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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do South Sudan citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?

Visa on arrival

South Sudan citizens can get a visa on arrival for Ethiopia — right at the airport or border, no embassy needed.

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa on arrival
South Sudan → Ethiopia
allowed

Everything for your trip to Ethiopia

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South Sudan vs Ethiopia: passport comparison

South Sudan

18

visa-free countries

Global rank: #189 · mobility 67

Ethiopia

12

visa-free countries

Global rank: #182 · mobility 70.2
11

countries both South Sudan and Ethiopia can enter visa-free together

South Sudan + Ethiopia: passport compatibility

89%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where South Sudan and Ethiopia travel together — by entry type:

11 both visa-free
21 both visa on arrival
40 both e-visa / eTA
104 both need a visa
21 access differs

Where South Sudan and Ethiopia can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Both visa-free (11)

Sort by max stay or the destination's passport strength (tap a header), and filter by region.

Only South Sudan is visa-free (7)

Only Ethiopia is visa-free (1)

How the entry rule changed: South Sudan → Ethiopia

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The South Sudan → Ethiopia rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

4rule changes for the South Sudan passport, 2 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

Ethiopia: good to know

Addis Ababa

Capital

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Currency

East Africa Time (UTC+3)

Time zone

+251

Calling code

Where else South Sudan goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for Ethiopia

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa on arrival

Issued at the border on arrival

Frequently asked

Do South Sudan citizens need a visa for Ethiopia?
South Sudan citizens can get a visa on arrival for Ethiopia — right at the airport or border, no embassy needed.
Which passport is stronger — South Sudan or Ethiopia?
The South Sudan passport is stronger: 18 visa-free countries versus 12. Global rank: South Sudan #189, Ethiopia #182.
Where can South Sudan and Ethiopia citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 11 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for Ethiopia?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between South Sudan and Ethiopia?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

South Sudan passport ranking

Where else the South Sudan passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport