Ethiopia has launched visa on arrival service for all African travelers effective November 1, 2018. The service was launched at a colorful ceremony held at the headquarters of the African Union Commission in the presence of the African Union Commission Chairperson, Ethiopian high government officials, African Ambassadors residing in Addis Ababa, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, invited guests and media.
HE Moussa Faki Mahama, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, commends Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ethiopian Government for the landmark step. He remarks: “By taking this decision, Ethiopia is, once again, demonstrating its commitment to the ideals of our Union and the principles which inform pan-Africanism. There is no doubt that the institution of a visa-on-arrival ande-visa arrangement for all African citizens will greatly enhance the status of Addis Ababa as the political capital of our continent. This measure will also boost tourism.”
The AUC Chairman adds: “Addis Ababa is one of the key air transport hubs on the continent, thanks to Ethiopian Airlines, a truly pan-African carrier. Free movement of African people in own continent is a long-held dream for all Pan-Africanists. One of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063 is the free movement of people in Africa. In January this year, in Addis Ababa, the Heads of States and Government of our Union adopted the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and the Right of Establishment, as well as its Implementation Roadmap.”
Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, Ethiopian Group CEO says: “Visa on arrival for fellow African brothers and sisters and more importantly, visa online will greatly boost cross-border tourism, trade and investment, further deepening African integration.”
HE Moussa Faki Mahama also commends all Member States that have already taken measures to ease the travel of African citizens on the continent while urging those that have not yet done so to follow suit.
It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Department, in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, launched an e-visa service for all international visitors to Ethiopia in June 2018.
Image Caption: Lion of Judah Monument, Addis Ababa