No visa-free entry to Ethiopia for Russians yet as talks on gradual plan continue

Russia and Ethiopia are discussing the gradual removal of visa requirements for tourists and business travellers, Russia's ambassador to Ethiopia, Yevgeny Terekhin, has said. No deadlines for introducing visa-free travel have been given, so Russian citizens still need a visa to enter Ethiopia.

Key facts

• No start date for visa-free travel has been announced.
• Russian travellers still need a visa for Ethiopia: a 30-day permit costs $62, a 90-day permit $152.
• 23,400 Russian tourists visited Ethiopia in 2025.
• Ethiopian Airlines flies 6 times a week between Moscow and Addis Ababa.
• More flights between the two capitals are under discussion.

What is being proposed?

Terekhin said the two countries could progressively ease entry rules for tourists and businesspeople. He tied the decision to demand, saying further phased liberalisation "will be decided depending on the growth of mutual tourist flows and bilateral business contacts".

The diplomat did not name specific deadlines for introducing a visa-free regime. Moscow and Addis Ababa are also discussing an increase in the number of flights between the two capitals.

Who is affected?

Only Russian citizens are covered by the discussion. For now, the rules for travelling to Ethiopia have not changed: Russian passport holders continue to require a visa.

How much does it cost to visit Ethiopia now?

Russian travellers need a visa to enter Ethiopia. A permit valid for 30 days costs $62, while a 90-day permit costs $152. The source does not state how or where these visas can be applied for.

How popular is Ethiopia with Russian tourists?

Despite the talk of new travel prospects, Ethiopia is not a leading destination for Russian visitors. In 2025, 23,400 Russians travelled to the country, placing it only 24th among foreign tourist destinations.

What this means for travellers

Nothing changes for travellers yet. Russian citizens planning a trip to Ethiopia should still budget for the visa fees above and plan their paperwork before travel. Anyone waiting for visa-free entry will have to watch for an official announcement, since no date or scope of the change has been confirmed.

The next steps will be decided as tourist numbers and business contacts between the two countries develop, according to the ambassador. No further milestones have been announced.