Embassy of the United States Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Temporary Visitors to the U.S.

International visitors add greatly to our nation's cultural, education and economic life. We continue the proud tradition of welcoming visitors to the United States with secure borders and open doors.

Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the U.S. temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry (airport, for example) and request permission from the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.

International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your travel.  Third-country nationals can also apply if they have legal status in Ethiopia. 

Applicants must first complete the DS-160 web-based visa application before scheduling the nonimmigrant visa appointment. A separate DS-160 application is required for each applicant including minor children, and must all be completed prior to scheduling an appointment. Applicants will need to bring all of the following to their interview:

• DS-160 application print out and confirmation page;
• Appointment date confirmation page;
• Passport with at least six months’ validity remaining;
• Photo; and
• Machine Readable Visa (MRV) payment receipt from Bank of Abyssinia.

For additional information, please visit our DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions page.  We strongly recommend that you apply well in advance of your anticipated travel and do not make irrevocable plans until you have received your passport and visa.