How to Apply for an Ethiopia Visa in Dallas : visasupply.com

Ethiopia – the cradle of civilization – continues to welcome tourists from the Dallas area seeking historic cultural treasures, exotic natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Ethiopia’s importance in the origins of mankind was confirmed by the 1972 discovery of “Lucy”, a fossilized 3.2 million-year-old female near the Awash River. Today, tourism is the largest sector of the nation’s economy after agriculture. While “Lucy” was touring the United States and the United Kingdom in the first decade of the 21st century, visitors from other countries flocked to Ethiopia to explore its deep cultural history.

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (previously known as Abyssinia) is located in northeastern Africa in the Horn of Africa. Unique among African countries, Ethiopia resisted colonial rule for centuries -- until a brief Italian occupation during World War II. Strategically located near the Middle East and Europe, Ethiopia’s access to major regional ports makes it a center of international trade and global influences. More than 110 million Ethiopians live in a country covering more than 470,000 square miles –an area larger than France and Spain combined. The population is a melting pot of African and Middle Eastern cultures, comprised of 80 various ethnic group who speak 90+ languages. Almost two-thirds of Ethiopians are Christians, with most of the remaining inhabitants practicing Islam. Half of the Ethiopian population was Jewish before Christianity was declared the national religion in the Fourth Century. Today there are still several synagogues remaining in active use.

More Ethiopians immigrate to the United States than to any other country in the world, and Ethiopians represent the second-largest African immigrant group in the United States (after Nigerians). Dallas is home to the fifth-largest population of Ethiopians and Ethiopian-Americans in the United States with more than 45,000 people living throughout the Dallas area. There are several Ethiopian restaurants in the Dallas area such as Yenat Guada, Arif Café, and Lalibela where local people can enjoy Ethiopian cuisine. There are also a few Ethiopian retailers that sell imported food items, traditional clothing, home décor, and arts and crafts. In addition to restaurants and retailers, the metro Dallas area is home to one of the largest Ethiopian churches in the United States—the Ethiopian Evangelical Baptist Church. The Mutual Assistance Association for Ethiopian Community in Dallas is a nonprofit organization that helps maintain long-held cultural traditions through such events as Ethiopia Day Festival.

Ethiopian Treasures

Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city in Ethiopia, is located among the hills and mountains at the geographic center of the country. The city is the nation’s center of commerce and culture, so will likely be the most visited destination for Dallas-based tourists and businesspeople. It is home to several museums (including the National Museum -- Lucy’s home when she is not touring the world). Addis Ababa is also home to the bazaar of Merkato, the largest such market in East Africa; the cathedrals of Saint George and the Holy Trinity; and the mausoleum of Emperor Haile Sellasie, the last Ethiopian monarch. The city also provides a range of diverse dining options, musical shows, shopping venues, and nightlife.

Ethiopia is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites that encompass both its cultural treasures and natural wonders. Those sites include the ruins of Aksum and its distinctive obelisks; Negash Mosque, the oldest mosque in Ethiopia; the rock-hewn Christian churches at Lalibela; the statues of the Konso Cultural Landscape; and the ancient fortress of Fasil Ghebbi. The medieval castles and churches of Gondor are another popular destination.

The “land of origins” is also home to nine pristine national parks that capture the rugged beauty of Africa. The Mago, Gambella, and Omo national parks are best for viewing wildlife, while UNESCO sites Bale Mountain and Simien Mountain parks are popular for hiking and outdoor adventures. One of the most visited natural sites is Blue Nile Falls, where towering streams cascade over rocks to create mists known locally as the “great smoke.” The Danakil Depression -- the hottest place on earth in terms of annual average temperature year-round -- is known for steaming hot springs and salty lakes that resemble an alien environment. The challenging climb to the top of Ras Dejen, one of the highest mountains in Africa, brings panoramic views of its tumbling grey rocks and the African terrain below. At Sof Omar Cave, discover rocky tunnels, dripping pillars, and a haunting blue underground wonderland. Although Ethiopia is landlocked, it has plenty of lakeside beaches. Visitors to the beaches of Langano enjoy swimming, fishing and watching baboons, hippos, and monkeys in the wild. Famous for its natural rock archways, Langano is popular for hang-gliding and other water-based wind sports.

Obtaining an Ethiopia Visa from Dallas

Immigration authorities recommend obtaining a visa before your departure from the United States. Most foreign visitors from Dallas are required to obtain a visa before entering Ethiopia (except for those travelers passing through Addis Ababa International Airport who remain at the airport while in transit). Visa-on-arrival services are currently suspended for U.S. citizens, except those holding an Ethiopian Origin ID (yellow card). Also, if you arrive in Ethiopia from a country where yellow fever is a public health threat, you will need to provide proof of vaccination.

There are several types of visas available for travel to Ethiopia, including tourist and business. Details about visa options can be found on the embassy website, https://ethiopianembassy.org/. You can also email questions to immigration officials at support@evisa.gov.et.

Most travelers from Dallas choose the electronic visa (e-Visa), which is available online at the government’s portal, https://www.evisa.gov.et/information. For U.S. nationals, Ethiopia provides an electronic single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days for a $62 fee. You can also request an extension of your visa after arrival by going in person to the Head Office of the Immigration And Citizenship Service (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Fees for the extension are as follows:

30 days -- $102 fee
90 days -- $302 fee

The application for an e-Visa can be found at https://www.evisa.gov.et/visa. When you apply, you will need to submit a copy of the biographic data page from your U.S. passport valid for at least six months from date of entry to Ethiopia. You will also need to attach a recent passport-style photo with your application. Non-U.S. nationals must provide a copy of their green card of I-94 work permit. Visa fees must be paid by credit/debit card when you apply. Processing time is normally three business days. Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Ethiopia. International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒Order Now.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Dallas or anywhere in the state of Texas and have difficulty applying for an Ethiopia visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company. We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Ethiopia visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents. Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Ethiopia. Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.

We provide the following Ethiopia visa services for our customers in Dallas:

Ethiopia Tourist Visa
Ethiopia Business Visa
Ethiopia Conference Visa
Ethiopia Investment Visa
Ethiopia Work Visa
Ethiopia Journalist Visa
Ethiopia Hotel Accommodations