Ethiopia visa requirements for Botswanas

Travel and visa requirements

Ethiopian Visa is not required for Botswanas

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • Visitors from Botswana can visit Ethiopia by either an e-visa or obtaining a visa on arrival only at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
  • There are two different types of e-visa to be purchased. Botswana tourists visiting on a single-entry visa can stay up to three months while visits on a multiple entry visa allow for six months visiting period. 
  • Intending visitors will also be required to provide a passport valid for six months from the arrival date in Ethiopia, with at least two blank pages.
  • Botswana passport holders are required to have a return or onward ticket, a copy of air ticket or itinerary, proof of sufficient funds to spend during their stay, preferably a bank statement.
  • Travellers from Botswana below the age of 18 hoping to travel to Ethiopia must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or apply for the unaccompanied minors form.
  • Batswana are also required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Visitors are however advised to be vaccinated for common illness 10 days before entering Ethiopia.
  • Visitors to Ethiopia with pets must have an advanced authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture, a proof of current rabies vaccination and a health certificate that has been issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of transport. 
  • Citizens of Botswana will be required to provide a confirmation of accommodation during the stay in Ethiopia, which can be an hotel reservation, or an invitation from a host already in the country.
  • Visitors can get to Ethiopia from any international airport in Botswana. There are international airports in Gaborone and Francistown.
  • Ethiopian Airways, Air Botswana and South African Airways are some of the only carriers that fly from Botswana to Ethiopia.
  • The estimated flight time from Gaborone to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is 5 hours, 30 minutes and from Francistown, it is 10 hours, 10 minutes.
  • Ethiopia has a is mild and tropical climate, so it is relatively hot throughout the year. It is best to visit during the dry season which is between October and June.
  • The dominating religion in Ethiopia is Christianity with denominations like Abrahamic, Ethiopian Orthodoxy, Pentay and Catholic. Aside from that, Islam and other indigenous religions are practised.
  • There are two associated power socket and plug types in Ethiopia, which are type C and F. The standard supply voltage is 220 V, with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.
  • Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the official currency used in Ethiopia. Visitors can exchange their foreign currencies at various banks and exchange outlets in the country.
  • Movement around in Ethiopia can be facilitated by buses, taxis, and trains.
  • The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic. However, Oromo is a more generally spoken language. Other languages spoken in the country include Arabic and English.
  • Ethiopia uses the East Africa Time (GMT+3), which puts Ethiopia one hour ahead of Botswana.
  • Tourists are advised to budget about $47 to spend on daily expenses while in Ethiopia.
  • Some delicacies enjoyed in Ethiopia include injera (sourdough flatbread), tibs (sautéed meat chunks), shiro be kibbe (legume stew), berbere (typical spice blend) and kitfo (Ethiopian beef tartare).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be vaccinated before travelling to Ethiopia?

Yes, tourists must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination before travelling to Ethiopia. It is also recommended that they obtain vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis, rabies and typhoid, and get boosters for tetanus, cholera, diphtheria and measles before leaving their country.

When is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

Generally, the best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and June, which is the dry season. Rains tend to stop in early October, meaning afterwards the highlands are lush and green.

How is the religion demography in Ethiopia?

Religion in Ethiopia consists of a number of faiths. The most prominent is Christianity (Ethiopian Orthodoxy, Pentay, Catholic) totalling 62.8% of the entire population, followed by Islam at 33.9 %. There is also a longstanding but small Jewish community.

Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?

Violent crime in Ethiopia is fortunately rare, particularly where visitors are concerned. However, petty theft is still very common. Ethiopia is safe compared to many other African countries.