely digital, meaning you will need to upload electronic copies of your required documents. The key is to ensure these copies are clear, high-resolution, and follow the specified guidelines.

Here are the essential documents Brazilian citizens must prepare:

• Valid Passport Copy You need a color scan of the biographical page of your Brazilian passport. Crucially, your passport must be valid for six months from your intended date of arrival in Ethiopia. It is also wise to ensure it has one blank page for immigration stamps, though this is less critical with an eVisa than a traditional visa.

• A Recent Digital Photograph This must be a recent photo (taken within the last six months) that meets the standard passport-style photo requirements. This means a clear, front-facing shot of your full face against a white or light background.

Some applicants may occasionally be asked to provide additional supporting information, but the two documents listed above form the core of the submission for a tourist eVisa.

How can I apply for an Ethiopia eVisa as a Brazilian citizen

The application process for an Ethiopia eVisa from Brazil is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed entirely online. You won’t need to visit an embassy or send documents by mail.

• Fill Out the Application Form: This involves entering your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information. You’ll also provide your contact details and intended travel dates.

• Upload Required Documents: Here, you’ll attach your digital passport photo and the scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page. Make sure the files meet the specified size and format requirements.

• Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy. Any discrepancies could lead to delays or rejection. Once satisfied, submit your application.

• Receive Your eVisa: If approved, your eVisa will be sent to the email address you provided during the application. It’s advisable to print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone for presentation upon arrival in Ethiopia.

This digital approach simplifies the entry process, allowing you more time to plan your Ethiopian adventure.

How long does it take to process an Ethiopia e-Visa for Brazil citizens

Planning ahead is always recommended for any international travel authorization. The Ethiopian eVisa system offers different processing speeds to accommodate various travel timelines.

Here are the typical processing estimates, which are based on working days (excluding weekends and holidays):

• Normal Processing Your application is reviewed within a window of 5 to 8 Working Days. This is a good choice if your travel date is several weeks or months away.

• Rush Processing If your travel is approaching a little faster, this option aims to process your application within 2 to 5 Working Days.

• Super Rush Processing For urgent travel needs, the fastest option delivers a decision in 1 to 3 Working Days.

Important Note While these times are reliable, they are estimates. Processing can sometimes take longer due to unforeseen circumstances, high application volume, or if the immigration service requests additional documents. It is highly advisable to submit your application well in advance of your flight to avoid any last-minute stress.

How much does the Ethiopia eVisa cost for Brazilian citizens

The cost of the Ethiopia eVisa Fees for Brazilian citizens depends on the length of stay requested (30 days or 90 days) and the chosen processing speed (Normal, Rush, or Super Rush).

• Factors influencing the cost The total payment covers the visa fee itself, which is set based on the duration of your stay, plus any associated administrative or service fees related to the application portal you use.

• The Payment Process All payments are handled online during the final stage of the application process, with a credit or debit card.

Which site—ethiopia-e-visa.com or the official eVisa portal—provides clearer instructions for first-time applicants

For a first-time applicant from Brazil navigating the world of eVisas, the clarity and trustworthiness of the application website are paramount. You will encounter various sites offering to help with your application, but it is crucial to understand the difference between the Ethiopia eVisa official portal and third-party service providers like ethiopia-e-visa.com.

The Official eVisa Portal

This is the platform directly run by the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service.

Pros for First-Time Applicants

• Authenticity This is the definitive source for your visa. There is no doubt about the legitimacy of the process or the security of your data.
• Direct Communication Any questions or issues are addressed directly by the immigration authority’s support team.
• Pricing Transparency You pay only the visa fee set by the Ethiopian authorities, which can be clearly seen upon selecting your visa type.

Cons for First-Time Applicants

• Interface Simplicity While highly functional, the design and user interface of some government portals can be purely utilitarian and less intuitive than commercial sites.
• No Hand-Holding The portal assumes a certain level of familiarity with travel documentation. It offers the bare in terms of guidance, meaning applicants must read instructions carefully on their own.

Third-Party Service Providers (e.g., ethiopia-e-visa.com)

These websites are businesses that assist travelers by managing the application process on their behalf.

Pros for First-Time Applicants

• User-Friendly Design These sites are designed with a sleek, consumer-focused interface, making navigation and data entry feel easier.
• Enhanced Guidance and Support They often include detailed tooltips, simpler language, and dedicated customer support (via email, phone, or chat) to help with photo requirements, document formatting, and translation assistance.
• Pre-Vetting The service may review your application for basic errors before submission to the body, potentially reducing the chance of easy rejection due to incomplete fields or incorrect document sizes.

