Are you ready to explore the world without worrying about visas and paperwork? If you hold an Ethiopian passport, we have some great news for you! Ethiopia has made significant strides in improving its global relations, resulting in visa-free access to several countries. From stunning beaches in the Caribbean to bustling cities in Asia, countless destinations are waiting for Ethiopian passport holders. We’ll take a closer look at some of these amazing places and what they have to offer.
History of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the southwest, and Sudan to the west. Ethiopia has a total area of 1,104,300 square kilometers (426,372 square miles) and a population of over 102 million people.
The Ethiopian calendar is seven years and three months behind the Gregorian calendar. This is because Emperor Haile Selassie I changed the start of the year from September 11th to September 12th in 1975. The new year used to be celebrated on September 11th until then. Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in Africa. It is also one of the only countries in Africa that was never colonized by a European power. Ethiopia has a rich history dating back thousands of years.
The first recorded history of Ethiopia dates back to around 1000 BCE. At that time, Ethiopia was divided into several kingdoms, each with its ruler. Around 700 BCE, one of these kingdoms – known as Axum – rose to power and became a major force in the region. The Kingdom of Axum controlled much of present-day Ethiopia, as well as parts of Yemen and Sudan.
Read also: United Kingdom Visa Lottery: How to Apply
What is an Ethiopian Passport?
An Ethiopian passport is a travel document issued to citizens of Ethiopia to facilitate international travel. The passport allows the bearer to travel to and from foreign countries and also serves as a form of identification. It is also necessary for applying for a visa to enter certain countries. The Ethiopian passport is valid for 5 years from the date of issue and can be renewed for an additional 5 years.
The Ethiopian passport has a red cover with the Ethiopian coat of arms embossed in gold on the front. The word “passport” is inscribed in English and Amharic, which is Ethiopia’s official language, on the front cover. The back cover contains information on the holder’s data, such as name, date and place of birth, marital status, and profession.
How to Get an Ethiopian Passport
To get an Ethiopian passport, you will need to go through the following steps:
- Fill out an application form. You can get this form from the Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate, or the website of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Pay the application fee. The fee for an Ethiopian passport is $50 for adults and $25 for children under 16 years old.
- Submit your application form and fee to the Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate nearest you. You will also need to submit two passport-sized photos along with your application.
- Wait for your passport to arrive in the mail. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for a new passport to be processed and mailed out.
Read also: America Visa Lottery: Your Path to a Better Life
Benefits of Ethiopian Passport Visa-Free Countries
- Visa-free travel to 36 countries
- The passport power ranking of 54 out of 199 countries
- Ethiopian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Comoros.
- Holders of an Ethiopian passport can enter Djibouti without a visa for up to 90 days
- Ethiopia is a member of the African Union, meaning Ethiopian citizens can travel to all AU member states without a visa.
- Ethiopia is also a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), allowing visa-free travel to COMESA member states.
- Ethiopia has diplomatic relations with over 100 countries.
- The government is working on expanding the list of visa-free countries for Ethiopian passport holders.
Tips for hassle-free International Travel with an Ethiopian Passport
- Check visa requirements in advance. Make sure you know which countries require a visa for entry and apply for any necessary visas well in advance of your trip.
- Keep your passport up to date. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your planned return to Ethiopia. Renew it if necessary.
- Carry enough cash. Many countries outside of Ethiopia do not accept Ethiopian currency, so make sure you have enough US dollars or Euros on hand to cover expenses.
- Get travel insurance. This is especially important if you’re planning on doing any adventurous activities while abroad. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation in case of an emergency.
- Register with the Ethiopian embassy or consulate in the country you’re visiting. This will help them assist you in case of an emergency while you’re away from home
Read also: Beginners Guide: How to Completely Migrate to Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?
A: No, Ethiopian citizens do not need a visa to enter most countries in Africa. However, please check with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit for specific entry requirements.
Q: How long is my Ethiopian passport valid?
A: Your Ethiopian passport is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
Q: What are the requirements for renewing my Ethiopian passport?
A: To renew your Ethiopian passport, you must submit a completed application form, two recent passport photographs, and the applicable fees. You can find more information on the website of the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Q: I am an Ethiopian citizen living abroad. Can I apply for an Ethiopian passport?
Yes, you can apply for an Ethiopian passport if you are a citizen residing abroad. You will need to submit a completed application form, two recent passport photographs, and the applicable fees. For more information, please contact the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate.