EU lifts restrictive visa measures on Ethiopia easing Schengen access

European Union ends temporary visa restrictions for Ethiopian nationals

The Council of the European Union has officially decided to repeal the restrictive visa measures imposed on Ethiopia since 2024. This decision, adopted on May 18, 2026, marks the end of a partial suspension of the EU Visa Code that had significantly impacted Ethiopian travelers.

According to a press release from the Council of the European Union, the move follows a substantial and sustained improvement in Ethiopia's cooperation regarding the readmission of its nationals who are staying illegally in EU member states. The European Commission’s assessment highlighted that Addis Ababa has improved procedures for identifying its citizens, issuing emergency travel documents, and organizing return operations.

"The Commission's assessment shows that cooperation has improved substantially, particularly regarding the identification of Ethiopian nationals illegally staying in the territory of the member states," the Council stated in its official announcement.

What has changed for Ethiopian travelers to Europe?

During the period of restrictions, Ethiopian nationals faced several hurdles when applying for a Schengen visa. The new decision restores the normal application of visa rules, leading to the following changes:

• Standard processing time: The decision-making period for visa applications returns to 15 calendar days, down from the previous 45-day extension.
• Lower visa fees: The standard visa fee is restored to €80, ending the temporary surcharge that had raised the cost to €120.
• Multiple-entry visas: Frequent travelers are once again eligible for multiple-entry visas, which had been suspended under the 2024 measures.
• Fee waivers: Holders of diplomatic and service passports will again benefit from visa fee waivers.

Background on the 2024 Schengen restrictions for Ethiopians

The EU initially introduced these measures through Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1341 after determining that Ethiopia’s cooperation on migration matters was insufficient. The EU uses visa policy as a tool to encourage third-party countries to cooperate on the readmission of their nationals.

While this update significantly eases access for most of the Schengen Area, certain exceptions remain. For instance, Denmark does not participate in the adoption of this decision due to its opt-out arrangement on Schengen matters, and Ireland is excluded as it does not participate in the relevant Schengen provisions.

This diplomatic breakthrough is expected to benefit business travelers and charitable organizations, similar to recent policy shifts seen elsewhere, such as when the EU eased Schengen visa rules for Thai travelers to facilitate better international mobility.