By TESFA-ALEM TEKLE
The United States has announced a major change to its visa policy for Ethiopian nationals, reducing the validity period of visitor visas to just three months with single-entry status.
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa confirmed the decision via its official website and social media channels on Thursday, July 10, citing changes by the U.S. Department of State.
Effective July 8, 2025, all B1/B2 non-immigrant visas—typically issued for business and tourism—will be limited to a single entry and a validity of 90 days. Previously, Ethiopian applicants could be granted multi-entry visas lasting up to two years or more.
The embassy clarified that visas issued before July 8 remain valid until their original expiry dates.
Reciprocity Policy Behind the Change
The U.S. State Department has justified the change as part of its reciprocity policy, a long-standing diplomatic principle in which the U.S. mirrors the visa terms imposed on American citizens by other nations.
Though no public statement has been made regarding Ethiopia’s visa treatment of U.S. citizens, the shift suggests concerns about unequal access, immigration compliance, or security screening practices.
A U.S. embassy statement read:
“As of July 8, 2025, visas issued to Ethiopians will be single-entry and valid for three months.”
The embassy did not indicate whether this is a temporary measure or a permanent change in visa policy toward Ethiopia.
Impacts on Travel and Diaspora
The new rule is expected to significantly affect Ethiopian nationals who frequently travel to the U.S., including: Business professionals, Short-term scholars or conference attendees Diaspora members visiting family.
Travel agents and legal experts in Addis Ababa report growing concern among clients, many of whom now face higher costs and longer wait times due to more frequent reapplications.
“This is a serious inconvenience, especially for people who used to go back and forth for business,” said Tewodros Alemu, an immigration consultant based in Addis.
The Ethiopian-American community, primarily concentrated in U.S. states like Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington, may also feel the ripple effects, particularly those hosting family members or conducting regular transatlantic travel.
Diplomatic Underpinnings
This development comes amid broader recalibrations in U.S.-Ethiopia relations, which have faced strain in recent years over conflict in northern Ethiopia, human rights concerns, and regional instability in the Horn of Africa.
The U.S. government has periodically adjusted its engagement strategy with Addis Ababa, ranging from aid suspensions to targeted sanctions.
While the current visa policy change is administrative, observers say it could reflect wider geopolitical calculations or migration enforcement priorities.
What Applicants Need to Know
Visas are now valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
They are single-entry—re-entry requires a new application.
Existing visas issued before July 8, 2025, are still valid.
Ethiopian travelers are advised to check official U.S. government platforms for updated information and to plan travel schedules accordingly.
Looking Ahead
It remains to be seen whether the Ethiopian government will respond with reciprocal measures or if diplomatic engagement will ease the restrictions in the near future. For now, travelers are urged to brace for tighter U.S. visa controls.
As global travel norms shift, Ethiopia joins a growing list of nations experiencing shortened visa durations—highlighting the fragile balance between national security, diplomacy, and mobility rights in an increasingly interconnected world.