Cons for First-Time Applicants

• Additional Fees These services charge a separate fee on top of the actual visa cost for their assistance, which increases your total expenditure.
• Potential for Misinformation While many are legitimate, there is a risk of encountering services that slow, provide outdated information, or are not transparent about their fees.

Can I track my Ethiopia eVisa application progress online from Brazil

Yes, absolutely! Once you have submitted your application and payment, you will receive an application reference number or ID. This number is essential for checking your status.

Both the official eVisa portal and most reputable third-party services provide a dedicated section on their websites where you can input your passport number and the application reference number to get an update on your case.

• Possible Status Updates You will see statuses like “Pending Review,” “In Process,” “Additional Documents Requested,” or “Approved.”

• What to Do If the status is “Approved,” you will be able to download a copy of your eVisa document, which you should print and carry with you when you travel. If the status requests additional information, act quickly to provide the necessary files.

What happens if my e-Visa application from Brazil is rejected — is there refund, or alternative like Visa-on-Arrival

A rejection of your eVisa application can be frustrating, but it’s crucial to know the next steps.

Application Rejection and Refunds

The general policy for most online visa applications, including Ethiopia’s, is that all payments made are non-refundable. This is because the payment covers the processing and review of your application, regardless of the final outcome. If your application is rejected, you will not be reimbursed for the fees you have paid.

Alternative Options After Rejection

• Reapplication The first step is to carefully review the rejection notice for the reason. If it was due to a correctable mistake such as a blurry photo, a typo in your name, or a passport copy not meeting the validity requirements you may choose to correct the issue and submit a new application and payment.

• Visa on Arrival While some nationalities are broadly eligible for a tourist visa on arrival, Brazilian citizens who have been denied an eVisa should exercise extreme caution. An eVisa rejection suggests an underlying issue that might also lead to refusal at the airport. Travelers should confirm with their airline and review the latest entry requirements, but relying on a visa on arrival after a clear online rejection is a significant risk. It is safer to attempt a successful reapplication online first.

Can I extend my Ethiopia eVisa once I’m in the country as a Brazilian citizen

A Brazilian citizen who wishes to stay longer than the 30 or 90 days permitted by their single-entry tourist eVisa can apply for an Ethiopia Visa Extension, allowing them to remain in the country legally.

• The Process Extensions are not processed online. To apply for a visa extension, you must visit the Head Office of the Immigration And Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa.

• When to Apply It is imperative that you apply for the extension before your current eVisa expires. Overstaying your visa, even by a single day without a valid extension request in process, will result in fines and legal consequences upon departure.

• Documentation You will need to present your passport, your current eVisa approval, and possibly other documentation such as a letter explaining your need for an extension. The extension period and associated fee will be determined at the Immigration office.

Top tourist destinations Ethiopia — what to see in Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Simien Mountains, etc

Ethiopia is a country of immense historical, cultural, and natural significance, often called the “Land of Thirteen Months of Sunshine.” Here is a glimpse of the must-see destinations awaiting Brazilian visitors.

Addis Ababa — The Vibrant Capital

As the diplomatic capital of Africa and the entry point for most travelers, Addis Ababa is a city of high-altitude bustle and culture.

• The National Museum of Ethiopia Home to “Lucy,” the famous hominid fossil, giving you a tangible link to the earliest human history.
• Ethnological Museum Located within the beautiful campus of Addis Ababa University, this museum offers a deep dive into the diverse cultures and ethnic groups of Ethiopia.
• Mount Entoto Drive or hike up the mountain for a panoramic view of the sprawling city below.

Lalibela — The Rock-Hewn Churches

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a spiritual center, Lalibela is famous for its eleven monolithic churches carved directly out of the living rock in the 12th and 13th centuries.

• Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George) This iconic, cross-shaped church is the most famous and perfectly preserved of the group.
• The Northern and Western Clusters Explore the complex network of trenches and tunnels linking churches that are still in use today.

Simien Mountains National Park — Nature’s Masterpiece

A truly breathtaking UNESCO site, often referred to as the “Roof of Africa.”

• Wildlife Viewing This is one of the few places in the world to see the endemic Gelada baboons, the Ethiopian wolf, and the Walia ibex.
• Trekking The park offers world-class hiking, from day treks to multi-day adventures, with incredible views of deep gorges, high peaks, and plateaus.

Gondar — The Camelot of Africa

Once the capital of the Ethiopian Empire, Gondar is renowned for its 17th-century castles and palaces.

• Fasil Ghebbi A walled royal enclosure containing six magnificent stone castles and buildings that showcase a unique blend of Portuguese, Axumite, and Indian architectural styles.
• Debre Berhan Selassie Church Known for its stunning interior, particularly the ceiling adorned with the faces of 80 Ethiopian angels.