Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa to visit Dubai or the United Arab Emirates?

Yes, Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to visit the UAE, including Dubai. However, they can apply for an e-visa online before travel. The UAE is listed under visa-online access for Ethiopian nationals, meaning you must obtain electronic approval prior to departure. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, and you'll need a sponsor (hotel or airline) for the application.

Can Ethiopians travel to Kenya without a visa?

Yes, Ethiopian passport holders can travel to Kenya visa-free as of 2025. Kenya is one of the 16 countries offering visa-free access to Ethiopian nationals. However, travelers should carry proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay, as immigration officers may request these documents upon arrival.

What documents are required to renew an Ethiopian passport?

To renew an Ethiopian passport, you need: (1) your old/expired passport, (2) a completed passport application form, (3) recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2-4 copies with white background), (4) valid Ethiopian ID card or birth certificate, (5) proof of payment for the passport fee, and (6) for diaspora applicants, proof of legal residence abroad. Processing time varies from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on whether you apply in Ethiopia or at an embassy abroad.

Is military service mandatory for Ethiopian passport holders, and does it affect travel?

Yes, military service (National Service) is mandatory for Ethiopian citizens aged 18-27, typically lasting 6-18 months. Males and females are required to serve unless exempted. Citizens who haven't completed service may face travel restrictions when trying to exit Ethiopia, as clearance letters are sometimes required at departure. Diaspora-born Ethiopians and those with dual citizenship may have different requirements; consult the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Department for individual cases.

Can Ethiopian passport holders visit the United States or Canada without a visa?

No, Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to visit both the United States and Canada. Both countries are on the visa-required list for Ethiopian nationals. You must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa for the USA or a visitor visa (TRV) for Canada through their respective embassies or consulates. The process involves interviews, documentation of financial stability, travel history, and ties to Ethiopia. Processing can take several weeks to months.

Which African countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Ethiopian passport holders?

Ethiopian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Benin. Visa-on-arrival is available in Djibouti, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique, Somalia, Burundi, Eritrea, and Comoro Islands. Additionally, several African countries offer e-visas including South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Cameroon, Gabon, Togo, Nigeria, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Sudan.

How has the Ethiopian passport ranking changed over the years?

The Ethiopian passport has fluctuated in global rankings over the past two decades. It ranked 78th in 2006 (18 visa-free destinations), dropped to 104th in 2015 (35 destinations), improved to 93rd in 2024 (47 destinations), and currently ranks 96th in 2025 (44 destinations). The ranking has remained relatively stable between 93rd-104th position since 2015, with modest improvements in visa-free access primarily within Africa and select Asian countries.

Do Ethiopian citizens have the right to work abroad with their passport?

The Ethiopian passport itself does not grant automatic work rights in foreign countries. Ethiopian citizens must obtain separate work permits, employment visas, or residence permits to legally work abroad. Even in visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries, entry is typically for tourism only, and working without proper authorization is illegal. For employment abroad, Ethiopians must apply through official channels including employer sponsorship, labor migration agreements, or skilled worker visa programs specific to each destination country.

Can Ethiopian passport holders get a visa on arrival in Thailand and Singapore?

Singapore offers visa-free access to Ethiopian passport holders for stays up to 30 days. Thailand also provides visa-free entry for up to 60 days (as of 2024-2025 tourism promotion). Both countries are listed under visa-free access for Ethiopian nationals. However, travelers must have a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. Always verify current requirements before travel as policies can change.

Ethiopia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 44 Countries

The Ethiopia passport ranks 96th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 44 destinations worldwide. Ethiopian passport holders have limited travel mobility compared to higher-ranked passports, though the country has seen gradual improvements in visa-free access over the past two decades, rising from 18 destinations in 2006 to 44 in 2025. The passport provides travel advantages primarily within the African continent and select countries offering visa-on-arrival options, making advance visa planning essential for Ethiopian travelers visiting most international destinations.

Global Rank

#96

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Ethiopia passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

141

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Ethiopian Citizens

Popular destinations where Ethiopia passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Kenya	Up to 90 days	KE
Uganda	Up to 90 days	UG
Rwanda	Up to 90 days	RW
Djibouti	Up to 90 days	DJ
Mauritius	Up to 90 days	MU

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Ethiopia passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

16 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

26 countries

🔐 ETA Required

2 countries

Sri Lanka
Seychelles

💻 E-Visa

41 countries

❌ Visa Required

141 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Ethiopia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 18 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Ethiopia Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

🔗

Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service

🔗

U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia

🔗

UK Government - Travel to Ethiopia

🔗

Government of Canada - Travel to Ethiopia

🔗

Australian Government - Smartraveller Ethiopia

Compare Ethiopia Passport with Other Passports

See how Ethiopia's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Ethiopia (You are here)	#96	44	28/100	8/100
Niger	#86	56	28/100	57/100
Algeria	#86	56	28/100	14/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Ethiopian passport holders can visit 44 destinations without a prior visa in 2025. This includes 16 visa-free countries (such as Kenya, Singapore, Philippines, Rwanda, Ghana, and Barbados) and 26 visa-on-arrival destinations (including Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Cambodia, and Zimbabwe). Additionally, 2 countries offer electronic travel authorization (Sri Lanka and Seychelles). Ethiopia ranks 96th globally on the Henley Passport Index.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Ethiopia's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Ethiopia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 44 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Ethiopia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 18 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Ethiopia Passport with Other Passports

See how Ethiopia's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Ethiopia (You are here)	#96	44	28/100	8/100
Niger	#86	56	28/100	57/100
Algeria	#86	56	28/100	14/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Ethiopia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Ethiopian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Ethiopia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Ethiopia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Ethiopia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Ethiopian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa to visit Dubai or the United Arab Emirates?

Can Ethiopians travel to Kenya without a visa?

What documents are required to renew an Ethiopian passport?

Is military service mandatory for Ethiopian passport holders, and does it affect travel?

Can Ethiopian passport holders visit the United States or Canada without a visa?

Which African countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Ethiopian passport holders?

How has the Ethiopian passport ranking changed over the years?

Do Ethiopian citizens have the right to work abroad with their passport?

Can Ethiopian passport holders get a visa on arrival in Thailand and Singapore?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Ethiopia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Ethiopian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Ethiopia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Ethiopia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Ethiopia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Ethiopian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa to visit Dubai or the United Arab Emirates?

Can Ethiopians travel to Kenya without a visa?

What documents are required to renew an Ethiopian passport?

Is military service mandatory for Ethiopian passport holders, and does it affect travel?

Can Ethiopian passport holders visit the United States or Canada without a visa?

Which African countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Ethiopian passport holders?

How has the Ethiopian passport ranking changed over the years?

Do Ethiopian citizens have the right to work abroad with their passport?

Can Ethiopian passport holders get a visa on arrival in Thailand and Singapore?

Explore More Passport Rankings