Transit visa for Addis Ababa Bole (ADD): do you need one?
Addis Ababa is Ethiopian Airlines’ hub and a major connecting point between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Changing planes there needs no visa as long as you stay airside.
Quick answer
No visa is needed to connect at Addis Ababa Bole if you do not leave the airport or pass the immigration desk — whatever your nationality. To go out, you need an Ethiopian visa: the e-Visa, a visa from an Ethiopian embassy, or (for passengers travelling from the US) a visa on arrival.
The rules at Addis Ababa Bole
Connecting airside
Travellers arriving at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for a connecting flight are not required to have a visa, provided they do not leave the airport or pass the immigration desk. [1]
Entering Ethiopia
All foreign nationals who seek to enter Ethiopia need a visa. It can be obtained through the e-Visa system or from an Ethiopian embassy. [1]
Visa on arrival for passengers from the US
Ethiopia’s Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency processes visas on arrival for all passengers travelling from the US to Ethiopia. [1]
Do I need a transit visa at Addis Ababa Bole? Answers by passport
Nigerian, Indian or Pakistani passport
No, to change planes: you need no visa if you stay in the airport and do not pass the immigration desk. To leave the airport you need an Ethiopian visa, such as the e-Visa. [1]
US passport
No, to change planes. To leave the airport, passengers travelling from the US can get a visa on arrival, or apply for the e-Visa in advance. [1]
Sources
- Embassy of Ethiopia, Washington DC — Visa service details; checked 1 Oct 2026.
Transit rules change. Check with your airline and the official source before you fly.
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