Addis Ababa Layover Benefits by Ethiopian Airline – Totally Free

Don’t miss the Addis Ababa layover benefits by Ethiopian Airline!

Suppose you are planning a long vacation in places like South Africa, Egypt, or other nearby Countries. Ethiopian Airlines is likely to be your flight option, given its very balanced price and quality for long flights.

 If so, you will likely be transiting at Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia.

Then it’s a good news for you!

There are multiple Addis Ababa layover benefits by Ethiopian Airline including free transit visa, transport, meals, and hotels that can help you add a short vacation visit.

Let’s check out the below details so that you won’t want to MISS OUT!

Addis Ababa Layover benefits by Ethiopian Airline: Free Transit Visa

Normally, an Addis Ababa on-arrival transit visa fee would cost you 20 EUR (12 hours) to 32 EUR (24 hours). Let alone you will also have to fill in a lengthy application form and need to bring a passport photo.

However, you can save both the cost and troubles with the free addis ababa layover visa offered by Ethiopian airline. For details, you may check the Ethiopian airline layover policy here.

For you to be eligible for the complimentary benefit by Ethiopian Airline. The waiting time for in-between flights has to be more than 8 hours and less than 24 hours. There is no pre-booking required to secure the layover benefits.

You just need to locate the right counter at Addis Ababa for the redemption. It is on the left side transit security area for the voucher printing. There is no need for booking in advance but remember you will need to walk past the transit security areas.

Sometimes transit security areas could be misleading with the transit-visa sign but that is for people without layover benefits. If you are confused, ask the security staff around or check online via the free wifi at Addis Ababa airport.

Addis Ababa Layover benefits by Ethiopian Airline: Free Hotel

The second benefit that you cannot miss is the free hotel offered by Ethiopian Airlines. Other than the free transit visa, you will also have a complimentary hotel room on the same voucher you receive at the counter.

Generally, the hotel quality would depend on the room availability and your ticket class. For example, if you are in business class, you would be assigned to 5-star hotels like Ethiopian Skylight Hotel or even Hilton.

If you are an economy passenger like me, you may have a 3 / 4-star hotel like Sunpot Hotel. Although the quality would not be as good as the 5-star ones, these hotels are good with spacious rooms, showers, and free wifi and serve as a good base for your Addis Ababa visit.

Other Addis Ababa Layover benefits by Ethiopian Airline: Free Transits & Meals

The free transit visa and hotel also come along with other complimentary services. First, you need not worry about the transit to the free hotel as it is included. The transit bus station is just right next to the exit of the airport after customer clearance.

The departure and return times are well printed on the ticket. You could also ask for a late departure or early return to fit your schedule.

During your stay, you will also have free breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hotel. The meal time may vary depending on the hotel you got. Other than that there will also be a water dispenser at your hotel so you do not need to worry about drinking water.

However, the meals are relatively basic and carbs intensive (after all it is free). If you want to enjoy some delicious local food, you would probably need to dine outside the hotel.

Can I leave the hotel for sightseeing or a short meal?

Regardless of the hotel assigned, its quality shall be good enough for a good sleep or rest. Yet, if you are an adventurous traveler like me, using the layover to explore Addis Ababa would also be your goal. 

During my to Addis Ababa, I deliberately avoided the bus station after clearing the customs with my transit visa for a one-day tour and chose to check in after I finished my tour. This is what I would recommend if you also booked a one-day tour at Addis Ababa with a pick-up point at the airport.

Alternatively, you are also allowed to leave the hotel during your stay, but you will be required to sign a disclaimer at the hotel counter. This is to indemnify the hotel for any potential incidents that happen outside of the hotel (fair enough).  

Note that for transit passengers who would otherwise not qualify for a transit visa,  you are not allowed and should not go outside. You are reminded to check your eligibility beforehand.

You may check the country list available on the official website.

So should I leave the free hotel?

If you are staying for more than 10 hours, I would recommend you to do so. After all, using all Addis Ababa Layover benefits by Ethiopian Airline to structure a one-day tour seems to be a pretty good deal.

In general, Addis Ababa is quite safe for tourists, although you need to be aware of pick-pockets and would get harassed by people asking for money. I walked around with my wife near the hotel for local souvenirs and groceries and found a pretty safe.

For landmark visits, you can either use a private vehicle (which would require bargaining) or use a local tour booked online. If you are a first-time visitor like me, I would recommend you pre-book a tour online first.

I use the one operated by Viator and found it good Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up 2024 – Viator.

As a last tip for your layover adventure, you may want to exchange some Birr (local exchange) at the airport after customs clearance and before passing through the exit. No matter whether you are exploring Addis Ababa on your own or via a pre-booked tour, it is unlikely that you will find a local exchange.

So you may want to exchange some Birr before your visit. For a day visit, usually ~ 50 USD equivalent ~ 2,800 Birr per person would be more than enough. For example, a serving of local Injera with meat is normally around 200 Birr per person. If you are using a pre-booked tour, chances are you will need far less than 10 USD per person for souvenirs or local food purchases.

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment for any inquiry or share your adventure in Addis Ababa during your layover visit.