Ethiopian Airlines is the primary connector between East Africa and the world — but Ethiopian citizens traveling to Tanzania still need a Tanzania visa. The advantage: Ethiopian Airlines offers multiple daily flights from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Kilimanjaro (JRO), making Tanzania very accessible from Ethiopia once your visa is in order.
Do Ethiopian Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes. Ethiopian citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. Ethiopia and Tanzania are both East African Community (EAC) observer or partner nations, but they do not have a visa-free arrangement for their citizens. Ethiopian passport holders can apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz or get a visa on arrival at Tanzania's main airports.
Note on e-Visa cost: For Ethiopian citizens, the standard Tanzania e-Visa fees apply (USD 50 single entry). There is no reduced fee for African nationals.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for Ethiopian Citizens
- Valid Ethiopian passport: minimum 6 months validity beyond entry date, at least 1 blank visa page
- Passport-size digital photo: white or light background, JPEG, recent
- Return or onward flight booking confirmation (Ethiopian Airlines or otherwise)
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or invitation letter
- Proof of sufficient funds: bank statement (USD 500+ equivalent recommended)
- Travel itinerary
Yellow fever certificate — CHECK REQUIRED: Ethiopia is listed as having yellow fever endemic areas (particularly in western and southern lowland regions). If you are from or have recently visited these areas, Tanzania may require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Ethiopian nationals from Addis Ababa (high-altitude, 2,355m — generally non-endemic) are less likely to be required to present a certificate, but consult a travel health professional to confirm for your specific situation.
Tanzania e-Visa Cost for Ethiopian Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | 50 |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | 100 |
| Business Single Entry | 50 |
| Transit | 30 |
Payment by Visa or Mastercard. Non-refundable.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz — official Tanzania e-Visa portal
- Register with your email
- Select "Apply for e-Visa" → choose visa type
- Complete the form with your Ethiopian passport details
- Upload passport scan and photo
- Upload flight booking and accommodation proof
- Review and submit
- Pay USD 50 by Visa or Mastercard
- Save Application ID
- Download and print approved e-Visa
Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Processing Time
Standard processing: 3-10 business days
Valid for 3 months from issue date. Single entry = up to 90 days. Extensions of 60 days at Tanzania Immigration Department.
Ethiopia-Specific Travel Notes
Flights from Ethiopia to Tanzania:
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is the major carrier with excellent connections:
- Addis Ababa (ADD) → Dar es Salaam (DAR): Multiple daily Ethiopian Airlines flights, approximately 2 hours flight time. This is one of Ethiopian Airlines' most-served intra-Africa routes.
- Addis Ababa (ADD) → Kilimanjaro (JRO): Direct flights available, shorter connection to Northern Tanzania parks.
- Addis Ababa (ADD) → Zanzibar (ZNZ): Connecting service.
Ethiopia's geographic proximity to Tanzania makes this one of the shortest Africa-to-Africa journeys on the continent.
Ethiopian diaspora and business travel to Tanzania: Ethiopia and Tanzania have significant bilateral trade. Ethiopian businesspeople travel frequently to Tanzania for trade, and Tanzanian Ethiopians may travel for family visits. The business e-Visa (USD 50) is relevant for many Ethiopian travelers.
Cultural connection: Ethiopian and Tanzanian cultures share East African heritage. Swahili, widely spoken in Tanzania, has some loanwords common with Ethiopian trade languages due to centuries of Indian Ocean commerce.