European Union implements stricter visa regulations for Ethiopia

The European Union has announced a tougher visa regime for Ethiopia due to the country’s lack of cooperation in taking back rejected asylum-seekers and irregular migrants. Ethiopians will no longer have leeway on documentation for EU visits, multiple-entry visas are no longer available, and diplomats will now have to pay for visas.

The processing time for standard EU visas for Ethiopians has been extended to 45 days, from the current 15 days. These stricter rules are part of the EU’s approach to managing irregular immigration, which includes a reform of asylum and migration rules set to take effect in 2026.

Brussels is using its trade leverage and visa incentives to encourage outside countries to take back rejected irregular migrants. Similar tougher visa processes have already been imposed on Gambia.

The decision to impose stricter visa conditions on Ethiopia follows an assessment by the European Commission that Ethiopia’s cooperation in readmitting its nationals illegally staying in the EU is insufficient. The Council of the EU stated that there has been a lack of response from Ethiopian authorities in readmission requests and difficulties in issuing emergency travel documents.

While the tougher visa conditions are temporary, Brussels will continue to assess Ethiopia’s cooperation on this issue. The Council of the EU emphasized that the application of EU visa rules to countries depends on their cooperation in taking back migrants. Ethiopia accepted back only 10 percent of its nationals flagged for return in 2020 and 2021.