I plan to travel overland all the way from Egypt to Ethiopia and then to Dijbouti in order to take a boat to Yemen, and do not plan on taking any flights at all. However, accroding to my LP guidebook the Ethiopian embassies in Cairo and Khartoum require applicants to provide the following: letter of recommendation, health certificate, proof of sufficient funds and an onward air ticket, "EVEN IF YOU INTEND traveling overland."

The most problematic of these requirements is presentation of 'an onward air ticket'. Since I do not want to fly out of Ethiopia, does this mean I have no chance of getting an Ethiopian visa in Cairo or Khartoum? Or is there a possible 'loophole' for getting around this? What exactly can serve as 'proof of sufficient funds'; is a bank statement sufficient, or?

And also are LOIs and health certificates still required in either Cairo or Khartoum? US embassies do not issue LOIs so all I can get are papers from them stating that they do not issue LOIs! As for health certificates what exactly are they supposed to show, I'm not sure since I've never been to a country that requires these. I hope I don't have to present health records from my birth? Can somebody PLEASE help answer these questions? Thank you!

Hi Giugo, I think you recently had some Q's about Libya. I got my visa (I have a US passport) for Ethiopia in Nairobi in less than an hour. It was valid for 3 months and required no onward ticket or proof of sufficient funds. Also, I obtained LOI's (from US embassies) in Windhoek, Namibia (for Angola) and in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (for Sudan) without a problem. You can check the US State Department's website for visa requirements for US passport holders, they're usually right on the money. I'd be surprised if you have problems getting an Ethiopian visa in Cairo, not sure about Sudan. Getting a Sudanese visa will probably be harder than Ethiopia, as Ethiopian/US relations are very strong. If you go get an immunization for yellow fever (you'll then be given a card/doc), that should cover you (legally) for your health docs. I have never been asked for mine yet. Relax and enjoy the ride. H.

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I got an Ethiopian visa in Cairo 3 years back with no trouble, no letter, no bank statement and in one day. I found them really friendly and helpfull too. Possibly my South African passport helped smooth my way...

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Got Ethiopian visa in Khartoum in 24 hours in February 2006. No problem and they were helpful. Even got to meet some embassy bigwig (consul?).

This is with British passports but we were travelling with Aussies, Dutch, Kiwis all who had no problems.

Mike

Hi Guigo,
We (British nationals) got a Sudanese visa in Cairo about three months back. No problems at all, no letter of recommendation or anything like that though met a couple of other travellers who were asked for one. Quick service - usually next day and it costs US 100. Also got Ethiopian visa in Cairo - even easier, a lot cheaper and nice civilised surroundings with no queue!
Cheers
Richard

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I don't think Ethiopia is going to be your problem. I have heard of US passport holders doing everything in thier power to get a Sudan visa from Addis and it just couldn't be done. I personally know of three separate cases. Mabe Cairo or a visa agency will work.