Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Ethiopia. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Ethiopia may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Attend training workshops
• Develop professional business contacts
• Negotiate business contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Ethiopia?

Most foreign nationals require a Business Visa to enter Ethiopia to conduct business activities and must obtain it at an Ethiopian Diplomatic Post prior to arrival.  Only a few select nationals do not require a visa to enter Ethiopia to conduct business activities.

Select restricted nationals require additional approval before receiving their business visas. Under special circumstances, where an Ethiopian Diplomatic Mission is not accessible, business travelers may be eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival.

Working in Ethiopia

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Ethiopian law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Ethiopia, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Installation and testing of software
• Consulting

If I am traveling to Ethiopia for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Ethiopia, and the duration of your work. The most common type of work authorization is the Work Permit (direct hire work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Ethiopia.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.