The Ethiopian Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to launch a new 7-day free stopover visa for transit passengers, aimed at revitalizing the tourism sector and increasing foreign exchange earnings. This initiative is designed to encourage international travelers passing through Addis Ababa to explore the country rather than remaining confined to the airport during long layovers.
State Minister of Tourism, Sileshi Girma, confirmed that the Council of Ministers has approved the visa reform. Under the new regulations, passengers transiting through Bole International Airport will be eligible for a visa-free stay ranging from 24 hours to seven days. This window provides a significant opportunity for travelers to visit landmarks within the capital and nearby tourist destinations.
To ensure the success of the stopover program, the Ministry of Tourism has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) and Ethiopian Airlines. By aligning their operations, these entities hope to create a seamless transition for passengers from the terminal to the city’s cultural and historical sites, effectively transforming a brief layover into a mini-vacation.
The move is seen as a strategic effort to boost the local economy. Officials believe that by eliminating visa fees for short-term stays, the country can tap into the high volume of daily transit traffic handled by its national carrier. Increased foot traffic in hotels, restaurants, and heritage sites is expected to provide a much-needed stimulus for small and medium-sized tourism businesses.
Historically, transit passengers at Bole International Airport were often limited by time and administrative hurdles. With this policy shift, the Ethiopian government aims to enhance the country’s global image as an accessible and welcoming destination. The program is expected to officially commence shortly, positioning Ethiopia as a major hub for “stopover tourism” in the East African region.